Washing Machines

Why does my washing machine smell?

The use of predominantly low temperature washing programmes can result in the build up of bacteria and undissolved detergents which can cause the appliance (and clean laundry) to smell. Overloading the machine can also contribute to this.

Run the machine with no laundry at 90 degrees to clear the drum of residues. If suds can be seen in the drum during this process the programme should be repeated until only clean, clear water can be seen. To avoid the recurrence run a 90 degree programme monthly with half the normal amount of a whites, biological detergent.

Check the weight of your laundry, note that the maximum weight for an Easy-Care programme is 50% that of a Linens programme.

Why is there black build up in the detergent drawer?

The use of predominantly low temperature washing programmes can result in the build up of bacteria in this area. Remove the detergent drawer and thoroughly clean both it and the compartment with a long handled brush. Once clean treat with a sterilising solution. When you have finished using the appliance leave the appliance door and drawer open slightly to allow fresh air to flow through.

Why is my fabric conditioner not emptying?

Please note that it is not unusual for a small amount of water or conditioner to be left in the compartment.

Concentrated softeners may need diluting with water – dilute to the consistency of single cream.

Remove the detergent drawer and thoroughly clean it in hot water. Make sure that the conditioner siphon is perfectly clean. You may also need to clean the roof of the compartment from where the water is fed into the drawer – use a long handled brush to remove all residues.

Why does my fabric conditioner empty too soon?

Do not overfill the compartment, this can cause the conditioner to empty prematurely, use only the amount specified on the container. Closing the detergent drawer heavily can also cause the conditioner to empty immediately.

Why is my machine not emptying?

Check that you have not selected ‘Rinse Hold’.

It may be that a foreign object has blocked the drain pump. Locate the pump cover at the base of the machine. Drain water using pipe (if fitted) or by loosening cap slightly. Fully unscrew the cover and remove any obstructions. If nothing can be found there check the drain hose and your waste system for blockages etc.

Dishwashers

My dishwasher will not drain?

Remove and check filters and clean as necessary. If there does not appear to be any blockages there then check the drain hose for kinks or constrictions, and your drainage system where the dishwasher drain hose connects to it.

Why do I get poor wash results?

Always scrape food remains off plates, utensils etc prior to placing in your dishwasher. Maintain the interior of your dishwasher regularly. Remove and clean the filters in the base of the interior and check the pump area for food debris. Remove the spray arms and check the jets for food particles – carefully remove any blockages being careful not to damage the jets.

It can be beneficial to run a dishwasher cleaner though the machine once every two or three months. Take note of our comments in the user manual regarding combined (2-in-1, 3-in-1, etc) detergent products.

What should not be washed in my dishwasher?

You should not wash cutlery with wooden handles, the wood may discolour and if the handles are glued on the glue may melt. Lead crystal may become cloudy. Silver or silver-plate may discolour. Aluminium may corrode.

Anything that is not marked ‘dishwasher proof’ or ‘dishwasher safe’ should not be dishwashed.

Why is there a bad smell in my dishwasher?

There is nothing within the construction of a dishwasher that can cause bad odours.

If your dishwasher smells it can only be the result of food debris left within the appliance because of a poor or faulty house drainage system, incorrect installation of the dishwasher drain hose or some sort of blockage in the drain pump (see Dishwasher Will Not Drain). Less likely is a problem with the water supply.

It is a good idea to run a dishwasher cleaner through the appliance every three months or so. Make sure that you also clean and wipe the edges of the door and the door seal, especially at the bottom of the door.

Refrigeration

Why is there a bad smell in my fridge?

There is nothing within the construction of a refrigeration appliance that can cause bad odours.

Food spillage will always be the cause of smells. The most common scenario is that liquid (milk, fruit juice, etc.) has been spilt within the fridge and that some of the liquid has entered the defrost drainage channel located on the rear wall of fridge compartment, just above the salad drawers. This can be ducted down to the condensation reservoir located on the top of the compressor at the lower rear of the appliance where it will deteriorate and start to smell.

If this has happened you must thoroughly clean the reservoir and sterilise it, first isolating the appliance from the mains supply.

If the smell still lingers and you are certain that everything has been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised try putting a large bowl of cat litter into the fridge compartment. This helps to absorb the odours and can still be used afterwards for its designated use.

Why is the freezer compartment defrosting in my fridge/freezer?

In a cold location the freezer may begin to defrost or even completely defrost. Most fridge freezers will only operate satisfactorily in an ambient temperature down to plus 10 degrees C although some need a minimum of plus 18 degrees C. This may seem strange but the fridge thermostat governs the operation of the freezer and if the ambient temperature drops to either of the figures above the fridge will switch off. That will not be a problem for the fridge which should be cool enough to keep its contents safe but it will mean that the freezer will cease to work and that will create a problem. Take note of the Climate Class of the appliance which will tell you the temperature range that the appliance is suitable for use in. The classes are as follows:

SN - ambient temperatures between +10 °C to +32 °C

N - ambient temperatures between +16 °C to +32 °C

ST - ambient temperatures between +16 °C to +38 °C

Why is my freezer temperature display flashing?

If the digital display of your freezer is flashing, that indicates that the temperature has risen above minus 14 C. This could be because the door was accidentally left open, warm food was put into the compartment, there was a power cut, etc. Press and hold the alarm button (klaxon with a cross through it) and it will indicate the highest temperature reached since the last time that the button was pressed. When the button is released the display will revert to normal, assuming that there is no longer a problem.

If you are intending to put fresh food into a freezer switch the Super(Fast) freeze on at least two hours prior to adding the food and always put the fresh food on the top shelf until such time as it has become frozen.

Why are there ice / water droplets on the rear wall of my refrigerator?

It is quite normal to see droplets of ice or water on the rear wall of a refrigerator. Moisture will accumulate there and become drops of water which will then freeze. When the auto defrost operates the ice will melt and run down the rear wall into the gulley which will direct it down the duct and thence into a reservoir on top of the compressor from where it will disperse into the atmosphere. Make sure that nothing in the fridge touches the rear wall or they are likely to become wet.

Why is my fridge/freezer making noises?

It is not unusual to hear noises from refrigeration appliances, especially when the appliance is switching on or off.

The compressor (motor) may hum whilst in operation.

Bubbling, gurgling or whirring noises may be heard as the refrigerant circulates.

Clicking will be heard as the thermostat turns the compressor on and off.

Cracking may be heard when the auto-defrost is operating or when the appliance is cooling down or warming up.

A frost-free freezer may emit a low hissing sound as the air circulates around the compartment.

Other noises may be caused by: the appliance not being level, the appliance touching other appliances, furniture or walls, drawers, baskets or shelves are loose or sticking. Bottles or other containers are rattling against each other.

Why is the floor of the main refrigerator section wet?

This could be because the condensation water drainage channel is blocked. You can find this on the rear side of the cooling interior. Dry the bottom of the refrigerator and clean the drainage channel and the outlet hole with a cotton bud or similar item. You can avoid this problem by cleaning the drainage channel regularly.

Hobs

How can I clean aluminium burner rings?

Remember that hobs are cooking tools and as such will deteriorate with use. Cooking inherently involves the heating of foodstuffs, many of which have a fatty content, and when fat lands on a hot surface it will burn on very quickly. Even water will tend to burn on to the aluminium burner rings and leave a brown mark. The most effective way of cleaning these burners is to ensure the food residue is cleaned off as soon as practical after cooking, before the grease deposits are allowed to burn back on. These burners should be soaked in a solution of warm soapy water (overnight)*, extra stubborn stains may then be removed with the use of a cream cleaners. These may be applied using a green nylon scourer.
* Not meant for cast-iron burner caps and pan supports.

How can I clean cast iron pan supports?

Frequently scrubbing the supports is very effective. Do make sure that the supports are thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent rusting.

How can I clean my ceramic hob?

Ceramic hobs should be cleaned after use with a damp cloth while still warm. Cleaning should be carried out using a clean damp soapy cloth. If you use a protective product after cleaning, the shiny dust-repellent surface will make cleaning easier the next time around. If stains persist, please contact our spare parts department to offer one of our special cleaning agents.

To remove food deposits use a glass scraper. These can also be used in order to get rid of easily-removable dirt deposits when cooking plates are still warm. Remember that the blade should be sharp and replace worn blades. Do not run the blade along the edge of the cooking hob.

Why are the gas rings hard to ignite?

The ignitor is located under the burner cap. If the cap has become slightly displaced the ignitor may not spark. Check that all caps are properly located.

Ignition will be quicker if a pan is in place. Ignite with the gas at full and once alight turn down to around 50%, it should lock on within 6 seconds.

Why does the ignition spark continue to operate?

This can be caused by the ignition actuator sticking down due to the ingress of grease or debris, the ignitor block within the body of the hob becoming short-circuited by a fault or more frequently by the ingress of water due to over enthusiastic cleaning of the hob or water boiling over onto the hob top and entering the appliance. If it has been caused by water ingress the problem will cure itself once the hob dries out, otherwise you will require an Oxford House registered technician to dismantle the appliance and effect a repair. On no account attempt to dismantle a gas appliance unless you are suitably qualified.

Hoods

How often should I replace my activated carbon filters?

Carbon filters are used to neutralise odours when your hood is recirculating air around the kitchen.
During normal operation (1 to 2 hours daily) the filters should be replaced roughly once a year. Replacement filters can be obtained from our Spares Department. Carbon filters for all cooker hoods are optional and are available at an extra cost.

How can I clean my metal grease filters?

In normal operation (1 to 2 hours daily) the filter must be cleaned after 8 to 10 weeks. When you remove your filter you may notice it is discoloured, this is normal and nothing to worry about.

To clean the filters by dishwasher
Metal filters can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but be careful not to wash them alongside any other crockery or cutlery when they are saturated with grease.

To clean the filters by hand
Soak the filters in hot soapy water or with a special degreaser, then brush the filters clean, rinse them thoroughly and leave the water to drain off

What are the hood operation modes for?

Exhaust-air mode:
The ventilator fan draws the vapours produced during cooking into the extractor hood, where they pass through the grease filter and out into the open air. The grease filter absorbs the grease contained in the vapours produced during cooking. The kitchen is kept almost totally free from grease and odours

Recirculating-air mode:
To operate in this mode it is necessary to install an activated carbon filter (available from our Spares Department). The ventilator fan draws the vapours produced during cooking into the extractor hood, where they pass firstly through the grease filter and then through the carbon filter before the clean air is discharged back into the kitchen. The grease filter absorbs the grease while the activated carbon filter absorbs any odorous substances.

General Information

Who connects my appliance/s?

The appliance/s must be connected (not installed) by an Oxford House authorised personell.
The company is responsible for the connection and demonstration of the appliance/s and commissioning of respective guarantee/s at no extra cost.

What is required prior connection?

Download Checklist

When does the guarantee starts?

The guarantee starts on the same day of commissioning. (A maximimum allowance of 12 months after date of delivery).

Where do I find my guarantee?

Should the appliance be connected on the same day of the delivery, the guarantee will be issued immediately on site, else handed by our technicians on the connection date.