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There are actually sewerage treatment plants that put out
waste water that is more pure than tap water. But if you knew
where it had come from you would not drink it!
So why do we continue to drink tap water? Because, by and
large we don't know what's in it. (Giardia, Chryptosporidium,
Lead, bacteria, mercury, to name just a few common contaminants)
A good water filter can rid your water of all of these
nasties and more.
Doug Smith Spares has a complete range of water filtration
units from the WF101 counter top unit (great if you are in a
rented home, and want to take it with you when you move) to
undersink units, and even reverse osmosis systems (suitable for
those with medical conditions). Unlike most other filters on the
market, we also stock a range of designer taps for the water
filters, so your kitchen design doesn't have to be compromised.
Call or drop into our stores today, and we can help you chose
the filter that is right for you.
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You have probably seen or heard media
articles recently that indicate that clothes dryers represent a
significant fire risk, and you may be worried
about just how safe your dryer is.
Well, the good news is that it is not as
bad as all the hype would have you believe. The chance of a
dryer bursting into flames is very minimal, so there is no need
to panic. This is not to say however that there are not
simple steps you can take to minimise the risk to you.
The first thing to look at is the filter.
It is recommended that you clean your filter every time you
use the dryer, and replace it every year. If you don’t keep
the filter clean, lint can build up, and get into the heating
element. This is what gives the dryer that dusty smell when you
use it, and also what creates the risk of fire. When you clean
the filter, check for any damage or ripping. If it looks
at all damaged, replace it.
On Hoover and Fisher & Paykel dryers, the
filter is located on the door, and is a mesh type. Simpson
dryers have the filter inside on the back of the drum. They will
either be mesh or foam. They usually just pull off for
cleaning.
If you are concerned that there may already
be a build up of lint in your dryer, you can have it serviced.
The process should just involve pulling the back off and
thoroughly cleaning out all the lint. It is recommended you get
a serviceman to do this work if required.
For owners of early model Simpson dryers
who want complete peace of mind, you also have the option to
completely overhaul your dryer by fitting a rebuild kit to it.
(part number D055K – cost $75), It comes with a lower wattage
element than the original. (the same ones fitted standard to the
new Simpson dryers) It still works just as well, but doesn’t
suffer from hot-spotting - and it will save you money on
your power bills too!
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You may have noticed that your dishwasher
appears to ‘rot’ from the inside. All the plastic components
become scaly or chalky and literally fall apart.
The cause of this is the detergent. It is
really quite caustic and over time it can eat away at the
components of your machine.
You need to make sure that you are using a
dishwashing powder that reduces this effect.
Dishmatic dishwashing machine powder is the
best powder available. It is manufactured for and recommended by
Electrolux, (they are the manufacturers of Dishlex, Simpson,
Westinghouse and Hoover) This is the only powder that is
recommended by the Service Department of Electrolux, and has had
proven results in reducing the decay of the
plastic components.
The powder comes in large 5KG tubs, so it
lasts for ages. It is available from Doug Smith Spares, at
$43.80 per tub. (Part number 7402E) For best results, use in
conjunction with the genuine ‘Dishlex’ rinse aid. (Part number
7405E)
You have spent good money buying a
dishwasher, and if you choose the wrong powder, you may find
yourself spending even more money replacing parts of it.
Don’t you owe it to yourself to give your machine a fighting
chance?
Extra Tip:
To keep your dishwasher looking like new,
and feeling clean, use Dishwasher Descaler (part number T081)
this will remove the ugly build up of brown scale that usually
forms in the bottom of dishwashers and kettles. Simply shake
some into your dishwasher and run it through a cycle empty.
Repeat this about every three months, and your dishwasher will
sparkle like it did the day you bought it.
Click here for more information.
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Rangehoods certainly are a great way of
stopping the grease from building up on your kitchen ceilings,
but the grease has to go somewhere, and often it’s a case of out
of sight out of mind.
But the truth is that, a grease build-up in
your rangehood filter is not only a source of bacteria,
but also represents a significant fire risk. A
small flare up on your stove can become a much bigger problem,
if your filter is clogged with flammable grease and fats.
Your rangehood filter needs to be washed
regularly. Depending on the sort of cooking you do, you may need
to wash your filter as often as every month. The filter is
usually held in with small clips of some sort, which makes them
easy to remove for cleaning. Do not use any caustic
compounds, as they may damage the filter.
By far the best way to clean rangehood
filters is with the New Hillmark Ranghood Filter Kleen which is
specifically formulated to remove this grease build up, but wont
cause the filter to disintegrate, or rust. Bathing your filter
in warm soapy water can also be an effective method.
If the filter is damaged in any way, you
may need to replace it. Filters are relatively cheap, and easy
to install. They are usually either a white mesh filter or one
or more aluminium filters. Doug Smith Spares sell these types of
filters for all brands. All you need to tell us is the size of
the filter and what it’s made from.
Some rangehoods also have black, carbon
filters. These filters are for odour removal and should be
replaced about every two years, once again depending on what
sort of cooking you do.
So don’t put it off any longer. For the
health of your family and the safety of your home, pull your
filter out and clean it today.
Click here for further help.
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Keeping your appliances looking like new is not
just about appearance. Particularly where your stove is
concerned, using the right cleaning and protection treatments
regularly can protect your appliances, and keep them lasting
longer, as well as looking smarter.
Click here to view Doug Smith Spares range of Appliance care
products (cleaners/descalers/polishes/covers etc)
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Dishwashers are a great labour saving
device, but if you have ever experienced the unhappy sight of
coming home to a flooded kitchen, you will know what we mean
when we say that they can be more trouble than they’re worth.
The problem is that a dishwasher is
permanently left connected to the mains pressure, and the taps
are nearly always left on. Nearly all dishwasher hoses are made
from rubber, and have a crimped fitting on the end. Over time
the crimping rusts or the rubber perishes, and one day you
find yourself with a swimming pool you didn’t want.
Whenever you plan to go on holidays, or
away from your house for a period, always turn the tap off
under your sink. (do it on your washing machine too) Ideally
you would do this every time you use the machine, but it’s just
not practical.
The next step to take is to check your
hoses for any signs of perishing. If the rubber looks crazed, or
the crimping rusty, or if there are any signs of seepage from
the ends, replace the hose. Always use a complete hose
assembly that is specifically designed to do this purpose. A
cheap hose from a hardware store is probably not right, and
never use a clamp on nut and tail to repair your old one. New
rubber hoses start from under twenty dollars and are guaranteed
for 12 months.
The ultimate solution to any dishwasher
connection concern is the PEX hose, which Doug Smith Spares
stocks. The PEX hose is a one piece, plastic molded hose.
They can never leak from the crimping, because there is no
crimping. They are guaranteed against splitting for 3
years!
Whereas rubber hoses are only available up
to 2.5 Metres long, PEX hoses also come in lengths up to 4
Metres, which is great for difficult kitchens. You
should always use the shortest hose you can, and NEVER EVER join
two or more together!
PEX hoses are a little more expensive, but
it is a very small price to pay for complete peace of mind. (note
– some insurance policies may not cover flood damage, even if it
is from pipe leakage!)
Extra Tip: lay some rat baits under your
dishwasher and in your cupboards where the hoses are. Dishwasher
hoses are a prime target for mice.
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No doubt about it, stove elements are expensive, and it can
be really frustrating when your solid elements rust and pit, in
much shorter time than they should.
Solid element should last about 10 years on average, and they
can last much longer than that, if you keep them polished. By
applying solid hotplate cleaner (part number ACC033) to your
elements regularly you can significantly increase the life
expectancy of your elements.
Depending on how often you use your stove (long periods of
inactivity can be the worst thing for them) you should apply
hotplate polish about every two to three months. It comes in an
applicator tube, so you just rub it on and then turn the element
on to bake it for a minute or two. there's no scrubbing, or
elbow grease in involved, and it takes seconds.
The polish will give the element that nice, new, blackened
look as well as providing a protective film over the element to
stop it from rusting. (protecting your element from the elements
so to speak)
The tubes are priced around ten dollars and will probably
last you for several years.
click here for further assistance
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Over time fridges, no matter how clean they are kept develop
that stale, off plastic smell that can be really unpleasant.
(not to mention the smells you get when things go rotten in the
bottom of the crisper bins!) Air fresheners, and de-oderants
only make it worse, and may taste your food.
There is a really simple solution to the problem, that
everybody should be following. Simply sprinkle some carb soda on
a saucer and put it in the bottom of your fridge or freezer and
leave it there for a day or so then wipe it up. Repeat this
process about every month or two and your fridge will smell like
a new one again. (or rather not smell - like a new one!)
As well as this, try a Refrigerator Air freshener. Be
pleasantly surprised every time you open you fridge. Part number
ACC156, Only $7.70
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If you need to wobble the
element on your stove to get it to come on, you have a problem
with the socket in your stove and you should stop using that
element immediately. (just use one of the others if possible)
Plug in elements are very handy, because you can remove them
and clean under them. The problem is that constant plugging and
unplugging (or time and heat) causes the socket (where the
element plugs in) to become weak and eventually it stops making
a good contact. This is why you have to wobble it to get it
working.
Your stove needs a new socket and you should change it
as soon as you can. If you keep using the element with a
faulty socket, you will get arcing. This is where a spark jumps
across the connection causing it to burn the tips off the
elements in fairly quick time. A socket is fairly cheap and if
you replace it as soon as the problem becomes evident, you
will probably save your element. Sockets are wired in, so if
you need an electrician give us a call and we can recommend
someone for you.
A simple inspection of the element will tell you immediately
whether or not you have caught it in time to save the element.
If your element is damaged, just changing the socket will not
work. If you put a new socket into your stove and fit a damaged
element to it, you may burn the new socket out.
If you are in any doubt, bring your element down to our store
before you spend any money on your stove at all. We can inspect
and electronically test the element, which is a free service,
and we can then advise you what is your best course of action.
Just don't ignore the problem. it will not go
away, and it will only cost you more money.
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Try this: Get a small piece of paper (about the size of a
post-it note, but not sticky.) Place it in between your fridge
gasket and the body of your fridge and close the door. Does the
paper stay or fall?
Repeat the test in all four corners of the gasket for both
the fridge and the freezer section.
If the paper falls out, the magnet on your fridge gasket is
not making a proper join with the body of the fridge. If
the paper comes out so will the cold air. Not only will
your fridge will not function properly, but you will waste
energy as well, especially in the summer months.
A perished door seal can cause many problems on your fridge,
not least of all sweating around the doors. This can lead to
rusting, swelling, splitting of the plastic panels, and of
course the build up of moisture that turns into
mould.
Fridge door gaskets are easy enough to replace yourself, and
not expensive. If you can find the model number on your fridge,
then that is all we will need. If not, measure the exact size of
the seal, and bring us a sample of if. We can have one made to
exact measurements for you.
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