Practical Answers for Everyday Problems
Simple, useful guides that help you understand problems, troubleshoot issues, and find practical solutions.
The questions readers ask us about most, answered step by step.
Newly published and recently updated.
Home Problems
Portable ice maker runs but makes no ice, or the lights flash? Reset it, clean the sensor and pump, check the water and descale. Fixes for most countertop brands.
6 min read
Home Problems
Dishwasher will not stop filling or fills when off? Shut off the water first, then check the inlet valve, float and drain hose. Safe steps and when to call a pro.
6 min read
Home Problems
Dishwasher starts on its own? Check touchy controls, a stuck button, a delay setting, a leak error or a failing control board. Safe steps and when to call a tech.
6 min read
Home Problems
Dryer drum keeps turning with the door open, or will not stop? Unplug it, then check the door switch and latch, the timer, wrinkle prevent and sensor bars. Safe steps.
6 min read
Home Problems
Microwave stops after a few seconds or minutes? Check the door, overheating, arcing and the humidity sensor, then know when the magnetron or board needs a technician.
6 min read
Home Problems
Automatic gate will not open, close or take the remote? Check power, remote battery, safety sensors, obstructions and limit settings before calling an installer.
6 min read
Dust, smells, damp and the everyday issues that come with running a home.
Portable ice maker runs but makes no ice, or the lights flash? Reset it, clean the sensor and pump, check the water and descale. Fixes for most countertop brands.
6 min read
Dishwasher will not stop filling or fills when off? Shut off the water first, then check the inlet valve, float and drain hose. Safe steps and when to call a pro.
6 min read
Dishwasher starts on its own? Check touchy controls, a stuck button, a delay setting, a leak error or a failing control board. Safe steps and when to call a tech.
6 min read
Phones, laptops and gadgets that stop working the way they should.
Samsung TV says memory full or not enough storage and won't install apps? Delete apps, clear the cache, reset Smart Hub, or use a streaming stick instead.
6 min read
HP printer shows a paper jam error but you cannot find any paper? Reset the printer, check the paper path, clean the rollers and clear false jam errors.
8 min read
Roku remote stopped working after you changed the batteries? Reset it, re-pair it with or without a pairing button, and try the free Roku app as a backup.
8 min read
Wi-Fi, connections, browsers and the apps you rely on every day.
Alexa says your smart plug or light is unresponsive, even when it works? Check the Wi-Fi band, the skill link and the reset steps that fix it for good.
9 min read
Learn how to sign up for Threads with your Instagram login, set up your profile, fix common login problems, and delete or deactivate Threads without losing Instagram.
7 min read
WhatsApp Channels and Telegram channels both let you broadcast to followers. See how they differ in privacy, audience size, features, and setup, and which fits you.
7 min read
Simple, low-cost fixes for the small annoyances of daily life.
A typical dehumidifier costs 5 to 13 cents an hour to run. See the cost per day and month by size, how to work out your own bill, and how to cut it.
8 min read
A 1,500-watt space heater costs about 27 cents an hour at 18 cents per kWh. See the daily and monthly cost, the formula, and how to cut the bill.
8 min read
Car windows fog up when moist air meets cold glass. Learn the fastest way to defog your windshield, how to stop it from coming back, and what a greasy film means.
7 min read
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