Appliances

Rush, rush, rush—in today’s 24/7 culture, a microwave can be a real boon to busy households and time-strapped cooks. But even though these ubiquitous appliances are fast and convenient, there are certain items that you should never, ever put in them. Among the offenders are foods that can splatter or pop, causing a big mess and a huge cleanup hassle, as well as materials that pose health and safety hazards. While there are plenty of things you should never put in a microwave, the items listed here are some of the most common hazards. Just remember: When in doubt, keep it out!

They chug and spin and wring and tumble, but how long should a washer and dryer last?

Disguise appliances by seamlessly integrating them into cabinetry, allowing your kitchen to remain a spic ’n span showplace.

Learn about the various possible purposes of the drawer under a gas or electric oven—and put it to good use in your kitchen.

If your fridge is trying to tell you something, listen up! Learn the difference between run-of-the-mill noises and those that are cause for concern.

This vital kitchen appliance may hang in there longer than you think, but it won’t be around forever. Learn how to extend its life—and find out when it’s time to buy a new one.

If you’re fed up with limescale on your fixtures and dishes coated with white spots, it may be time to invest in a water softener. Get the cold, hard facts about hard water and what you can do to correct it.

Learn which washing machine cleans best, costs less, and saves more time in the laundry room so you can choose the perfect appliance for your family.

Your glass cooktop is often the first surface in your kitchen to experience the thrills—and the spills—of a dinner party, large or small. Render it spick-and-span again using this easy, all-natural approach.

A malfunctioning refrigerator isn’t necessarily ready for the trash. You may not know it, but there are a number of DIY fixes you can try to troubleshoot a troublesome fridge. Read on for 8 homeowner-friendly solutions to this appliance’s most common woes.