Enjoy filtered water and ice from your refrigerator with the GE SmartWater Exterior Refrigerator and icemaker Inline Filter System (GXRLQ)

For refrigerators without built-in filters, works with most types of refrigerators

Enjoy clean, filtered water and ice from your refrigerator, even without a built-in water filter, with the new GE SmartWater Exterior Refrigerator and Icemaker Inline Filter System (GXRLQ).

The system works with most types of top-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators and is housed behind the refrigerator.  Once installed,

Avoid costly repairs by cleaning your dishwasher

Most people think that they do not need to clean their dishwasher, but over time parts can become coated and clogged with excess soap residue, food particles and broken pieces of plastic, glass or bone. Taking the time to disassemble a few parts from your dishwasher to give them a good cleaning will not only improve your dishwasher’s performance, but could possibly extend the life of your appliance and save you money by avoiding costly repairs.

Below are some tips on what to clean in case your dishwasher is not cleaning your dishes as well as it use to do.

When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher?

Stove knob covers prevent your kids (and your dog) from turning on your stove

Just recently, a fire was started in a New Jersey home when a dog turned on the stove, burning a laptop which was placed on top of the stove. This illustrates two points – one, don’t leave anything on top of your stove, even if it’s turned off and two, your dog can just as easily turn on your stove as your child.

In 2009, ranges and ovens were involved in an estimated 17,300 thermal burn injuries with children under the age of 5 making up 5,600, or 36%, of those injured according to The Electrical Safety Foundation International.

Pets can also be the cause of fires and nearly 1,000 home fires are started every year  by the homeowners’ pets, according to the National Fire Protection Association. To prevent fires, many safety organizations suggest installing stove knob guards or covers to keep your child and pet safe.

These clear stove knob covers by Child Safe mount under the knob without adhesive. The clear hinged lid allows easy adult-access to the knob when needed. Snap the lid shut to prevent child access to stove knobs.

To install:

• Remove the stove knob and position the cover over the post.
• Replace the knob back on and close the base push-in tab together.
• Close the cover and snap into base to secure.

The lid covers can easily be removed when they are no longer needed on your appliance.

Comes in a pack of four clear knob covers. Purchase online at www.pcappliancerepair.com.

The dog involved in the New Jersey fire, who was home alone, was rescued by firefighters and is doing fine. Depending on the make of the stove, the above stove knob covers possibly could have prevented this fire.

Other suggestions for child-proofing your kitchen

• Keep the latch on your dishwasher locked at all times. For added security, add locking straps to your dishwasher.
• Run the dishwasher only after the children have gone to bed.
• Turn pot handles toward the wall and away from the edge of the stove where little hands might grab them.
• Use the rear burners on your stove whenever possible.
• Use the lock feature on your oven door even if the oven is not on. This prevents your child from using the door to climb on.
• Never keep treats on top of appliances or near the stove. Such placement might tempt the child (or a dog) to climb on top of the appliance to reach them.