D.I.Y. Repairs.

[cercis]

Re: D.I.Y. Repairs.

I can so relate to the hard water. The water here actually eats through metal. The first dishwasher in our rental house had so much minerals built up on the element it was double its normal size.

I'm looking for an organic solution. I currently use vinegar and it's working to a certain extent, but I'm sure it's a losing battle.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: D.I.Y. Repairs.

I replaced all the electric outlets a few years ago. I put up all our light fixtures. I hired an electrician to run a home run form the box into the basement though. I do simple plumbing repairs and I paint.

A person should know their limitations and hire the appropriate professional when necessary. I also don't mess with gas lines!

[cheapbastard]

Re: D.I.Y. Repairs.

I grew up on a farm and my father was a real do it yourselfer. That is probably where I get many of my skills. A friend of mine is totally useless when it comes to DIY. I can't understand it because his father is a bit of a handy man. He used to get his father come over and do little jobs around the house.
Tomorrow I change the oil in my car. (Another very simple DIY that I know a lot of people do not do themselves.)

[Bluezy]

Re: D.I.Y. Repairs.

As a renter, I am taking advantage of not having to worry about household DIY projects. However, when the time comes to buy property, I will learn to DIY like a pro.

[acezz4e_tish]

Re: D.I.Y. Repairs.

Lemony -

What maintenance do you do on a dishwasher. I ask because we've never really done anything and that was great for our maytag, but I've now had 2 different dishwashers that just suck. I have to scrub every last particle of food off before I load it or it won't get clean at all. And if there is one little particle of food left, it multiplies and then takes up residence in every single glass (always the glasses since they are so hard to clean).

there are bottles of cleaner for dishwashers in the store. you can green clean it too, mix some vinegar baking soda and lemon juice, run the machines empty. make sure you clean off that trap in the bottom too, i use an old toothbrush on that part. i saw someone post on here you can use vinegar as a rinsing agent too and its cheaper. i am definatly gonna do this as i do it in the laundry and it has not disappointed me yet. if you have to wash your dishes first, you definatly would have a problem, ive always been told the dirtier the better, it helps scrub the dishes im told. i would go to cascade.com they have a virtual tour of dishwashers, loading, cleaning and all. i used to have a grit problem in mine, but once a month i run it empty with the mix i mentioned, and i have no probs anymore. i use 2 diff soaps in mine too. i use one dollar gel in the second cup, main cup i use a red cascade pack. i used to buy the one dollar rinse agent too, but now ill be using vinegar. maybe even throw some ammonia in the wash while its empty.