If you have never tried putting regular dish soap in the dishwasher, you might not know why it’s a bad idea. It can be tempting when you run out of dishwasher detergent; it looks identical to regular liquid detergent, but here’s the result.

Regular dish soap is meant to create foam; in combination with the jets in a dishwasher, your appliance is guaranteed to overflow. In addition to the cleaning of your kitchen floor, you will also have to run multiple rinses to remove all soap suds from your dishes. If you’re in a rush to do the dishes, try the Dishwasher Detergent Substitute recipe below.

Dishwasher Detergent Substitute

• 2 table spoons baking soda
• 2 tsp regular liquid dish soap

Appliances have changed significantly over the years; in an age where technology surrounds us, it is no surprise that appliances can now be “smart” too! So, what makes Smart Appliances different from regular appliances?

Similar to regular appliances, Smart Appliances get the job done; however, smart appliances connect to the internet and mobile devices making chores less of a hassle. By aligning all your home appliances, the start to your housework is at the tip of your fingers. Below are examples of some Smart Appliances:

Smart Refrigerators

Smart refrigerators go beyond keeping your food fresh. With products like the Samsung Family Hub, find recipes, watch videos, listen to music and even build a shopping list on it’s built in screen. Some smart refrigerators even have self-diagnostic abilities, so you don’t have to guess when something goes wrong.

Smart Washers & Dryers

Smart washers and dryers give you the ability to control the appliances remotely. No more waiting around for the cycle to end, simply choose the cycle you want when you’re on the go and come home just in time; schedule cycles to run at a time that is convenient for you.

Smart Microwaves

Tired of guessing the cook time for your foods? Smart microwaves now have voice commands, Wi-Fi connection abilities and barcode scanners to cook frozen foods to perfection.

Smart Range Hoods

Smart ranges can detect grease and steam levels to apply its auto-adjustment for perfect ventilation. Some ranges come with timers and even indicators to change the filter!

When shopping through appliance stores for the perfect oven, you will notice that there are many different functions and styles to choose from. You will most likely come across a convection oven, but what differentiates a convection oven from a regular oven?

In regular ovens, the source of heat comes from the bottom; heat rises to the top and items on the top rack cook faster. Uneven heat distribution resulting in inconsistent cooking is a major reason for the invention of the convection oven. Convection ovens have a fan at the back of the oven, creating an even flow of heat. Since the hot air is thoroughly distributed, meats will be evenly roasted, and desserts will be baked to perfection. Not only does the food come out better, convection ovens save time and energy. The even heat cooks more efficiently in less time and you can utilize all racks without worrying about inconsistency.

If you have an appreciation for a good meal, you will find that a convection oven makes all the difference in taste and convenience.

There have been countless debates about which method of cleaning is more cost, and energy efficient. Many assume that dishwashers use more water, and energy; but, is that really the case?

Turns out dishwashers use far less water than you would think. By hand washing your dishes, you use about 3.5 time more water than an average dishwasher. This is because water in the dishwasher is reused throughout the cycle. Modern dishwashers use fresh water in the beginning of the cycle, filter the water as it goes through the cycle and gives it one last rinse with fresh water before the run ends. In addition, while the water gets filtered, the water is heated up to ensure clean dishes. Now, this raises the concern of energy consumption. It is often forgotten that when you hand wash dishes, hot water is used and which requires energy! Energy Star certified dishwashers can actually use less than half the energy it takes to hand wash dishes. Not only do dishwashers save water and energy, most importantly they save you time!

An ice-cold drink is always refreshing; the best way to maintain the taste and cleanliness of your ice is with proper maintenance and cleaning. Lack of maintenance can result in the growth of mold which could lead to heath complications or shorten the life-spam of your machine. We recommend cleaning your machine at least once every six months or more if you notice signs of build-up. Below are a few signs that it may be time to give your ice machine a good clean!

• Ice tastes odd or has an odor
• Ice cubes come out smaller
• Ice cubes are not clear
• Visible mildew, mold or another residue on the machine’s interior

Steps for Manual Cleaning:

Unplug the Appliance

Turn off the machine to ensure that it won’t make ice while you’re cleaning. Remove the ice basket.

Drain the Water

Locate and remove the drain plug to allow the water from the reservoir to flow into a container or your sink until all the water has drained from the machine.

Clean the Interior

Dip cloth into a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer or mix a solution of 10:1 ratio of warm water and lemon juice. Wipe down the interior walls, reservoir and corners with the solution. After, rinse thoroughly using clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Clean the ice basket and scoop using a mild detergent.

Restart the Machine

Place all parts of the ice maker back in place and ensure the drain plug is in. Insert the ice basket and plug in the unit.

Make a Batch of Ice

Fill the water reservoir with the cleaning solution, make a batch of ice, and discard. Unplug the ice maker and drain the water once again. While the plug is removed pour clean, fresh, water through the reservoir and let it drain into the sink. Continue to rinse the unit several more times before reinserting the plug and resume making ice as usual.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

Save money and give your refrigerator a boost! A major cause for refrigerator repairs is due to dirty refrigerator coils. Keep them clean to avoid complications. Start by removing the coil cover of your refrigerator. Then, use a coil brush and a vacuum to clean the coils.

Avoid Laundry Overloads

Do not overload your washer or dryer! Packing in a stuffed load does not save time, water or energy. Your clothes won’t be as clean, and it could damage your appliances. Damage to the motor, and belts are very expensive; in most cases it’s so expensive it’s not worth repairing.

Clean the Dishwasher

A dirty dishwasher can’t clean your dirty dishes. A dishwasher that no longer cleans the way it used to, could be caused by a clogged filter. A food filed filter blocks water flow to the arms that clean the top rack. Start by sliding out the bottom rack and removing the filter cover. Clean the filter screen and your dishwasher should run like its new.

Scrub the Stove

Clean your stove burner to improve efficiency! Food crumbs can fall into the little cracks and crevasses of your cooktop. Use a sponge to clean the surface and a toothbrush to clean hard to reach places. 

Clean the Dryer Filter

If your dryer doesn’t dry clothes the way it used to, you may need to clean your dryer filter and external duct. A clogged duct and filter can significantly increase your electricity bill! It may take you two or maybe even three cycles to fully dry your items. The amount of time, money and energy wasted is only a part of the issue. Not only does cleaning your dryer filter and duct eliminate unnecessary costs, it also removes a critical household risk. A dusty, lint filled dryer filter and duct is one of the leading causes of house fires. See “Does Your Dryer Need a Boost?” for instructions.

Technology has changed the way we communicate, travel, and now the way our homes function. Samsung’s Family Hub is more than just a refrigerator; it’s what brings the family together. The Family Hub includes a touch screen display for food, family and home organization.

View the contents in your fridge without wasting energy with three built in cameras. The Family hub keeps track of the expiry dates of your food and helps you build your virtual grocery list. You can even shop in the comfort of your own home and have groceries delivered right to your door. Looking for a relaxed night in, order your favourite dishes through the Family Hub on GrubHub.

Not sure who’s coming home for dinner? View and manage the shared calendar before cooking for the whole family! For those who are, see real-time locations to manage your cooking time. The Family Hub provides convenience for family organization and can even assist in ordering an Uber.

Connect! Samsung’s Family Hub can connect to appliances, Internet, Spotify and even your front door. Enable voice assistance for a helping hand when yours are busy. View and speak to someone at the door by connecting to the Ring Doorbell.

Samsung’s Family Hub is designed to be the center of your home, exceeding boundaries of a traditional refrigerator. It’s more than a fridge, it’s the Family Hub.

Buy Samsung’s Family Hub Refrigerator

There are a couple of reasons why you may have only recently heard of induction ranges; one being the fact that prices of induction ranges in the past have been beyond its alternative gas and electric ranges. Secondly, people are very skeptical of the science behind induction ranges.

Over the years, they have gained popularity within the culinary industry as professional see value in the efficiency of these stovetops. Induction ranges have decreased drastically in price, with some ranges costing as little as $1500.

How Do They Work?

Induction ranges allows for a very rapid increase in temperature through electric currents. These currents create an electromagnetic reaction with the cookware. Using specific pots and pans is the secret to induction technology as it requires magnetic material to generate heat. Cookware made of cast iron, or magnetic stainless steel will surely work.

What are the Benefits?

Induction ranges cook much faster than gas and electric ranges, saving up to 50% of your average cook time. Not only does it save you time, it saves you money because induction ranges use less energy than its alternatives. The nature of this technology also makes it much safer if kids are around. Heat is only transferred to the cookware, and the cool down time of the surface is almost instantaneous. We all know that cooking can get messy sometimes; the flat surface of induction ranges makes it an easy clean.

Some Considerations

Choosing an induction range has many benefits; however, the transition may be costly. If you do not already have suitable cookware, it will be an additional cost in your range budget. Although subtle, the interaction between the cookware and the range produces a hum-like sound. Unlike a gas range, in the instance of a power outage, the fully electric appliance loses all its functions.

Induction ranges are relatively new in the appliance industry, but many professionals now choose induction over all other methods. It’s efficiency, and safety make for a serious upgrade.

When shopping for a new cooktop, you will find a variety of different options. The most popular choices you will come across are gas and electric cooktops, but how do you know which option fits your needs? We have compiled the main difference between gas and electric cooktops to better assist you in your decision.

Gas Cooktops

• Gas cooktops have very accurate cooking temperatures. Unlike induction cooktops, gas cooktops allow for quick changes in cooking temperatures without a buffer time.
• Gas cooktops are fast. It requires less time for the cookware to heat because of its direct contact with flames. Induction cooktops require time for the cooker to warm up.
• Gas cooktops are reliable. Gas cooktops do not require electricity, even when the power goes out you will be able to cook a good meal for your family.

Electric Cooktops

• Electric Cooktops are easy to clean. Traditional cooktops have many places for food to hide; the flat surface of induction cooktops make for clean cooking.
• Electric Cooktops are more cost efficient. Not only is the appliance itself less costly, they are a lot easier to install because it doesn’t involve gas.
• Electric Cooktops are safer. They use electricity for heat instead of gas, so there is no fear of potential gas leaks.

If your dryer doesn’t dry clothes the way it used to, you may need to clean your dryer filter and external duct. A clogged duct and filter can significantly increase your electricity bill! It may take you two or maybe even three cycles to fully dry your items. The amount of time, money and energy wasted is only a part of the issue. Not only does cleaning your dryer filter and duct eliminate unnecessary costs, it also removes a critical household risk. A dusty, lint filled dryer filter and duct is one of the leading causes of house fires.

How to clean a dryer filter (Clean every time):

1. First you must locate the internal filter in your dryer. This is usually located near the door of the dryer.
2. Simply remove the lint buildup layer on the filter and place the clean filter back into the dryer.

How to clean a dryer duct (Clean at least every 2 years):

1. Locate the dryer duct. In the back of the dryer, hot air is transported outside the home through an aluminum pipe. Use this as direction to find the external duct. Once you have located the duct, remove the cover.
2. Unplug the dryer to access the direct outflow of air; this will be connected to the aluminum piping. Remove the metal strap that secures the dryer to the aluminum piping. Shift the dryer to ensure accessibility.
3. Now you are all prepped and ready for cleaning! We suggest using a dryer lint removal/cleaning kit to clean throughout the piping. These kits typically include round brushes with an extendable rod. Insert the brush and spin while extending; ultimately you want to reach the other end of the pipe. This may require a couple of attempts if the pipes turn.
4. After removing all dust, lint and debris, reconnect all parts removed in the previous steps. The dryer should be up and running like its new!