Blog — Page 2

Is it OK to leave wet laundry in the washer overnight? Whirlpool says a few hours is usually fine, but longer invites mildew. Here's when to rewash and why.

Does laundry and dishwasher detergent go bad? Gain and Cascade say yes, slowly: it loses strength with time or moisture. See storage tips and what to watch.

Do refrigerator water filters soften hard water? No. Carbon filters pass calcium and magnesium through. See LADWP's hardness by service area and what it means.

Is running a half-empty dishwasher a waste? ENERGY STAR says it uses about the same water and energy however full it is. See when a small load makes sense.

Does a microwave cook food from the inside out? No. The FDA says outer layers heat first and the center cooks by conduction, which is why cold spots form.

Does freezing food kill bacteria? No. USDA says 0°F only makes microbes inactive, and they can become active again once food thaws. See what that means at home.

Can you open a front-load washer mid-cycle? Sometimes, after a pause and a short wait, but not with high or hot water or a spin. What Whirlpool and Samsung say.

Do microwaves make food radioactive? No. The FDA and EPA say microwave energy doesn't make food radioactive, and nutrients fare about as well as other cooking.

Can you use vinegar instead of rinse aid? Whirlpool says no: its acidity can harm hoses and gaskets. See what rinse aid does and the one way vinegar is used.