Category: Cleaning

How To Fix Open / Close Door Error on Microwave

I have the KitchenAid 1.9 cu. ft. Over the Range Convection Microwave in Stainless Steel with Sensor Cooking Technology microwave (model # KMHC319ESS).

Recently, the microwave would keep giving an error saying I needed to “open / close door” no matter how many times I open and close the door. This prevented me from microwaving anything. Since this was an expensive microwave, I didn’t really want to buy a new one. Fortunately, fixing this error was easy. It turns out that there is a sensor along the inside front bottom edge that detects whether the door is closed or not. I prefer to clean using wet Clorox disinfectant wipes. I find that they lift dirt up easily. I’d then wipe again using a dry paper towel. After doing that, the open/close door error goes away and the microwave can start.

Door sensor along inside bottom edge of microwave

Door sensor along inside bottom edge of microwave door

Although my microwave is a KitchenAid, apparently this happens to other microwaves as well.

Angle Grinder Uses

An angle grinder is actually a very useful home improvement too. Below are some things you can do with an angle grinder.

Cleaning

Use a wire cup brush to remove rust and caked-on cement and dirt from tools.

Use a wire wheel to remove paint

Cut bars, rods and bolts

Use a metal cutoff wheel to cut bars, rods and bolts

Use a metal cutoff wheel to cut off frozen bolts or screws

Cut tile, stone and concrete

Use a diamond wheel to cut through tile

Restore cutting edges

Use a grinding wheel to sharpen dull blades

Cutting out old mortar

Use a diamond tuckpointing wheel to grind out old, loose mortar

Easily Clean Shower Floor Tile

Shower floors easily get dirty with soap scum and dirt and sometimes mold. Cleaning showers floors like those made of tile can be difficult and tiring. Many people may think they have no choice but to manually scrub the floor. Fortunately, there’s an easier, effortless way using power tools.

Tools Needed

Electric Polisher
- Corded (e.g. WARRIOR Corded 7 In. 10 Amp Variable Speed Polisher/Sander)
- Cordless (e.g. RYOBI ONE+ 18V 5 in. Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher Kit with 4.0 Ah LITHIUM+ HP Battery and Charger)
Brush Attachment
- DrillBrush Scrub Brush for Rotary Polisher

In the picture below, you can see I have the corded polisher with a 7″ stiff bristle brush attachment.

There are 2 set screws you use to help secure the brush attachment to the polisher.

At 7 inches in diameter, the brush is large, which is fine for my custom walk-in shower.

I haven’t tested it out yet but I’m sure it’ll work. Previously, I hacked a brush onto an angle grinder which worked but the available brushes were too soft.

If you need to clean walls, this tool would be difficult to use. Since most of the dirt is on the floor, you can just use Clorox Disinfectant wipes for walls.

Easily Clean Barbecue Grills Using Wire Brush Angle Grinder Attachment

Don’t even bother with manual scrubber wire brush tools to clean barbecue grills. It’s so much easier using a wire brush angle grinder attachment. No chemicals even necessary.

A 4 In. Crimped Wire Cup Brush is available at Harbor Freight for $4.

Remove Rust With Vinegar

Submerge the rusted metal in vinegar for 24 hours. You’ll see much of the rust come off.
Scrape the rest of the rust off with a metal brush.
Rinse

Best Floor Mops

If you need to mop a large floor to just remove dust, then consider the Casabella Spin Mop. There are many spin mops on the market but this one not only spin dries the mop to remove excess water before each mopping, it also spin rinses the mop to remove dirt.

Spin Rinse

Spin Dry

If, on the other hand, you need to mop a small area that has stuck-on dirt, like in a kitchen or bathroom, then the Bissel Steam Clean mop would do you well. The steam from the mop will melt dirt so it can be mopped away.