Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

The ultimate guide to spring cleaning your home appliances

September 5, 2022|Cleaning tips

Now that the winter season is behind us, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home appliances. When we think about spring cleaning, we often think about tasks such as scrubbing our floors and making all the surfaces of our home sparkle. Its easy to forget our trusty, household appliances that get a good workout throughout the year! With regular maintenance and care we can increase the lifespan of our appliances and keep them working at their best.  We share our ultimate guide to spring cleaning your home appliances.

Kitchen appliances cleaning checklist

Refrigerator

A refrigerator is a great place to start. Give your fridge and freezer a thorough clean. Start by removing all items and getting rid of expired products. Remove and hand wash your refrigerator shelves, wire racks and drawers in warm soapy water. Tackle stubborn food spills with a non-abrasive scrubber. Spray and wipe the interior of your fridge with a gentle and non-toxic All Purpose Cleaner.

Clean and inspect your fridge and freezer door seal

A dirty, worn or damaged seal/gasket can cause the temperature in your refrigerator to fluctuate. Door seals can often be caked with grime and tiny food particles. Clean your seals with warm, soapy water and a soft bristled brush before drying with a soft cloth. Next, inspect your seal for signs of wear and tear. Damaged seals should be replaced.

Clean the refrigerator coils

Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on your refrigerator coils (these are also called condenser coils). These coils are responsible for the heat extraction process that allows the refrigerant to circulate. To reduce your energy bill and extend the lifespan of your fridge, give the coils a regular clean.

Before you start, switch off the power supply. . Your fridge coils may be located at the rear of your refrigerator (on the outside), underneath the fridge or inside the fridge behind a panel. Once located, use a brush (or coil brush) to remove lint build up, dirt and dust. You can make this job even easier with a small nozzle vacuum that will suck up residue before plugging your refrigerator back in.

Replace your fridge water filter

We know that changing your fridge water filter regularly (every 6 months) reduces nasties and contaminants like iron, particulates, lead and mercury in your drinking water and ice cubes. During the colder months, water consumption can sometimes be lower and we tend to put off this task. If it has been a while since you changed your filter, your replacement light has been neglected for too long, or your water has an unpleasant taste or odour, it’s time to install your replacement. Statewide offer genuine fridge water filters for LG, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and all leading brands.

Changing a water filter can be done in minutes. Check out our step by step guide to replacing your LG fridge water filter or check out our video guides on our YouTube channel.

Give your stainless steel refrigerator some added shine

Refrigerator doors are prone to fingerprints and smears. A spray of stainless steel polish will remove these and leave a transparent film to protect against marks re-appearing. Take the time to tackle other stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen. Spray and wipe on your oven, rangehood and toaster too!

Oven & Cooktop appliances

Tackle this hardworking powerhouse with a little elbow grease and our easy tips.

Give your oven a thorough clean

Cleaning a dirty oven is a must. There is nothing worse than opening an oven door to find grease splatters and stuck on food particles. This daunting task can be handled with ease. Check out our guide to cleaning your oven naturally.

Remove built up grime on your oven door

Grime and residue can quickly build up on your oven door. A gentle scrub with a microfibre cloth and a tough-on-stains cleaner is a great way to start. For tougher stains on the inside of your oven door, you may need to use a natural cleaning solution made up of baking soda and a small amount of water. Mix until it forms a paste and apply generously. Leave overnight and then wipe clean with a damp cloth to lift away any residue.

If you find that grime is still stuck in the middle of your door, you will need to get out the tools and remove the door to give the glass a good clean. Our easy guide shows you how.

Cleaning your oven door seal

Just like your refrigerator, your oven door seal plays a vital role. Start by cleaning your seal thoroughly with a sponge and warm, soapy water. If your seal is damaged, your oven will use more energy and your oven temperature will be impacted, causing unreliable cooking results. Replacing a door seal only requires a few tools and a little know how.

Check your oven elements

If you have noticed your oven elements aren’t glowing bright orange when fully heated, or your food is taking longer to cook, it could be a sign that you need to replace your oven element. Now is a good time to test each element and replace if required.

Change your oven globe

Yes this is an easy one but it is surprising how often this simple task is neglected! A well-lit oven means less time opening the door to check if your food is cooked (which also lets the heat out and amps up your energy costs!). Install a replacement globe that is designed specifically for ovens and ensure the wattage and cap fitting are the same as your existing globe. Take the guesswork out of changing your oven globe with our step by step guide.

Gas cooktop

Clean your gas stove burners

Give your gas stove burners some extra attention with a deep clean. Start by removing the grates and burners from your cooktop and wipe away any debris. Next, soak the burner heads, caps and gas stove grates in dishwashing soap and water. Leave to soak for at least 20 mins before scrubbing with a soft brush. Next, clean your gas stovetop with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and a sponge before wiping away any excess residue. Your parts need to be completely dry before you reassemble your burners and grates.

Rangehood

Clean your rangehood filters

Dare we ask when was the last time you cleaned your rangehood filters? If you take a close look, you will see a build-up of dirt, grease and grime that will have you reaching for the rubber gloves and detergent in no time! Get the job done, with a little effort in less than 5 steps. Short on time? Take our much-loved shortcut and pop your aluminium or stainless-steel filters in the dishwasher and run through a hot cycle. The steam will loosen particles and debris and the water spray will get into those tiny nooks for a sparkling clean.

Change your rangehood globe

While you are giving your rangehood some extra attention, be sure to wipe the exterior and interior with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. If you find your rangehood globe is blown, now is a good time to change it. 

Dishwasher

Deep clean your dishwasher

You rely on our dishwasher daily to give our dishes a sparkling clean. Time to return the favour and give your dishwasher a deep clean.

  • Start by removing any racks and trays and giving them a good soak in hot, soapy water.
  • Next check the spray arms to make sure they are not clogged with any food or debris. You can remove the spray arms and run them under hot water while giving them a light scrub. A thin wire can help you dislodge any debris from the spray arm holes.
  • Remove your filter (located below the racks and attached with a twist cap). Rinse thoroughly under hot water. Use a soft bristled brush, detergent and warm water to remove any trapped particles.
  • Give your dishwasher a thorough clean with a vinegar cycle. Wipe the interior of your unit and the door seal with warm soapy water and a sponge. Add 2 cups white vinegar to your dishwasher, then run a full hot water cycle.

Check your dishwasher door seal

Grab your sponge and warm soapy water and wipe down your dishwasher door seal. If you have noticed that your dishwasher has been leaking, do inspect your seal for any signs of wear and tear and replace a cracked or damaged seal.

Coffee Machine

Avoid built up oils and deposits that can affect the flavour of your coffee by cleaning your machine regularly. After every use, wipe down and purge the milk frothing wand and wipe exposed surfaces with a soft damp cloth.  For a deeper clean, soak all removable parts in warm soapy water and allow to completely air dry and use a brush to remove any loose grounds.

Descale your coffee machine

For a deep clean, descale your coffee machine. This will improve the efficiency of your machine by removing scales from thermos blocks and steam valves

Recommended cleaning products for your kitchen appliances

Laundry appliances cleaning checklist

Washing machine

Remove odours, soap scum and mould with a deep clean. Start by putting your machine through a vinegar and bicarb soda cycle. For front load washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and ½ cup white vinegar into the drum. Let it run for a complete cycle on the hottest setting.

Descale your washer

If you live in a hard water area, you may find that limescale can start to build up and reduce the efficiency of your washing machine. To descale your machine use Aktivo Dishwasher + Washing Machine Descaler – just add to your machine as per the instructions. This will help remove unwanted odours and thoroughly cleanse your washing machine.

Clean the dispenser on a front loader

Remove the dispenser drawer and rinse clean under clean, warm water. After your wipe it clean, replace the dispenser.

Dryer

With the warm sunny weather approaching, your dryer is due for a well-deserved break! Give the exterior of your dryer a clean with a soft damp cloth.  You can use an all purpose cleaner to remove dirt, grime and build up. Don’t forget the knobs and buttons, which can accumulate dirt and bacteria.

Clean the lint filter

For safe and effective dryer operation, clean the lint filter after each and every use. If lint is left trapped in the dryer, your motor is forced to work harder.

Clean your dryer door seal

Give the dryer seal a clean with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Worn out, cracked seals will impact the air temperature in your dryer. This in turn, can impact drying time. Check the seals and replace if required.

Recommended cleaning products for your laundry appliances

Other home appliances cleaning checklist

Vacuum cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner is undoubtedly your best friend during spring cleaning time, so your need to give it extra care to run efficiently.

If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, try our troubleshooting tips.

Clean the canister

Unplug the vacuum cleaner and remove the canister. Wipe dust and build up with a soft microfibre cloth. Then, rinse in warm soapy water and leave to air dry completely before replacing it.

Clean the vacuum cleaner filter

Start by removing the vacuum cleaner filter and tapping it against a hard surface to remove excess dust. Next, rinse thoroughly under running water. Before replacing your filter in the vacuum cleaner, allow it to completely air dry.

Check your dustbag

When your vacuum cleaner dustbag is full, or even has a slight tear, there will be a loss of suction and your vacuum cleaner will perform poorly. Change your vacuum cleaner bag to maintain your vacuum’s cleaning performance.

Air Conditioner

With regular and consistent use, dust accumulates on the air conditioning filter. Air flow and performance can be restricted if left unchecked and dirty. Cleaning your filter means better energy efficiency and much cleaner air for your home.

Clean your filters by removing excess dust, grime and debris with a vacuum cleaner. Next wash your filters in warm soapy water. For an extra deep clean these can be soaked in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water. Allow to completely dry before replacing them . Check out our complete guide to cleaning your air conditioner filter.

Cleaning your appliances can seem like a daunting task! Our advice, tackle one appliance at a time. It does take a little effort but in turn, it will keep your home appliances operating at their peak for many seasons to come.

If you are after more cleaning tips, check out our 35 cleaning hacks and tips for your home on the Statewide blog.

For replacement spare parts, visit statewideapp.com.au. We have Australia’s biggest range of spares with fast Australia wide delivery.

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Warning signs your fridge is failing (and what to do)

March 23, 2026|Fridges & Freezers
Warning signs your fridge is failing (and what to do) Out of all your kitchen appliances, your fridge is the one appliance you absolutely can't live without! It runs 24/7, keeping your food fresh and your family fed. A bit of condensation or the odd funny noise? Probably nothing to worry about. But some warning signs mean your fridge is on its way out—and ignoring them could cost you hundreds in spoiled food or a complete breakdown. Here are the critical red flags that your fridge is failing, and what you should do about it. 1. Food is spoiling faster than normal Warning sign: You may start to notice your milk goes off well before the use by date, fruit and veg aren’t staying crisp or fresh and leftovers aren’t lasting as long as they should. Why it matters: Your fridge isn't maintaining the right temperature, which means it's not doing its job. This wastes money on spoiled food and can pose health risks. What to do: First look at the temperature setting—the Australian Standard for fridges uses a fresh food compartment average temperature of 3°C. Your freezer should be set close to -18°C. If it's too warm, the thermostat might be faulty, the door seal could be damaged, or the compressor could be failing. Parts you might need: fridge thermostat, fridge compressor, fridge seal DIY or call a pro? Adjusting temperature settings and swapping out a fridge door seal are easy. Thermostat or compressor issues may need a professional. Check out our guide: How to easily replace your fridge door seal. 2. Fridge running constantly or never turning off Warning sign: You notice the motor running all the time, or the fridge never seems to cycle off. Why it matters: This means your fridge is working overtime to maintain temperature. This can put a strain on your compressor and hike up your energy bill. What to do: Inspect the door seals first—worn seals let cold air escape, forcing the fridge to run constantly. Clean the condenser coils (usually at the back or underneath) as dust buildup makes the fridge work harder. If neither fixes it, the thermostat or compressor may be the problem. Parts you might need: fridge thermostat, fridge seal DIY or call a pro? Door seals and cleaning coils can be easily tackled. Compressor issues may need a professional. 3. Excessive frost or ice buildup Warning sign: Ice is building up inside the freezer (beyond normal frost), or you're seeing frost on the back wall of the fridge compartment. Why it matters: This usually means the defrost system isn't working properly, or the door seal is letting warm air in. It makes your fridge work harder and eats up valuable freezer space. What to do: Start by checking the door seal for gaps or damage. If the seal is fine, the defrost heater, defrost timer, or defrost thermostat might be faulty. Parts you might need: fridge door seals, fridge defrost heaters, fridge defrost timers DIY or call a pro? Door seals can be easily replaced. Defrost system components are trickier—best left to a professional unless you're experienced. 4. Unusual or loud noises Warning sign: Your usually quiet fridge is now making unusual sounds – loud humming, buzzing, clicking, or rattling. Why it matters: Different noises point to different problems. Loud humming often means the compressor is struggling. Clicking can indicate a failing start relay. Rattling might just be loose components, but it could also signal a failing fan. What to do: Identify where the noise is coming from. Check if anything is vibrating against the fridge or if items inside are rattling. If the noise is coming from the back, it could be the condenser fan or compressor. Clean the condenser coils and check the fan for obstructions. Parts you might need: fridge condenser fans, fridge evaporator, fridge compressor DIY or call a pro? Cleaning and checking for obstructions is DIY. Fan or compressor replacement needs a technician. 5. Condensation or moisture forming between door seal Warning sign: You notice condensation on the outside of your fridge, or moisture forming between the door seal. Why it matters: This usually means the door seal isn't sealing properly, allowing warm air in. It can also indicate humidity control problems or a failing door heater (in frost-free models). What to do: Inspect the door seal carefully—look for cracks, tears, or areas where it's not sitting flush. Clean the seal with warm soapy water. If it's damaged, replace it. Parts you might need: fridge seal DIY or call a pro? Door seal replacement is straightforward DIY. 6. Motor feels excessively hot Warning sign: The back of your fridge (where the compressor is located) feels much hotter than usual. Why it matters: Some warmth is normal, but excessive heat means the compressor is working too hard or overheating. What to do: Make sure there's proper ventilation around the fridge. Clean the condenser coils thoroughly. If it's still overheating, the compressor may be on its way out. Parts you might need: fridge compressor DIY or call a pro? Cleaning coils is DIY. Compressor replacement requires a licensed technician as it involves refrigerant handling. 7. Fridge light has stopped working Warning sign: The light inside your fridge doesn't turn on when you open the door. Why it matters: While not critical, a broken fridge light makes it hard to see what you're grabbing—especially during those midnight snack raids. What to do: First, try replacing the light globe—it's usually just screwed in or clipped in place. If the new globe doesn't work, check if the door switch is faulty (the little button the door presses when closed). If neither fixes it, there could be a wiring issue. Parts you might need: fridge globes, fridge switch DIY or call a pro? Replacing the globe is super easy. Door switches are usually straightforward too. If it's a wiring problem, call a technician. Check out our guide: How to easily replace a refrigerator light globe DIY repairs you can tackle Door seal replacement Cleaning condenser coils Clearing defrost drains Replacing water filters Light globe replacement Temperature adjustments When to call in the experts Compressor issues Refrigerant leaks Defrost system repairs (heaters, timers) Electrical faults Thermostat replacement Fan motor replacement Should you repair or replace? Time to replace when: Your fridge is 15+ years old AND repairs cost more than 50% of a new model Multiple major components are failing Your energy bills have crept up significantly You've had several repairs in the past year Repair makes sense when: It's less than 15 years old Only one component needs replacing The repair costs under $400-500 Simple fixes like seals, fans, or thermostats Safety first! Unplug the fridge or turn off power at the circuit breaker Give yourself plenty of working space Have towels ready for any water leaks Take photos before disconnecting anything Don't attempt refrigerant-related repairs—they require licensing Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your fridge repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for all the latest on fridge repairs and maintenance. We share guides to help you easily remove and replace your fridge door, how to deep clean your refrigerator and everything you need to know about fridge water filters. Need fridge parts fast? Find genuine fridge and freezer replacement parts from all the big brands — Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Hisense, LG, Samsung, Westinghouse, and more. With Australia's biggest range and fast delivery, we'll help you get your fridge running again in no time. Not sure what part you need? Our expert team is here to help! Call us on Free call 1800 005 220 or chat to us online.
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Warning signs your oven is failing (and what to do)

March 2, 2026|Ovens & Cooktops
Your oven is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen—roasting, baking, grilling, and getting you through everything from Tuesday night pasta to Christmas lunch. Some issues are minor annoyances. Others are serious warning signs your oven is failing. Here’s what to watch out for. 1. Gas smell or burning odour Warning sign A persistent burning smell while cooking or a gas smell when you turn on your oven. Why it matters A gas smell may indicate a leak, which is a serious safety issue. A burning smell can suggest electrical problems or damaged insulation—both potential fire hazards. What to do If you smell gas: turn off the oven immediately, open windows, avoid using electrical switches, and call your gas provider or a licensed gas fitter straight away. If you smell burning: switch the oven off and don’t use it until it’s been checked by a professional. Don’t ignore it Gas leaks and electrical fires are serious. Get expert help immediately. 2. Uneven or inconsistent cooking Warning sign Your oven used to cook evenly, but now one side burns while the other stays raw, or baking times are inconsistent. Why it matters This often points to a failing heating element, a faulty thermostat, or (in fan-forced ovens) a fan that isn’t working correctly. What to do Check whether both heating elements glow evenly when the oven is on. If an element looks dim or doesn’t glow, it may need replacing. Use an oven thermometer to test whether the actual temperature matches the setting. Parts you might need: Oven heating elements, Oven thermostat, Oven fan DIY or call a pro? Heating element replacement is often a straightforward DIY repair. Thermostat and fan motor issues are best handled by a technician. 3. Oven won’t heat up Warning sign Your oven takes ages to reach temperature, or won’t heat up at all. Why it matters This usually means a heating element has failed, or there’s an issue with the thermostat, temperature sensor, or control board. What to do Turn the oven on and check whether the heating elements glow bright orange. If they don’t glow, the element may have failed. Once the oven is completely cool, inspect the element for blisters, cracks, splits, or small holes—these are clear signs it needs replacing. If the element glows normally but the oven still won’t heat correctly or maintain temperature, the thermostat or temperature sensor may be the issue. Parts you might need: Oven heating elements, Oven thermostat, Gas oven igniters DIY or call a pro? Heating elements are often a DIY job, but always switch power off at the switchboard before starting any work. If unsure, call a qualified electrician. 4. Door won’t close tightly Warning sign The oven door won’t close completely, feels loose, or you can feel heat escaping around the edges. Why it matters A faulty door seal allows heat to escape, which can cause uneven cooking and higher power bills. What to do Inspect the door seal (gasket) for cracks, tears, or flattening. Check hinges for looseness or bending. Replace worn seals or damaged hinges. Parts you might need: Oven door seals, Oven door hinges DIY or call a pro? This is usually an easy DIY fix.  Check out our guide: How to replace your oven door seal in 4 easy steps 5. Oven door glass is cracked or shattered Warning sign The glass in your oven door has cracked or shattered. Why it matters Cracked glass is a safety hazard and can shatter during use. What to do Stop using the oven immediately if the glass is cracked or broken. Replace the oven door glass as soon as possible. Parts you might need: Oven doors and glass DIY or call a pro? Confident DIYers can tackle this, but it can be fiddly. 6. Error codes or control panel malfunctions Warning sign Your oven displays error codes, the control panel buttons don’t respond, or the display is blank or flickering. Why it matters This typically indicates an electrical fault or a failing control board (PCB). What to do Check your oven manual to identify what the error code means. Try resetting the oven at the circuit breaker. If the issue persists, the control board may need replacing. Parts you might need: Oven PCBs DIY or call a pro? Control boards involve electrical work—best handled by a professional. 7. Oven light won’t turn on Warning sign The oven light doesn’t turn on when you open the door or switch the oven on. Why it matters It’s not usually a major safety issue, but it makes it harder to check cooking progress without opening the door and losing heat. What to do Replace the globe first. If that doesn’t fix it, the light socket or wiring may be faulty. Parts you might need: Oven globes DIY or call a pro? Replacing the globe is easy. If the socket or wiring is faulty, you may need a technician. Check out our guide: How to change an oven globe 8. Loud or unusual noises Warning sign Your oven is making loud humming, rattling, grinding, or clicking noises that weren’t there before. Why it matters Unusual noises often mean the fan motor is failing (fan-forced ovens) or there’s a loose component. What to do Try to identify if the noise is coming from the fan area. Check for loose panels or screws (only when oven is off and cool). If the noise persists, the fan motor or blade may need replacing. Parts you might need: Oven fan, Oven motor DIY or call a pro? Experienced DIYers may handle this. If in doubt, call a professional. DIY repairs you can tackle Oven globe replacement Door seal replacement Heating element replacement (if confident) Cleaning and minor maintenance When to call in the experts Anything involving gas connections or gas smells Electrical faults (sparking, smoking, control board issues) Thermostat replacement Fan motor replacement Self-cleaning mechanism repairs Should you repair or replace? Time to replace when Your oven is 15+ years old and repairs cost more than half the price of a new oven. Multiple major parts are failing at once. The oven cavity or structure is damaged. You’ve had several expensive repairs recently. Repair makes sense when It’s under 15 years old and replacement parts are still available. Only one component needs replacing. The repair costs under $400–$500. Safety first Switch off the oven at the power point and at the switchboard. For gas ovens, turn off the gas supply. Let the oven cool completely before touching anything. Place towels or newspaper down to protect your floor. Take photos before disconnecting anything. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Visit our YouTube channel for simple, expert tips. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for the latest on oven repairs and maintenance. Explore our essential guide to oven parts and oven fixes for common oven problems. Need oven parts fast? We stock genuine parts for all major oven brands— Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Smeg, Westinghouse, and more. Not sure what part you need? Call our expert local team on 1800 005 220 or chat to us online. We love to help!
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Warning signs your dishwasher is failing (and what to do)

February 15, 2026|Dishwashers
Let's be honest—your dishwasher is probably one of the hardest working appliances in your home. A few water spots or the occasional weird noise? Sure, that's annoying but not exactly panic-worthy. But some warning signs deserve your immediate attention. We're talking potential water damage, safety issues, or a complete breakdown that leaves you hand-washing dishes for weeks. Here are the warning signs that mean your dishwasher is failing, and what you can do about it. Looking for a specific part? Browse our full range of dishwasher spare parts. Safety first! Before you start any repair work: Turn off power at the circuit breaker Turn off the water supply Place towels down to catch leaks Have a bucket ready for residual water Take photos before disconnecting anything 1. Burning smell or hot exterior Warning sign: There's a burning smell when you run a load, or the outside of your dishwasher is unusually hot. Why it matters: This usually means something’s wrong with the electrical system or the motor is overheating, which is a potential fire hazard. What to do: Turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker immediately. Don't use it until a professional has inspected your appliance. Don’t ignore it: Potential fire hazards should always be investigated. Call in the experts. 2. Water under or around unit Warning sign: You keep finding puddles on the floor near your dishwasher, or notice damp cabinets close by. Why it matters: Leaks can quietly destroy your floors and cabinets—and repairs can be expensive. What to do: Check the door seal for cracks or damage and inspect drain hoses for leaks. If the seal is worn, replace it immediately. If hoses are damaged or connections are loose, tighten or replace them. Parts you might need: dishwasher seals, dishwasher hoses DIY or call a pro? Seals and hoses are pretty straightforward to replace yourself. But if you can't work out where the leak's coming from, it's time to call a professional to have a look. Check out our guide: How to easily replace your dishwasher door seal 3. Circuit breaker trips repeatedly Warning sign: Your dishwasher keeps tripping the circuit breaker, usually at the start of a cycle. Why it matters: This usually means there’s a short circuit or faulty wiring. What to do: Stop using the dishwasher immediately and get an electrician to diagnose the problem. Don’t ignore it: Repeated electrical faults can damage your home's electrical system and create fire risks. 4. Door won't latch or seal properly Warning sign: The door won't close properly, pops open mid-cycle, or you can see daylight around the edges when it's "closed." Why it matters: Without a proper seal, water will leak during cycles, and the dishwasher won't heat properly or clean effectively. The door latch mechanism may also be at risk of complete failure. What to do: Check if the latch or seal looks damaged. If it does, stop using the machine until it’s fixed. Parts you might need: dishwasher seals, dishwasher latches DIY or call a pro? This is usually an easy DIY fix. 5. Visible rust, corrosion or brown water Warning sign: Rust spots inside the tub, brownish water after a cycle, or your racks are looking pretty corroded. Why it matters: Rust means the inside of your dishwasher is starting to break down. It can make your dishes dirty and usually means the machine is on its last legs. What to do: If rust is extensive or you see rusty water, it's time to consider replacement. For minor rust on racks or baskets, replace them. Parts you might need: dishwasher baskets and racks When to replace: If the tub itself is rusting, you're better off buying new than repairing. 6. Strange noises - grinding, screeching or buzzing Warning sign: You hear new, loud grinding, screeching, or buzzing noises. Why it matters: These sounds usually mean something inside—like the bearings, motor or pump—is wearing out. What to do: Stop the cycle and check if anything is blocking the spray arms. If the noise continues after clearing debris, the motor or pump may be failing. Parts you might need: dishwasher spray arms, dishwasher motor, dishwasher pump DIY or call a pro? Spray arms can easily be replaced. Motors and pumps need either an experienced DIYer or a service tech. 7. Dishwasher not drying properly (dishes hot but soaking wet) Warning sign: When the cycle ends, your dishes are piping hot—but still soaking wet. Why it matters: This usually means the heating element or thermostat isn’t working right—so your dishwasher can’t dry the dishes. Over time, the problem will continue to get worse. What to do: Make sure you’re using rinse aid and that it’s topped up. Still wet? It might be time to replace the heating element. Parts you might need: dishwasher heating element DIY or call a pro? Confident DIYers can do this, otherwise call a service tech. 8. Energy bill has jumped Warning sign: Your electricity or water bills have jumped for no obvious reason. Why it matters: Worn parts make your dishwasher work harder and run longer, costing you more. What to do: Clean or replace the filter, and check the spray arms and heating element for buildup. Parts you might need: dishwasher filter, dishwasher spray arms, dishwasher heating element Cost reality: Even a small fix—like a $50 part—can save you on monthly energy bills and pay for itself quickly. Not sure how to clean your dishwasher filter? Read our guide on how to clean and maintain your dishwasher for better performance. DIY vs professional DIY repairs you can tackle: Door seal replacement Drain hose repairs Filter cleaning and replacement Spray arm cleaning and replacement Rack replacement Call in the experts: Anything electrical (burning smells, tripping breakers, sparking) Motor or pump replacement Water inlet valve replacement Control board problems Mystery leaks you can't locate Should you repair or replace? Time to replace when: Your dishwasher is 15+ years old AND repairs cost more than half the price of a new one The tub is seriously rusted Multiple major parts are failing at once You've had several repairs recently Repair makes sense when: It's less than 15 years old Only one part needs replacing It's a quality brand The repair is under $300–$400 Related guides Tackling hard water problems with dishwasher softener salt How to effectively descale your dishwasher Why is my dishwasher not drying properly How to clean your dishwasher and eliminate bad smells How to easily replace your dishwasher door seal Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Need dishwasher parts fast? We stock genuine parts for all major dishwasher brands—Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Miele, and more. With Australia’s biggest range and fast delivery, we’ll help you get your dishwasher running again in no time. Not sure what part you need? Our expert team is here to help. Call us on Free call 1800 005 220 or chat to us online.
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Guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions

February 8, 2026|Ovens & Cooktops
Ovens offer a variety of settings and functions to get the best cooking and baking results. Different brands may use slight variations, however many oven symbols are universal and designed to help you identify the different functions of your oven. If you tend to gravitate toward the functions you are most familiar and comfortable with, you are not alone! We take the guesswork out of deciphering those little pictures on your oven with our guide to common oven symbols, settings and functions. Oven symbols at a glance Conventional oven Lower heating element Upper heating element Fan forced Fan forced grill Grill Partial grill Defrost Plate warming Warmer Oven light Child lock Alarm Self cleaning / pyrolytic FAQs Common mistakes Find spare parts Conventional oven symbol: what it means and when to use it The symbol for conventional heating is two lines – one at the top and one at the bottom. This means that both the top and bottom heating elements will radiate heat. The bottom heating element provides the primary source of heat, while the upper element delivers intense top-down heat to brown and grill your food. Ideal for: Roasting meat and vegetables or single shelf cooking. Lower heating element The lower heating element oven symbol is represented by a single line at the bottom. This indicates that the lower heating element is in use. Ideal for: Slow cooking, casserole baking or for food that requires a crispy base such as pizza or a pastry case. Upper heating element The upper heating element symbol is represented by a single line at the top. This indicates that the upper heating element is in use. Ideal for: Baking pies with a pie crust. Fan forced Fan forced symbols feature a fan inside a circle. A fan forced oven has a heating element around the fan to circulate and distribute heat evenly. This allows for a faster cooking time, even temperature and a decrease in energy consumption. This will likely be your most used setting. Ideal for: Batch cooking, cakes, cookies. Fan forced grill This symbol features a fan with a zig zag line above it. When this is switched on, the grill and fan will operate at the same time. The fan’s function is to spread the grill’s heat. Unlike the standalone grill, your oven door should be closed when using this function. Ideal for: Cooking through thicker meats or fish. Grill The grill icon features a zig zag line on the top. It is also sometimes represented with a double zig zag line. This grill setting uses the entire grill of the oven. Ideal for: Vegetables, crisping and browning food. Partial grill Some ovens offer a partial grill setting, represented by a smaller zig zag line. This indicates that only part of the grill is in use. You will need to place your food in the right spot (usually in the centre of your oven). Ideal for: Grilling smaller portions/amounts. Defrost The defrost function can reduce your defrosting time. The oven does not use heat on this function, instead it circulates room temperature air (30°C) around the food to give it an even and fast defrosting result. Ideal for: Defrosting food when you are in a hurry. Plate warming The plate warming symbol shows three lines stacked on top of each other. This keeps your dinner plates safely warm. Ideal for: Keeping your dinner guests happy. Warmer Often depicted as a dish with rising steam, this function keeps your food warm, without cooking it. Ideal for: Warming food or plates so they do not cool too quickly. Oven light Your oven cooks with the light on so you can view your cooking progress. Also handy when cleaning your oven so you can take a better look. Child lock A small key symbol indicates that the child lock feature is activated. Ideal for: Keeping children safe when the appliance is on or when the self-clean function is in operation. Alarm The alarm symbol will enable you to manually set your alarm. Ideal for: Setting a reminder to check your cooking when your oven is in use. Self cleaning or Pyrolytic cleaning oven symbols The self cleaning function shows a series of black dots or diamonds decreasing size from top to bottom. It can also be represented by the letter P. High temperature pyrolytic cleaning heats your oven to approx. 500°C. The intense heat will incinerate any built up grime and then the remaining ash can be wiped away. Oven symbols and settings – Frequently asked questions What do oven symbols mean?Oven symbols represent different heating functions, such as conventional heat, fan forced cooking, grilling, or bottom heat. Each symbol activates specific heating elements to suit different types of cooking. Is fan forced the same as convection?Yes. Fan forced ovens use a fan to circulate hot air evenly, similar to convection ovens, allowing food to cook more evenly and often at lower temperatures. Which oven setting is best for baking?Conventional heat or fan forced settings are commonly used for baking. The best option depends on the recipe and whether you’re cooking on one shelf or multiple shelves. Why does my oven have symbols I never use?Some symbols are designed for specific tasks like grilling, defrosting, or pizza cooking. Understanding these settings can improve cooking results and energy efficiency. Now that you are familiar with your oven symbols and functions, why not get familiar with the different parts of your oven and how they operate? Check out our essential guide to oven parts. Common oven symbol mistakes to avoid Using grill instead of fan forced for baking Leaving the oven door open when using fan forced grill Using self-clean too frequently, which can damage seals Understanding your oven settings can help you cook more efficiently, avoid unnecessary wear, and keep your appliance running longer — saving money and reducing waste. Find all your oven spare parts at Statewide Shop for oven & cooktop spares at Statewide Appliance Spares. Our most popular oven and cooktop spare parts are always in stock, including oven elements, racks, hinges, seals, thermostats, knobs and more. We have everything you could possibly need at competitive prices, with fast Australia wide delivery. Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Last updated: February 2026 Tags:  oven,  oven controls,
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