Why isn't my dishwasher cleaning well?
Phosphates were recently banned from dishwasher detergents, to the frustration of many dishwasher owners. Stained and filmed dishware and glasses are often the result, regardless of the brand or type of dishwasher related article. To help alleviate the problem, we recommend setting your hot water heater to at least 120 degrees, and to experiment with different detergents to see what works best with your water.
With soft water, it's easy to use too much detergent. Filling the detergent dispenser all the way will result in filming and other wash problems. Consult your manual for guidelines, but remember that with soft water you'll get better wash performance if you use less detergent.
It's making noises my old one never did, or working differently. Is something wrong?
Over the past few years appliances have made huge strides in efficiency. They sound and operate differently, so it's easy to mistake these operating differences for a problem. Your owner's manual often contains important information on operating procedures and characteristics that you may not be accustomed to.
What kind of detergent is best for my HE washer?
High efficiency (HE) washers are designed to clean clothes using less energy, water and detergent. Since they use less water HE detergent should be used to ensure proper cleaning.
My front-load washer doesn't always spin out. Why?
If the load isn't balanced properly when the spin begins, it can go out of balance and shut down to prevent damage to the machine. Simply re-distribute the clothes and try again.
Do HE washers need any maintenance?
It's a good idea to follow the guidelines in your user manual regarding cleaning around door seals and filters, if applicable. Clean the dryer vent of lint after each use.
Why does my Range make a burning smell when I first use it?
A new oven will emit a burning smell during initial use; it will go away after a few hours of operation. It is simply the oils used in the manufacturing process burning off the metal.
What is covered under my furniture warranty?
Each of our manufacturers offers different warranties. Please see the Furniture Warranty Guide for general info, and call for details. If you purchased a Premium Protection Plan with your furniture, please see a copy of your warranty.
I purchased fabric or leather protection and have a problem, how do I obtain service?
Purchase of Fabric and Leather protection covers most accidental rips, tears and burns.
Premium Protection Plans - 518-762-7829
Guardsman (Valspar) - 800-253-3957 (Claims must be reported within 5 days of the accident)
Is it normal for the fabric to "shed" or "pill"?
This is often a temporary or maintainable characteristic. When it does not affect the long-term reliability of the fabric, it is not considered a warrantable defect. What is 'Pilling'?
Why has my fabric developed patches that look different than the rest?
You may have Rayon, which offers a great, stylish look but develops unique characteristics with use. Rayon is a lustrous fiber. It will immediately develop light and dark areas that look like wear. This is a characteristic of the fabric, and does not affect its usable life or reliability.
Why doesn't my furniture look or feel like what I saw on the floor or in the catalog?
A slight difference in comfort between our floor display and a newly delivered product is normal and should be expected. Cushion cores are often firm when new, but will soften with use. Recliner mechanisms may also be stiff upon arrival but will loosen over time.
Many models of furniture have zippers to allow areas with stuffing to be adjusted (added, removed or redistributed) by the owner.
Wood finishes may vary slightly in color between items. This is a result of normal variations in the natural wood.
Many varieties of wood furniture have an intentional "distressed" look, including rub marks and small pits or scratches on the surface of the wood. These marks can be clearly seen on the floor displays, but may not be obvious when viewing special order product in a catalog or online.
What should I expect with my new mattress?
Here's a guide: What to expect with my new mattress.
I'm sleeping worse on my new bed than my old one! What's wrong?
A new mattress can make a world of difference in the quality of your sleep, but it often takes days or weeks for your body to adjust. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, give it some time for the product and your body to adjust to each other. Once you do, you'll get the best sleep you've experienced in years.
Is it normal to see an impression where I sleep?
You'll typically experience an impression where you sleep, as the various layers of a mattress compress. This usually happens in the first days or months of sleeping on a new bed, and is completely normal. On the other hand, in the rare instance the mattress support system fails, the impression will be deep and there will be an obvious difference in support between the affected area and the rest of the bed. While visible impressions are to be expected, anything over 1.5" deep is considered to be evidence of a defect.
CARPET
Why is my new carpet shedding?
The balls of fluff, or loose fibers, found on carpet or in the vacuum cleaner bag are the normal result of fiber left in the carpet from the manufacturing process. Removing these loose fibers does not affect carpet life or appearance. Because of their large size, these fibers are too big to become airborne or to be breathed in. With proper vacuuming and using a quality vacuum cleaner, most shedding gradually disappears within the first year after installation.
Why does my carpet seem to change color when I look at it from different directions?
Light reflects differently as the pile is pushed in different directions. Foot traffic generally causes this and the best solution is to sweep or vacuum the pile in a uniform direction.
Some tufts are longer than others. What should I do?
Just snip the end to even the carpet surface. Never yank out long or loose ends as this can permanently damage your carpet. If a tuft becomes snagged or works loose, simply cut it off and let the surrounding yarn fill in the space.
What can I do about static?
When a room's relative humidity is very low, a static charge can build up in your carpet as you walk across it. If this occurs, a humidifier or other commercially available products can help.
How can I avoid permanent indentations?
Your carpet pile may compress due to heavy foot traffic or weight of furniture. Rotating furniture may help reduce indentations. You can work the pile back into place with the edge of a coin. Sometimes, passing a hot steam iron over the spot can also help, but keep the iron at least four inches above the carpet.
Spot & Stain Removal
Carpet One has published extensive spot and stain removal instructions on their website.
HARDWOOD
How do I care for my new hardwood floor?
Caring for hardwood floors is easy. Frequent sweeping or vacuuming (with soft attachments) to remove loose dirt and soil is generally all that is required.
What can I do to minimize scratches and indentations on my new hardwood floor?
The finish on hardwood floors provides greater resistance to everyday household scratches. Remember to use floor protectors under the feet of your furniture. If you have casters on furniture, make sure they are barrel type wheels (a minimum of 1" continuous width is recommended). When moving furniture, use extra caution. Never drag furniture to a new location, always lift. Also, be aware that certain shoe types like stiletto heels can damage hardwood because of the pressure exerted through them. And finally, if you have pets, remember to keep their nails trimmed.
What changes will I see over the years in my hardwood floor?
Wood is a natural product and will react to changes in its environment. The cure is to minimize humidity changes. A constant humidity of 50% with a temperature of 69-70F will lend stability to your floor. Direct sunlight can affect color, so it's a good idea to move area rugs and furniture periodically to allow for even color changes. Remember, hardwood is a natural product and develops a warm, beautifully aged patina over the years when given proper care.
AREA RUGS
How do maintain my area rug?
With proper maintenance, area rugs will last years (if not a lifetime). Be sure to use a high-quality rug pad with all area rugs. Area rugs should be rotated 180-degrees every six months. This balances out sun exposure and traffic patterns. Regular vacuuming is essential to maintaining a beautiful area rug.
