Freezer burn — ice crystals forming on the outside of the food stored in your freezer — is a common household frustration that can impact the quality of your food. While there are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, your freezer’s performance definitely plays a significant role, which is one reason why keeping up with maintenance and repairs is so important. 

If you’re constantly battling freezer burn on your food, keep reading to learn more about its causes, how to prevent it, and when you should seek professional freezer repairs from the experts at Appliance E.M.T.

What Is Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn occurs when frozen food is exposed to air. The moisture escapes from the food and forms ice crystals, leading to dehydration and oxidation. It can look like frost crystals inside packaging or grayish-brown or white dry patches on meat and often gives food a tough, leathery texture after cooking. 

Freezer-burned food is generally safe to eat if it has been kept continuously frozen — freezer burn affects taste and texture more than safety. However, if the food has thawed and refrozen or smells off, it’s best to discard it. 

What Causes Freezer Burn?

There are a few possible causes of freezer burn, including:

Poor Packaging

Poor packaging exposes the food to air, increasing the risk of freezer burn. If there are air pockets inside containers, the freezer bags are improperly sealed, or the packaging was not designed for long-term freezing, you’re more likely to experience issues. 

Temperature Issues

Temperature issues also play a big role in freezer burn. Ideally, your freezer should remain at 0°F — any warmer, and you’re increasing the risk of moisture loss. Temperature fluctuations — like those that happen when you leave the freezer door open, overload or underload it, the power goes out, or you open and close the door frequently — also create ideal conditions for freezer burn. 

Faulty Door Gaskets

The freezer door gasket is responsible for creating a tight seal. If it’s cracked or loose, it can allow warm air in. If you notice increased condensation or frost buildup, there’s a good chance the door gasket needs to be replaced. 

Signs Your Freezer May Be Contributing to the Problem

Freezer burn on its own doesn’t necessarily mean your freezer needs repairs. However, if it’s accompanied by other issues, it’s a good indication that it’s time to reach out to the expert technicians at Appliance E.M.T.

Be on the lookout for these issues:

• Excessive frost buildup: Look for ice on the walls or vents and frost accumulating rapidly, which indicate there’s something wrong. 
• Inconsistent freezing: If some foods are soft while others are rock-solid, there may be issues with your freezer. Ice cream is a good indicator — is it too hard or too soft?
• Loud or constant running: This may mean the compressor is working overtime to maintain the correct temperature. 
• Water leaks or ice under drawers: These may be signs that there’s an issue with the defrost drain. 

How to Prevent Freezer Burn

The right habits go a long way toward preventing freezer burn and keeping your food tasting fresh. 

• Use proper packaging: Use heavy-duty freezer bags to store your food. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, use that; otherwise, do your best to remove all excess air before closing the bag. Make sure all containers are airtight, as well. 
• Cool food before freezing: Make sure your food has completely cooled before you put it in the freezer to reduce condensation.
• Maintain the proper temperature: Use an appliance thermometer to verify that your freezer remains at 0°F and avoid frequently changing the settings. 
• Stay organized: Label and date your items. Once they’re no longer safe to eat, throw them out to prevent overcrowding. 
• Check and maintain door seals: Clean the door gaskets regularly. You can test the seal by inserting a small piece of paper, then closing the door. If you feel a bit of resistance or tension as you pull the paper out, that’s good — if not, the seal is likely compromised. 

Protect Your Food and Your Freezer with Appliance E.M.T.

Freezer burn may indicate there’s a problem with your freezer if you have repeated issues despite proper food storage, the temperature doesn’t stay consistent, your freezer cycles too often, or there’s excessive frost. If this is the case, call Appliance E.M.T. for prompt, reliable service. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners in Weber and Davis counties protect their food and their freezers with our expert repairs. Give us a call, and we’ll be there ASAP!

If you’ve ever encountered mildewy smells coming from your washing machine or a moldy door seal, you’ve probably wondered whether you should leave the door open to give things a chance to air out. The answer depends on what type of washing machine you have and your usage habits.

At Appliance E.M.T., we don’t just fix malfunctions — we want to educate our customers on proper appliance care so they can prevent future issues. That’s why we’re presenting this blog post that answers the all-important question of whether you should leave your washing machine door open when it’s not in use. 

Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of keeping your washing machine door open, health considerations to be aware of, tips for proper washing machine maintenance, other ways to prevent mold and odors, and when to call the professionals at Appliance E.M.T.

Why Does It Matter?

You may be thinking to yourself, Does it really matter whether I leave the door open or closed? Well, the answer is yes! Your washing machine is a wet environment, which means it can develop odors and become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If this happens, your washer can’t do its job properly and will leave your clothes smelling funky or covered in spores. 

Plus, mold can impact your health. Breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion, especially if you have asthma. Plus, if you have a mold allergy, it can cause inflammation in your lungs, eyes, and nose, and if you have a compromised immune system, you can get a fungal infection.

Proper maintenance — including everyday habits like leaving the door open when not in use — are essential for avoiding mold and mildew growth inside the drum and on the door seal, ensuring your clothes come out completely clean, and extending the lifespan of your machine. 

Risks of Leaving the Washing Machine Door Closed

Mold thrives in environments that are warm, dark, moist, and have little airflow — just like the inside of your washing machine. When you leave the door closed, you’re trapping moisture inside the drum. Without airflow, it can’t dry, creating a perpetually damp environment perfect for mold and mildew to thrive. 

One area of the washing machine that is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew is the rubber gaskets and door seals, especially on front-loading washers. Moisture tends to get trapped in the little nooks and grooves of the rubber, encouraging mold growth and potentially degrading the material. 

Even if there’s not an obvious mold or mildew problem, keeping your washing machine’s door closed can create musty odors that linger on your laundry. Instead of that nice, clean scent, your clothes will smell no better than they did before you washed them. 

Benefits of Leaving the Washing Machine Door Open

Leaving the washing machine door open is typically the smarter choice. By leaving it open, you’re ensuring there’s enough air circulation to dry out the drum and seals between loads. Not only does this minimize the risk of mold and mildew, but it also keeps the machine smelling fresh and helps you maintain the machine’s hygiene.

Letting your machine dry after use also helps prevent rust and corrosion that impact components’ longevity and efficiency, helping you avoid costly repairs and replacements over time. 

So, how long should you leave the door open? A few hours after use is acceptable, but overnight is better. Many people leave the door open whenever the machine isn’t in use. You don’t need to leave it wide open — just a few inches is enough to get that airflow going. 

If you have curious children or pets, make sure you shut the door to the laundry room while airing out your washing machine to prevent accidents or safety hazards. As long as the room still has airflow via HVAC vents, you should be good to go.

Alternative Ways to Prevent Mold and Odor

Leaving the washing machine door open isn’t the only way to prevent mold and odor. It’s also a good idea to:

• Regularly clean the gasket, detergent drawer, and drum
• Use the right detergent in the right amounts
• Run periodic maintenance cycles with hot water and vinegar or specialized washing machine cleaner

When to Call the Professionals at Appliance E.M.T. 

If you notice signs of mold, leaks, or unusual odors, contact the experts at Appliance E.M.T. We can perform routine inspections and maintenance to prevent long-term damage to your washing machine. 

If you live in Weber or Davis County, give us a call and we’ll be there to help ASAP!

In the 21st century, nearly everyone uses a washing machine to get their clothes clean. Most people don’t pay attention to how it works — they just put their clothes in, pop in a couple of laundry pods, and let the machine do its thing. However, if you understand the basics of how your washer works, you can spot problems early and avoid costly repairs. 

In this blog post, we’ll focus on the agitator, a key component of many washing machines that’s often misunderstood. We’ll explore its role in getting your laundry clean, how it works, why it’s so important, signs it needs repairs, and more. 

What Is a Washing Machine Agitator, and How Does it Work?

The washing machine agitator is located in the center of the drum in top-load washers. It resembles a cylinder with spiraling fins, kind of like a screw. It moves back and forth in a spiral motion during the wash cycle to create friction between the clothing and water. It’s like scrubbing the stains without all the elbow grease! 

By working together with the water and detergent, agitators play a significant role in getting your clothes clean. They’re especially important for heavily soiled loads that need extra friction. 

Why They’re Important

Agitators help loosen dirt, grease, and grime for more effective cleaning performance, along with ensuring detergent is evenly distributed throughout the load. This is ideal for work clothes, towels, cloth diapers, dog beds, and other heavily soiled items. 

Furthermore, washers with agitators don’t rely as heavily on long soak times and often offer shorter wash cycles, helping you get your chores done faster without sacrificing results. 

Agitator vs. Impeller: What’s the Difference?

However, despite the agitator’s important role, not every washing machine has one. Some have low-profile discs called impellers instead. During the cycle, the impellers rotate to create a strong current of water that moves the clothes around and removes stains and dirt. While impellers use less water and detergent and are typically gentler on clothes, they can tangle or twist laundry and often come with a larger upfront investment. 

Agitators are better for tough stains, offer quicker wash times, are less noisy, and are often more durable and low-maintenance than impeller-based washers. However, they can be harsh on delicate fabrics, and these machines can only be top-loading. 

Common Problems to Look Out For

While agitators are typically durable, that doesn’t mean they don’t have issues every once in a while. Common problems include:

• Worn or broken dogs: These small plastic parts within the agitator help it spin around. If the clothes are not moving or do not come clean, the dogs may be worn out or broken. 
• Loose or damaged shaft: If the agitator wiggles around, it’s not secured properly. Left unaddressed, it can damage other components.
• Stripped splines or drive components: The spline is a round, ridged component that allows the agitator to move. If it’s worn out, there won’t be enough agitation to get your clothes clean. 

Additional Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Repair

In addition to the common issues above, here are some more signs your washing machine agitator needs repairs:

• Clothes coming out dirty or only partially cleaned
• The washer fills and drains but doesn’t move clothes
• Unusual noises during the wash cycle
• Agitator moves in only one direction or not at all

When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Technician

Agitator issues are often part of a larger mechanical problem, meaning they’re difficult to repair on your own. Without the proper tools or experience, you can make the problem worse by inadvertently causing further damage. But rather than calling a professional, some homeowners continue to use their washing machine despite the issues. 

Procrastinating necessary repairs isn’t a smart idea. When agitation is reduced (or completely absent), there will be increased wear on your clothing and the machine’s components. Your clothes aren’t likely to come clean, which means higher water and energy use due to repeated cycles. 

Professional inspection and repair are the best way to extend the life of your washing machine and ensure your clothes come out clean every time. 

Expert Washing Machine Repair by Appliance E.M.T.

If your washing machine is malfunctioning, contact the experts at Appliance E.M.T. right away. We offer prompt service in Weber and Davis counties and can often get your appliance back to normal that same day. Don’t ignore the signs that your agitator needs attention — give us a call and we’ll be there as soon as possible!