Anyways, thinking about the washer fight in Mr. Mom got me thinking about all the questions we get from customers on which type of laundry soap to use in their new High-Efficiency Washing Machine.

Today’s High-Efficiency (HE) Washers use so little water compared to what the traditional washers used; it only makes sense that detergents have changed as well.

Not Your Grandma’s Washer

Now let’s take a step back… I wanted to make sure and cover the fact that YOU MUST use only “HE Detergent” in your High-Efficiency Washing Machine!!!

MUST! 

HE detergents are low sudsing and specially formulated for these water-saving washers.  Use of a non-HE detergent in a HE washer can prevent it from washing or rinsing properly.  HE detergents are readily available and are comparable in price to old-style detergents. Make sure and look for the symbol and ensure you are using the correct detergent for your high-efficiency washer.

HE Symbol

Phew! Now that we got that over with…

Not all HE Detergents are created equal.  WHAT?!? Why?

Well, let me explain.  Some detergent manufacturers use binders, fillers and excess water in their formulations in order to increase the volume of the detergent in the bottle as well as increase profits. (The more detergent you have to use per load the more often you will have to buy detergent.)  Futhermore, the excess of various substances (in the detergent) can be problematic for your washer and even cause mold buildup and/or premature failure of your washer!!!

Gross!!!

So, what can you do?

Well, Idler’s has a solution. 

We think we have found the best detergent made and have stocked it in our stores just for you.

Excelsior HE Detergent comes in Scented and Scent Free Options

Presenting Excelsior® HE Laundry Detergent.  This detergent is a revolutionary product offering amazing value, resulting in unsurpassed cleaning and performance, leaving clothes fresh and clean!  It is made especially for HE washers.

Check out these stats:

1) Excelsior® HE Laundry Detergent costs just 24 cents a load! (Others cost more than 2X’s as much.)

2) Each box of Excelsior HE Detergent contains enough detergent for 333 loads of laundry! Only 15ml are needed per load! This is far less than the normal amount as compared to competitive brands.

1 load of the a “Leading Brand” (Left) vs. 1 load of Excelsior HE (Right)

3) It out performs the leading brand of laundry detergent by removing difficult stains and grease from clothes.

4) It is ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY -  Phosphate free, Biodegradable and Solvent Free — Inside each box is a refillable bladder that you can refill at any Idler’s location. And you have the option of going with Fresh Scent or Non-Scented!

Excelsior Refill Station at Idlers

So there you have it. Come in and check out the Excelsior HE Laundry Detergent today.  With each box comes a “Adore It” Guarantee.  If you decide, for any reason, that this detergent is not for you within 30 days of purchase, you can get your money back.

Just see an Idler’s salesperson or call 805–543-6600 for more information.

Yes, it’s true. After 32 years the Idler’s location in Atascadero will be moving March 1st 2012. We will be splitting the store between our San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles locations.  Idler’s will still be delivering, installing and servicing appliances throughout the Central Coast and this includes Atascadero.

Idler’s Appliances — Atascadero Location

 A major impetus for the change was the announcement that our long-time Paso Robles Store Manager, Michael Anderson, and his wife, Devney Anderson, our long time bookkeeper, will be moving out of the area in June of this year.  Both leave very big shoes to fill.  The natural move for Idler’s was to have Shawn Smith, our Atascadero Store Manager, assume the role of Store Manager for our Flagship Paso Robles location.

 The Atascadero Outlet inventory will be relocated to the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo locations where Idler’s will continue to offer Factory Blemished, Discontinued and Overstock items at up to 50% off retail.  Our Service Department and Parts Counter will also be relocated to the Paso Robles location where Idler’s will continue in the tradition of being “The House That Service Built”, a term coined by Bud Idler some 50 years ago.

Part 2 — Why this is good for you

 As part of our moving process, Idler’s Atascadero Outlet location will be offering HUGE DISCOUNTS on all remaining inventory through February 29th. (Yes it’s Leap Year.) We will be offering builder pricing on all of our remaining non-blemished floor models as well as “Better Than Ever” Sale Pricing on all remaining Factory Blemished, Discontinued and Overstocked items.

You Will Save Money

Idler’s sincerely thanks each and every one of you for supporting local business for all these years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Atascadero for decades and we will continue to do so out of our Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Idler’s locations. We look forward to the future and stay committed in our promise to San Luis Obispo County, that we will Provide the Best Service at the Best Prices. Guaranteed.

“Does it really make a difference?”

“Is it worth the extra money?”

We get these questions all the time from our customers. So let’s dig in and try and demystify “convection” cooking once and for all.

Dictionary.com defines convection as “the transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of the heated parts of a liquid or gas.” So there you have it.

Job done.

Not really.

In regards to most residential ovens, “convection” simply means that there is a fan installed at the back of the oven cavity which helps circulate the air inside the oven.

Convection ovens can operate at lower temperatures than a standard “conventional” oven (no fan inside) and yet cook food faster.  By circulating the hot air around the food, convection cooking prevents the insulating layer of cooler air from clinging to the food.  This air circulation, or convection, also tends to eliminate “hot spots” and cooks your food more evenly.

Most recipes are written for use in regular, “conventional” ovens.  You will need to adjust your settings when using convection.  Here is a simple convection oven calculator.

Residential convection ovens like the KitchenAid KEBS208SSS offer “True Even-Heat” Convection. 

“True” convection ovens still have a fan in the oven that circulates the air but, these models, also add another heating element behind the fan that improves roasting and multiple-rack cooking performance.

So, there you have it. Convection ovens circulate heat throughout the oven more evenly than conventional ovens. Baking and roasting performance is improved with the use of convection and even more so with “true convection”.  Convection ovens also allow you to cook at lower temperatures more quickly than regular ovens and they use less energy (this saves you money).

Idler’s Appliances offers a wide selection of Convection, True-Convection and Conventional ovens. Come in to one of our Central Coast locations as check them out for yourself.

1)Myth: Bleach mixed with detergent helps clean and whiten at the same time.

Fact: Adding bleach with detergent counteracts its effectiveness. Instead, add bleach during the last five minutes of the wash cycle to ensure that the cleaning agents work best. Some washing machines have automatic bleach dispensers to eliminate the timing guesswork and make sure your whites are dazzling.

2)Myth: Using the dryer leads to shrinkage.

Fact: Surprisingly, it’s not the heat from the dryer that causes clothes to shrink; it’s the lack of moisture. New dryer technology actually measures the moisture in the fabric and automatically shuts off to prevent over drying.

3)Myth: Treat the stain head on.

Fact: Always treat the stain from the back of the fabric to help push it off the garment. Remember to blot the stain. Rubbing can work the stain into the fibers.

4)Myth: More suds equal better cleaning.

Fact: Excess suds actually hold onto soils and redeposit them on your laundry. Try using a high-efficiency detergent with a front-loading washing machine like the Whirlpool Duet system or the top-loading Cabrio washer.

Find out more at the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Care or Idler’s Appliances.

Cleaning the coils of your homes refrigerator every 6 months could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars!!!

Every day refrigerators fail prematurely due to the effects of having dirty condenser coils.  A broken refrigerator leads to food loss, service call fees, stress and loss of your valuable time and even a new refrigerator purchase.  In this “Idler’s Appliances How To:” article, you will learn the simple steps of cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser coils and possibly save big $$$ in the process.

Here are 6 Easy Steps for cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser coils.

1) Turn off the power to the refrigerator.

You can do this by rolling the refrigerator away from the wall and unplugging it or by shutting off the breaker to the refrigerator.  Some refrigerators, like built-ins or units without wheels, should not be moved (unless it’s moved by a professional).

2) Find your refrigerator’s condenser coils.

Most new freestanding models locate the condenser coil at the bottom of the unit.  Remove the front toe kick (screws or clips) and use a flashlight to find the coils. If there is a drip tray in the way, remove it (Be careful not to pull too hard as some are taped in place and also to avoid spilling water).

If not found behind the toe kick, the freestanding refrigerator will have to be slid away from the wall to access the coils from the back. Shut off and disconnect the water supply line if it’s too short to allow enough room to work. Remove the panel. The condenser coil may be flat, but will likely be cylindrical in shape when located here.

Other locations for the coils are on the back of the unit (usually smaller or older-style freestanding refrigerators) or, if you have a “built-in” style refrigerator, the coils can be on top of the unit.

3) Use a coil brush and vacuum to clear out the dust buildup.

Be careful not to damage or bend the fins on the coils.

If you can see the fan, be sure to clean the blades of the fan as well.

4) Replace the drip tray and cover/toe kick, plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back in place.

If disconnected, make sure to reconnect and turn on the water to the ice maker. Be sure to test for leaks!!!

5) Set your refrigerator’s temperature to factory recommended settings.

6) Clean any leftover debris and double check for kinked hoses and leaks.

Photo Credit: US Consumer Product Saftey Commission

Allowing excess lint to build up in your dryer, or in the ducting behind the dryer, can lead to loss of air flow and extreme heat build-up, which has contributed to an estimated 16,000 house fires annually.

It is vital to clean your dryer ducting annually.

Here are 10 Easy Steps for cleaning your dryers ducting.

1)     Unplug the dryer. (If you have a gas dryer shut off the gas safety valve.)

2)     Pull the dryer out enough to access the ducting behind it. (A couple of feet should do.)

3)     Disconnect and remove the duct from the back of the dryer and the wall. (Usually a screwdriver or channel locks will work.)

Use semi-rigid or rigid ducting like this…

Do not use foil-type ducting like this…

4)     Vacuum out any lint from the dryer’s exhaust tube.

5)     Vacuum out the ducting in the wall.  (Make sure to clean the vent outside the home if it’s accessible. If the run is too long to reach try using a plumber’s snake or vacuum tubing.)

6)     Vacuum out the ducting. (You can also use a brush to loosen the lint. Make sure and check the ends of the ducting for extra build up and be careful not to puncture the ducting.)

7)     Reconnect the ducting to the wall and the dryer.

8)    Plug the dryer back in. (If you have a gas model: turn on the gas valve and bubble test for leaks. Contact us for assistance.)

9)    Check the outside vent as lint may have been knocked loose and could plug up the vent.

10)  Push the dryer back in place (Do not allow ducting to become crushed or kinked behind the dryer).

If you have any questions please contact Idler’s Service Department at 800–843-4015 or 805–466-6020.

Excessive freezer frost-up can cause units to work harder, it reduces usable space, increases operating costs and can even lead to them failing prematurely.

If your upright or chest freezer isn’t a frost-free model then chances are you have seen some ice build up over time in your unit. (Hopefully, not as bad as the picture below!)

In fact, it is recommended that once the ice build up in your freezer grows to a 1/4 of an inch it is time to defrost your freezer. (Picture below is not to scale.)

Now before you get too excited…

Never, I repeat NEVER use sharp objects to remove the ice build up! Doing this could lead to damaging your freezer and then your quick maintenance job just became a $400 (or more) trip to you locally owned appliance store.

Here are 7 easy steps you can follow to defrost your freezer:

1) Unplug your Freezer.

2) Then take all of your existing food out of the freezer and store it in another freezer or ice chest.  You should also remove any drawers, shelves and loose ice.

3) The next step is to open up the freezer’s drain.  (How to do this varies by model, so you will need to consult your owners manual.)

Often times, Upright Freezers will have a drain plug on the floor inside the unit as well as an external drain.

With chest style freezers usually there is  a drain plug on the front-bottom of the unit. Many times you can connect a garden hose up to the drain to route the water to a desired location.

Make sure to have a drain pan placed under the drain (when possible) to keep water from hitting the floor.

Lastly, if your freezer does not have a drain, make sure to place towels at the bottom of the freezer to catch the melting ice. (You can also put newspaper under the freezer as it is very absorbent and will help catch any spills.)  Make sure to replace the towels when they get too wet.

It is important that you plan for a fair amount of water to drain from your freezer. If not then you may need…

4) Now it’s time to heat things up!

Heat up some water.

Take a dish cloth and dip it in some hot water (Use kitchen gloves and do not burn your hands.) Then take the cloth and dab it on the ice that’s built up in the freezer.

Next, place a large bowl (or pot) filled with hot water under the largest areas of ice build-up and leave it alone.

Wait 30 minutes and then check the progress.  If there is still frost remaining, remove any loose chunks of ice (no ice pick!), replace wet towels (if used) and change the water in the bowl with fresh hot water and repeat the process.

This could take up to a few hours. (Editor’s Note: There are other methods for thawing the ice build up in your freezer more quickly, however caution should be taken as to not harm the unit or yourself. We have found the above method to be one of the safest.)

5) Once the freezer is defrosted (No more ice) you should clean the inside of the freezer.

Idler’s recommends using a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart warm water.

Make sure to clean the door seals, bins, shelves and floor of the freezer. (Do Not use metal brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage your freezer.)

Rinse with fresh water and dry the freezer thoroughly.

6) Replace your shelves, bins and food.

Try not to overload your freezer and this reduces airflow around the food and can reduce the efficiency of your freezer.

7) Plug your freezer back in and check your temperature settings on the dial. (Most units have a recommended starting point. Consult your user manual.)

There you have it.  If you find that you have more questions or are in need of appliance repair, just give Idler’s a call at 1–800-834‑4015

–You put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. (After scraping them off of course.)

–You add the appropriate amount of detergent. (The same detergent you have been using for years.)

–You make sure the rinse aid compartment is full. (You should, even if you have a water softener:)

–You run the hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher. (Your parents never needed to do this.)

–Finally, you start the machine. (A dishwasher should.… Wash Dishes.)

Only to find…

So what’s the next step…

Or just…

Well before you go building a wine rack in the hole where your dishwasher used to be lets look at a few recent changes that may be hurting your dishwashers performance.

1) The Great Algae Debate (Stay with me.)

I realize the question “What does algae have to do with my dishwasher not cleaning like it used to?” probably just popped up in your head.

Well, the short version of the story is that phosphates have been linked to increased algae growth in water bodies which, in turn, can cause harm to wildlife and our water supply.  As a result phosphates (which have been a key ingredient in dishwashing detergents to help fight dirt and grime) have been banned in many states from being used in detergents.

2) The Great Energy Debate (Are you still there?)

In order for dishwashers to meet the newest Energy Star guidelines, new machines must use less energy and water than ever before.  It’s not uncommon to have a new machine from a top manufacturer run for over 2 hours per load while using less water. (Some even run for 3.)  In order to conserve energy, dishwashers spend less time heating the water once it’s inside the unit.

3) The Not-So-Great Issue of Hard Water (Not really a new issue, but very important)

Hard water is hard on dishwashers.  Hard water can block the spray jets with lime scale and cause deposits on the dishwashers heating element.  This can and will reduce the cleaning power, efficiency and life of your dishwasher. Not to mention hard water can cause spotting on dishes and reduce the detergents ability to clean your dirty dishes.

Now you may be asking “What can I do to make my dishwasher clean my dirty dishes?” 

Well, fortunately, Idler’s is here to help.

Here is the breakdown of what Idler’s recommends that you do to get the best performance out of your High-Efficiency Dishwasher:

1) Scrape off your dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. (For bonus points try starting a compost bin.)

Also, if you are going to wait for more than a day before running a load of dishes, it is a good idea to pre-rinse your dishes. This prevents odors and bacteria from building up.

2) Use a high-quality HE dishwasher detergent.

Since phosphates are no longer an option. High enzyme count detergents are now recommended. We recommend Excelsior HE Dishwasher Detergent.

This HE Dishwasher Detergent is Enzyme Based, 100% Phosphate and Chlorine Bleach Free, Biodegradable and Septic Safe. One bottle does 66 loads and is available at all Idler’s store locations.

3) Use a high-quality Rinse Aid.  (You should be using rinse aid even if you have a water softener.)

Rinse Aid basically causes water to sheet off your dishes and leaves your dishes spotless.

Idler’s recommends Excelsior HE Dishwasher Spot Free Rinse Aid. Like Excelsior HE Dishwasher Detergent, this rinse aid is Biodegradable, Phosphate Free and Septic Safe.  Just one bottle lasts for 133 loads!  Excelsior HE Dishwasher Spot Free Rinse Aid is available at all Idler’s store locations.

4) Use a hard water remover (If you do not have a water softener).  Idler’s recommends Lemi Shine.

Lemi Shine keeps hard water minerals such as lime, calcium, and iron from building up in the internal components of the dishwasher.  Just a little goes a long way.  (Ask us how we recommend using it in conjunction with HE dishwasher detergent.) Lemi Shine is available at all Idler’s store locations.

5) Preheat the water before starting the dishwasher.

Run the hot water in your kitchen sink and let it get hot right before starting your dishwasher. This allows your dishwasher to fill with hot water, saving you money in energy costs while increasing your dishwashers performance.  (For bonus points save the water from the sink and, once it cools, use it to water your plants or animals.)

6) Clean your dishwasher once a month.

A common myth is that your dishwasher cleans itself during the wash cycle.  Cleaning your dishwasher will remove any grease and lime scale deposits which can build up on the inside of the machine.  As an added bonus you will get that “New Appliance Smell” after each cleaning.  Idler’s recommends Dishwasher Magic.

Dishwasher Magic removes hard water and rust build–up from spray arms, hoses and filters and is the only EPA–approved dishwasher cleaner certified to kill 99.9% of specifically tested bacteria.  Dishwasher Magic is available at all Idler’s store locations.

The team and Idler’s would like to thank you for taking the time to read our post. If you have any questions, please contact us.

The first Idler’s Appliance store was opened in San Luis Obispo, CA by Bud Idler in 1954. The family tradition of great customer service has continued for over 57 years. Today, Idler’s has four stores covering the Central Coast of California with over 70 employees to serve you. Idler’s Appliance showrooms are located in Atascadero, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. We carry most major appliance, kitchen design, outdoor living, bedroom furniture and mattress brands.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home and at our Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo stores we have complete Kitchen Design Centers featuring fine cabinetry and countertops. Our team of trained designers will help you plan and create the kitchen of your dreams.

In Atascadero, the Idler’s Appliance Outlet specializes in factory blemished, floor models and discontinued models of major brand appliances at drastically reduced prices.

If you enjoy outdoor living, visit the Idler’s Outdoor Living center in Paso Robels. We carry the finest in outdoor kitchens, barbecues, hot tubs, swim spas and more.

Service is a major part of our business and we have our own team of factory-trained technicians at Idler’s to care for everything we sell.

At Idler’s you will find the best prices and the best service. We look forward to serving you.