Appliances

KITCHEN

Dirty dishes in the dishwasher? If dishes won't come clean in your dishwasher, the problem could be a clogged chopper assembly, which can restrict water flow.

Dishwasher won't start? Lights don't go on? The problem could simply be a blown thermal fuse inside the control panel. You can purchase a new fuse and fix the dishwasher yourself.

Freezer: If your freezer only works after being unplugged then plugged back in, the thermal fuse, or thermistor, may be faulty. Here's how to replace it -- as well as the defrost sensor.

Repair a toaster? Is it worth it? Find out what it takes in this two-part, instructional video. And be sure to check out the viewer comments for additional tips. Part 1 Part 2

Oven glass: Are ugly food spills staining the glass inside your oven door? Easily take apart your oven door and clean the glass inside and out! Caution: The door is very heavy!

Refrigerator: If your fridge only works after it is unplugged then plugged back in, then your problem may be a faulty thermal fuse, or thermistor. Here's how to check it.

Refrigerator / freezer won’t cool? The problem could be your compressor start relay, sometimes integrated into the motherboard. So here’s how to replace the motherboard.

BATHROOM

Noisy bathroom fan? Chances are you don't need to replace the entire unit. The blower wheel, or fan, may be loose on its axle. Here's how to replace the blower wheel.

DVD/CD PLAYERS

Jammed tray in your DVD or CD player? You might be able to fix it using the "Star Wars" technique! Or you might try a more workable suggestion below!

DVD or CD player won't open? Try this simple repair for less than a couple of bucks! The inexpensive part is easily obtainable at your home center or hardware store.

DEHUMIDIFIERS

Demystifying the dehumidifier: It's really just a simple machine once you get to know it! Understanding how it works can help you troubleshoot and identify problems.

Demystifying the dehumidifier Part 2: Here's how to easily take yours apart for cleaning, maintenance or repairs. All you'll need are some basic tools -- like a screwdriver.

Demystifying the dehumidifier Part 3: If your dehumidifier ices up or freezes up, here's why and what you can do about it! You should have your dehumidifier running again in no time.

HEATING/COOLING

Electric stove heating unit: Have the "flames" gone out in your freestanding electric stove heating unit? Easily restore them with a pair of light bulbs and a screwdriver.

Geothermal heating: The condensate drain tube in your geothermal furnace/heating unit should be cleared of debris annually. Here's what to do and what could happen if you don't.

Wood stove combustion air: If you plan to use outside combustion air for your Blaze King or Princess wood stove, the outside air adapter might not fit correctly. Here's how to modify it so it will attach properly.

Wood stove combustion air: Here's one way to connect your Blaze King or Princess wood stove to outside combustion air, which can reduce the amount of indoor smoke from your woodstove.

LAMPS AND LIGHT-DUTY APPLIANCES

Replace the plug: Don't throw that lamp or light-duty appliance away just because there's a short in the electrical plug. For a few dollars, you can replace the plug yourself.

TELEVISION

Ready to "cut the cord?" Make this powerful, digital TV antenna and watch TV for free! Complete, detailed step-by-step instructions, right down to what size screws you need!

Set up your TV antenna! Here's how to set up your do-it-yourself digital TV antenna -- or most any TV antenna -- and how to configure your TV to receive antenna signals.

VACUUM CLEANERS

Vacuum attachment stuck? No need to buy a new vacuum or a new hose. Easily free the latch on the attachment with a flat-blade screwdriver, and the attachment should come off.