Shirley H.

"In addition to saving space, buying a portable washing machine can save you money, too. While washers from Samsung and Whirlpool start at around $600, portable washing machines are hundreds of dollars less. It's important to remember that these machines tend to fit only a few pounds of clothing at a time. Larger loads with heavy or bulky items (such as shoes or bed sheets) might have to be done elsewhere, said Shirley Hood, an appliance expert from retailer Abt."

"Shirley Hood, the appliance expert at Abt Electronics in Glenview, said she's heard a number of misconceptions about dishwashers that prompt people to rely on handwashing instead, a common one being that the machine isn't going to clean dishes as well as the hands-on method. Hood said she often points out to customers that dishwashers sanitize at unreplicable temperatures -- going up to 170 degrees. She added that people typically hand-wash dishes by reusing sponges and towels, which isn't as sanitary as using the machine.… "The bottom line is it gets your dishes cleaner because of the length of time that they are in the water as well as the temperature of the water," she said. For those who do use the dishwasher, Hood said there are three ways to increase the appliance's energy and water use efficiency: Always run full loads, avoid pre-rinsing and let your dishes air dry. Typical dishwashers use the same amount of energy and water each cycle regardless of the number of dishes. Prioritizing full loads is one of the most effective ways to maximize the machine's use, Hood said."

"Shirley Hood, Appliance Specialist at Abt Electronics and Appliances in Glenview, Illinois, agrees: Upright freezers are 'great if you don't typically freeze a lot of things,' she says… If you're limited by space, a small upright freezer may be the solution. 'They are narrower, so they're easier to store, and they have a smaller footprint,' Hood says."

"Built-in ice makers can be finicky, and they're expensive to fix, too. Shirley Hood, an appliance specialist at Abt Electronics, said that ice-maker issues account for about 10 percent of the service calls the store makes on new refrigerators. The problem is usually related to a dispenser or water line that has frozen shut, but if the ice maker itself needs to be fixed, it will cost at least $240 for parts and labor.

If you're shopping for a fridge and a built-in ice maker is one of your must-have features, consider picking a model that has the ice maker and dispenser inside the freezer compartment. Refrigerators with dispensers in the fresh-food, refrigerator-side compartment are more prone to problems, Hood said, because they're fighting an uphill battle against warmer temperatures."

"Rinsing can help prevent this and keep your machine running smoother for longer. However, cleaning your plates entirely is one way you're loading your dishwasher incorrectly. Leaving some residue on them is necessary in order for the detergent to work properly, says Shirley Hood, an appliance expert and sales representative with Abt Electronics… Don't let your pets or children sit on the door to the dishwasher. It may sound obvious, but it's something Hood, with over 20 years experience, sees often, along with damage from people tripping over the doors of their dishwashers. Plus, it's so fun to play with the door at the end of the cycle and watch the steam come billowing out…

Hood says overloading on detergent—one of the most common dishwashing mistakes–can cause residue buildup in the wash and drain pumps. Use pre-measured detergent packs to make sure you're not overdoing it…

It happens: things break in the dishwasher. But Hood says people often don't realize there's glass in the appliance. 'Depending on the size, glass chards can get past the dishwasher filter and make its way into the drain pump where it can cause real damage,' she says. These other items can also cause potential damage to your dishwasher…

Hood says people often throw candle holders and glass votives in the dishwasher without removing the melted wax first. The wax can cause residue buildup, which if not removed, can clog the wash and drain pump over time…

'This can cause large food items like nuts or even glass to get into the drain pump and cause damage to the line,' says Hood. 'The mesh filters at the bottom of most dishwashers is for protection of the wash pump. If you don't place the filter back into the lock position after removing it for cleaning, you are giving it the chance to move around during the wash cycle, allowing room for food particles and even glass to get into the drain pump which over time can clog or damage the line.'"