Happy Veterans Day

Kelly's Korner - Dishwasher Duel

Hey, All,

Creative Commons license on image.

I don't know how many of you have multiple people loading the dishwasher at your house, but I have several.  And we all load it differently.  My #1 son gets miffed with me most times because he thinks I load it wrong and he'll completely redo it - heavy sigh!  I just try to get the maximum amount of dishes in and make sure that the spray will hit all of the surface areas, right?  I don't prewash my dishes but do scrap as much leftovers off as possible.  In the case of rice, I will make sure that all the rice is off the dishes.  My dishwasher doesn't do well with rice.


The #2 son puts the minimum of dishes in he can get spread out so it "looks" full.

Creative Commons license on image

The #1 son's girlfriend almost completely washes the dishes before putting them in.

The #3 son just unloads.

And of course the grand-dog is more than happy to help with any "pre-washing" lol!

So what is your formula for loading the dishwasher?  Weigh in and let me know how you do it at kelly.m@wlmay.com or just leave a comment.

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation

In the midst of a busy life don't forget to live. ― Marty Rubin

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Friday Morning Videos: Refrigerator Organization (simple + cheap!)

Recently we found a stash of videos that talk about techniques for refrigerator organizing. This video features some good organization idea, but it also contains a factual error. At about 1:15 the presenter makes the comment that the back of the top shelf is the coldest spot in the refrigerator. She is only half right. The rear of the refrigerator IS usually cooler. HOWEVER, heat rises so it is the back of the BOTTOM shelf that is the coolest. That said, we hope you like the video and some kitchen organization ideas.

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Throwback Thursday: News Recap November 5, 2015

If you have been reading the W.L. May Blog but haven't checked us out on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, you may not be getting the whole story. We use all of those social media outlets to share news stories that relate to our industry as well as appliance tips we have found from other sources. Here is a recap of some of the top stories we have seen lately. So without further ado:

We start with some consumer friendly articles we feel would be great for sharing:

• XWow had some laundry room ideas for tight spaces. LINK
• Des Moines Water Works told us about a mysterious dishwasher built up film. LINK
• Most of us our probably guilty of believing some of the cooking myths presented by Paste. LINK
• HNGN posted tips can help keep your appliance running for years to come. LINK
• This article from the USA blog is few years old. Maybe something to show customers who think the problem is YOU when you cannot predict what will be needed for an electronic board repair. It also talks a little about the lack of industry standards for fault codes, which is a whole other issue that should be addressed. LINK
• Have you ever seen ice spikes in ice made with a tray? Appliance Video explained how they form. LINK
• If your dishwasher is acting up, you may not need a repairman or a new dishwasher. It could be something as simple as some cleaning and maintenance. LINK
• Stained or pitted plastic storage containers are unattractive and they may not hold their seal. Here are some tips to get the longest life from your plastic food containers. LINK
• This is, quite possibly, the best article I have seen about preparing your appliances for the holidays. LINK

Next, we look at the manufacturers and how they have been in the news recently:

• Electrolux made an offer to settle with the DOJ over the purchase of GE's appliance division. LINK
• In merger news, Louisville Business First reported that Electrolux is spending 64 million dollars just for transaction fees. It isn't easy to buy General Electric. LINK
• GE started a training program hoping to get young people into the appliance manufacturing business. LINK
• We heard that if you are looking for work in appliance manufacturing, Alliance, makers of Speed Queen, are hiring. LINK
• In further merger news, the DOJ declined Electroluxes offer to settle. LINK

We found some articles that might be of interest to those of you who love all thing appliances:

• We found a nice weekend project for the beer fan in your life-building a keg fridge. LINK
• Consumer Reports wondered if Black Stainless will be the new Stainless Steel. LINK
• In a particularly Portland-ish idea. Appliance Video turned a bike wheel into a laundry rack! LINK
• Consumer Reports takes a short look at front load washing machines and why they use so little water. LINK
• We showed you the R2D2 mini fridge a while ago. Here is the Darth Vader refrigerator and Vodka dispenser. LINK
• We also showed you a really cool concealed outdoor beer refrigerator. LINK

Sometimes, the links we post are related to technology, business or happenings on the Internet:

• Students in Calgary developed a refrigerator that uses no electricity. We observed that it works in Canada, but would it work in Death Valley? LINK
• The independent service company may soon have some new challenges to deal with. Servicers web reported on a new "Uber style" app for home repairs.  LINK
• The Master Samurai and Mrs Samurai shared some Total Appliance Enlightenment regarding cash flow for your appliance repair business. LINK
• In a follow story about an "Uber for Appliance Repair". The United Servicers Association looked at the situation and had recommendations for how to compete. LINK
• I3E Media discusses the new Google Home Services program. LINK
• A guy in France has invented a cure for the well known problem of "plumbers cracks". LINK

We close with few just for fun stories:

• Refrigerators are great for cooling, but even more important as bulletin boards. LINK
• A journalist used some field engineering to solve a dishwasher install problem. LINK
• Some husbands found out what the women are REALLY talking about in the other room. LINK
• Yet another lost sock story. LINK

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Range Items

Every week at W.L. May we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we look at a variety of  range items.

November is range month at W.L. May. You would be surprised at the age of some of the machines we get calls for at this time of year. Sometimes, due to the age of the range, parts are just no longer being made. We have a few switches and otherparts that might help if you find yourself servicing an older range.

WB21X5243

For many years, GE used a push button surface unit switch on their ranges. Eventually, they moved to a rotary infinite switch. The GE design has a few things going for it. One thing, as a part person, I have to love is that GE used the same switch for both large and small surface elements.

Another feature that makes it a versatile switch is the breakaway shaft, which helps it fit as replacement on variety of machine designs. Not all technicians like working with switches that use breakaway shafts, however, there is a certain distrust of the strength of the shaft. Fortunately, our return rates do not indicate that the shaft on these are the weak points those technicians fear.

903136-9020

Another common rotary infinite switch we are featuring this week can be found on ranges made by Frigidaire, Gibson, Kenmore, Kelvinator, Tappan, Crosley and Westinghouse. Designed for the large surface unit your part number is 903136-9020.

5500-200

Robertshaw makes a lot of controls that are used in the world of HVAC. They also have a lot of parts in their inventory that are appliance related as well. One of those parts are universal infinite switches. Robertshaw offers several styles of infinite switches. This week we feature the push-to-turn type, part 5500-200. This switch comes a breakaway shaft and adapters for both screw and palnut mounting. In addition it has a variety of slip fit adapters allowing for knob designs from a variety of manufacturers.

6700S0011

Of course, there are more than just infinite switches involved in a range console (with the exception of cooktops). There is also an oven thermostat on a range. Supco offers a useful replacement with part 6700S0011. We have talked about this part in the past, but it has been a while. It comes in a kit with knobs and adapters. It has a 60 inch capillary tube & can be used to replace most single-pole & double-pole thermostats.

RP2514G

Now that we have covered switches and thermostats that regulate the flow of energy to the various elements, lets look at the wires that current can travel on. Bulk range wire can come in very handy in a wide variety of circumstances. This week we are featuring a 25 foot box of 3 strand, 14 guage coil that has a glass insulation wrapping. Part RP2514G is very much something that should be your inventory if it is not already.

5303051519

OK, so this week we have looked at some switches and a thermostat. We have looked at range wire. Now lets look at few elements. A popular bake element that can be found on over 110 Electrolux and Kenmore ranges is 5303051519.

MP26KA

Frequently in the fall we get call asking about canning elements. What is a canning element? Well, it is basically a normal 8" plug in surface element. What makes it stand out for canning is the reinforced base that can support a heavier load-such as the pressure cookers used for canning. If you would like a canning element, ask your parts rep for MP26MA.

We have lots of other range parts in stock to keep you ready as we move through the "kitchen appliance holidays", just give us a call and even on those older ranges we can probably help  you get it back online.

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Monday Motivation

Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart. – Ancient Indian Proverb

             For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE