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Harry Caul is a character in a film. He is a very ordinary man. He dresses conservatively, in a suit and tie of no noticeable colour, with shoes, we presume he wears shoes but we don't notice them either. He wears glasses with thick, black frames, just like everyone else wears, so that no one will notice him. He wears a grey plastic raincoat almost everywhere. The coat both defines him and makes him invisible. Wearing that coat he is lost in the crowd, unnoticed by everyone. He is Mr. Indistinct, an anonymous blur, a translucent nobody. There is a scene near the beginning of the film where a mime is imitating the people gathered in a square for their lunch break. He is an amusing and perceptive mimic, aping people's idiosyncrasies. When the mime stands next to Harry, all he can do is lift his hand and simulate holding a cup of coffee. There is nothing about Harry to notice. Any one of us could be mistaken for Harry Caul. There is a sense in which we are all Harry Caul. He is the amorphous us.
Harry Caul is a very private man. He doesn't want you to know about him. He has a girlfriend. She does not know where he lives or what he does, or that it is his birthday. He guards these pieces of information and doesn't like people knowing them without his permission. His girlfriend does not live with him. She has her own apartment, in a basement. Harry has to go down some steps to get to her door where he lets himself in with a key. Despite the things she does not know, she tells Harry that she looks forward to the sound of his key in her door, the pregnant pause before he pushes the door open, him being with her. He opens a bottle of wine and joins her on the bed. Harry is fully clothed. He has his shoes on and is still wearing the plastic raincoat. They kiss. Her hand smoothes down the side of his face. She asks him questions, but Harry does not want to answer questions, he wants to keep his secrets to himself and is a little annoyed that he has to tell her this. Whatever it is she wants from Harry, the sound of him entering her apartment is no longer enough, and after he has paid her rent she tells him that she will not be waiting for him anymore. Privacy, it seems, has a price.
Harry has three locks on his front door. He opens it and the alarm goes off, a screeching howl you would not impose on your worst enemy. A package is lying inside the door and Harry turns off the alarm then carefully places the package and his mail on a chair. He has carried the remains of his lunch home with him in a paper bag and he disposes of that first. Then he takes off his jacket and gets the phone out of a drawer. Harry has a phone but tells people he does not so that he doesn't have to give them his number. That is private information, and Harry is careful with his privacy. He has his privacy under control.
He telephones his landlord, Mr. Van Lister, not to thank him for the birthday gift left inside his door, but to find out how his landlord knew it was his birthday, how he got inside his apartment, how he disabled the alarm. As he talks on the phone he is opening his mail and there is a card from his bank wishing him a happy 44th birthday. Harry asks his landlord if he knows how old he is and the landlord says 44, telling Harry that his landlord is perusing his mail. At the end of the call Harry tells his landlord that from now on his mail will be delivered to a post office box with a combination lock and a key. Privacy, it seems, is not what Harry thinks it is.
Harry's apartment is a bland, soulless series of rooms with no character or personality. There are no pictures on the plain walls, there are no pot plants or art. There are no books. There is almost nothing of Harry in there at all. In fact, he told his landlord that he wouldn't mind if it went up in flames because there is nothing personal in there. There is, though, a small statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Harry is a surveillance expert. He records other people's conversations. He is very good at it. He is described in the brochure for an upcoming trade conference as being pre-eminent in the field. He has a reputation in New York, Chicago, and in San Francisco where the film is set as being brilliant, dedicated, a magician. Harry has an assignment to record the conversation of two young people, Mark and Ann, who meet in Union Square for their lunch break. They are moving around, walking in circles, watching the musicians, noticing a homeless old man asleep on a bench, constantly moving. They have had their conversations recorded before and are careful not to stand still. They know what it means to be bugged. They intersperse in their conversation things that do not matter, "pretend that I just told you a joke," Ann says, and Mark laughs.
Harry has three men recording their conversation. Each of them picks up some part of it, snatches, glimpses, half-heard words and snippets of sentences. Later, Harry edits the three tapes together to make the parts into a coherent whole. It is slow work, requiring repeatedly revisiting sections of tape, blending them in, filtering out the bongo drums, the saxophone player and the other people in the square. It is boring, repetitive work that suits Harry perfectly. He concentrates on his work and countenances no interruptions. He is not listening to what they say, he pays attention only to the quality of the sound. He tells Stan his assistant, "I don't care what they're talking about. All I want is a nice fat recording." The words have no meaning to Harry, they are just sounds to be taped, recorded, edited and reassembled then sold to the Director, the man who hired him for the job. It's just a job.
Everything, however, is not as simple as it seems. Harry cares about his privacy while invading the privacy of others, and yet his own privacy is being invaded too. He is an expert in surveillance and yet other people with no special skills are noticing things about him. His bank have his date of birth and remember his birthday, his landlord has a key to his apartment and reads his mail. A woman he passed on the stairs wished him happy birthday. As much as Harry spies on others, there are others spying on him. And as much as he pretends not to care about the words, they haunt him.
There is a legend in Harry's past. A union official and an accountant were believed to be meddling with a welfare fund, and Harry was hired to record their conversation. Just like the couple in the square, they knew they were being spied upon and took precautions. They never spoke about their plans unless they were alone together on a fishing boat, with no one else there, with no other boat inside the horizon. Harry got them. He recorded their words, the words that do not matter, and he sold the tape to the man who hired him for the job. It was just a job. But the words on the tape became known and three people died. The accountant, his wife and their child. They were tied up and tortured, and when they said nothing they were killed. They died because of the words. Harry's words. Harry knows, intellectually, that it was not his fault. He didn't kill them. But he feels responsible.
Harry left New York and came west to San Francisco, and now he is known on the west coast as being pre-eminent in his field, a magician. But the words haunt him. Harry wants it to be just a job but it isn't. People died because of Harry's words, and he doesn't want that to happen again. In his apartment, when he is alone at night, with the curtains closed so that the world outside cannot touch him, Harry plays his saxophone to jazz records, and he remembers the words.
Harry tries to meet the Director, to hand in his tape, but the Director is out of town. The Director has an assistant, Martin. Martin is one of those people who will smile at you as he puts the arsenic in your tea. When you are with him you have to wear a cuirass to stop him from stabbing you in the back. In this film there is no tea, or arsenic. There are cookies, though, which Harry does not eat. Harry hands the money back to Martin and says he will deliver the tape in person. Martin tells him not to get involved, "These tapes are dangerous, you know what I mean?" he says. Harry takes back the tapes, the tapes with the words on them. Harry knows what dangerous means.
As he leaves, Harry sees, separately, the two people whose conversation he recorded. Mark is standing waiting for a lift. He sees Harry but does not recognise him. Harry gets in a different lift, goes down one floor and sees Ann. She gets in the lift with him. Harry is wearing his grey plastic raincoat and Ann doesn't see him. He has her words under his arm, but he doesn't know what they mean. All he has is Martin's warning that the words are dangerous.
Worried now about what the words might mean, Harry continues to work on the tape. As he edits, more and more of the words fall into place, and the meaning of the words changes. It's like a game of Tetris where he can go back several moves, rotate some pieces and try again. As they slot into place the meanings change, things that were once clear become foggy and confused and things previously unheard become known. But there is no context, and the words themselves have meanings only within the context. "Later in the week. Sunday maybe," might be two people planning a surprise party, or it might not. Martin warned him not to get involved. But he is involved.
Harry might be able to press the buttons and rewind the tapes, he can plug in a new filter with his eyes closed, he can control the equipment in his life like a master conductor at the dais with his baton, but control over his life is unravelling. Stan tells him it is human nature to be curious about the words. "Listen," he says, "I don't know anything about human nature. I don't know anything about curiosity. That's not part of what I do." But after Stan leaves, Harry discovers again that the words are not just sounds on a tape. It is not just a job, and he does, after all, care about what they are saying. On the tape, Harry tunes out the bongo drums and Mark says, "He'd kill us if he got the chance."
Harry goes to church and confesses his sins. He confesses taking newspapers from the racks without paying for them. He confesses to having impure thoughts. And then he confesses to having been involved in some work that he thinks will be used, "to hurt these two young people." He said it happened before and he was not responsible then and he is not responsible this time. "For these and all my sins in my past life I am heartily sorry," he says.
Harry goes to the surveillance convention where people are pleased to see him. They want to be photographed with him, to have him try out their camera clocks, to put the name of this man, pre-eminent in his field, in their brochures for automatic phone actuated recorders. Martin is at the convention, looking for Harry. Harry is annoyed that Martin knew he would be there. "It's a convention of wire tappers," he says. "It was a snap." Harry says he will not give the tapes to anyone except the Director, and Martin tells Harry the Director wants him to deliver the tapes on Sunday, One O'clock. "The Director will be there. He will accept the tapes from you, in person." Harry angrily says he will think about it and walks away.
Bernie is a surveillance man at the convention. Just like Harry, he was described in the convention brochure as being pre-eminent in his field. He is, as Stan tells us, "the guy who told Chrysler that Cadillac was getting rid of its fins. That was a while ago, but it was a big thing at the time." He is one of those men who don't understand the meaning of the word no so they wear pink polyester trousers on the golf course. Bernie calls everyone by their first name, as though he is your friend, even if you don't want him to, and once he knows your name he assumes you like everything he likes, including him, even though you probably do not. Bernie knows Harry's name. Harry thinks he knows who Bernie is.
By a device known only in films, Harry invites Bernie and four other people, including Mildred, Bernie's assistant, back to Harry's professional lair for a party. This is where he works. It is a wire cage inside a deserted warehouse, a secluded shelter within a hidden place. The real Harry wouldn't let Bernie within three miles of this place but the film requires it so they end up there with a few acquaintances and some drinks. Harry talks to Mildred, or rather he lets her talk to him, and he listens, but he has nothing to say. He is an expert at getting other people's words but he is unable to find his own. He asks her a rhetorical question about not asking him questions, and she answers him with a kiss. Bernie taped this, using a bug in a pen he gave to Harry as a gift. Bernie plays back the recording, demonstrating that he really is pre-eminent in his field. Only a moment ago Harry had shown him the telescopic directional microphone he built himself, pleased to receive their plaudits but now he is angry at being bugged and recorded and asks them to leave. Mildred stays behind with Harry. In the morning, Harry wakes up in the cage and Mildred has taken his tapes. The tapes with the dangerous words on them have been taken. The words will be known. It is happening again. Harry's words are going to hurt someone.
In the night Harry had a dream in which Ann appeared behind a glass door. The glass had a chequerboard pattern on it so Harry couldn't see her clearly but he knows it was Ann. There was anger. There was terror and fear. There was blood. The words are dangerous.
From his apartment, Harry telephones the Director but he is told the Director is not there, and they will get back to him. A few minutes later Harry's phone rings. He hasn't told anyone his number. His number is private, that is part of his private information and he doesn't tell anyone his private information. He cautiously picks up the phone and it is Martin, the Director's assistant. Harry's world of privacy and control is unravelling. His girlfriend knows his birthday, Bernie knows how to find his office, his landlord has a key and reads his mail, and now the Director's assistant has his telephone number. What was once private and personal and under control is now known. Harry no longer has control.
"We have the tapes Mr. Caul," he says. "We prepare a full dossier on anyone who comes into contact with the Director," Martin tells him, "you know that means we've been watching you." Harry didn't know, and now that he does know it worries him. Who else knows private things about him? Is any part of his life his own anymore? Martin suggests he come over and get paid for the tapes. "The Director's here and he's prepared to pay you in full."
Harry meets the Director and collects his money. There are some pictures of Ann in the Director's office and it appears she might be his wife. Harry asks the Director what he will do to her. The tape is playing in the office and as Harry asks his question Mark says, "He'll kill us if he gets the chance." The Director ignores the question and strokes his dog instead. Harry asks Martin what he will do with them, and as the lift door closes Martin says, "You'll see." Harry leaves, distraught that it is happening again and yet there doesn't appear to be anything he can do about it.
On the tape, in the conversation, among the words, Mark mentioned a hotel. A meeting. "The Jack Tar Hotel, 3 O'clock, room 773." Harry goes to the hotel, at the corner of Geary and Van Ness, down the street from the square where he taped the words. He asks for room 773 but it is occupied so he gets an adjoining room. He listens at the walls. He listens through an air conditioning duct. He stands on the balcony and tries to see in. He finds a weakness, in the bathroom, under the sink. He drills a hole through the wall and inserts a probe. He listens. He is wearing his grey plastic raincoat for protection.
He hears voices. An argument. The Director, Ann and Mark. Shouting. Harry can't stand it. In his mind he sees the blood, he sees Ann and he feels responsible for what is happening. All the sounds are combining in his head, like the tape he repeatedly rewound and edited, the sounds are confusing and frightening him. He doesn't know how to deal with this. He closes the curtains, turns on the TV and turns the volume up to drown out the noises in his head and he hides under the covers on the bed, hoping it will all just go away.
Later. Harry wakes up and turns off the TV. The hotel is quiet. He goes next door and he picks the lock and breaks into the room. Room 773. There is no blood. There is no body. The room is clean. It is spotlessly, hotel clean. Ready for another guest. As he stands in the bathroom trying to figure out what happened he imagines the toilet overflowing with bloody water. A flood of blood. The window on the balcony is the glass door behind which he saw Ann in his dream. He has to know.
He goes to the Director's office but they won't let him in. Security men bundle him down the stairs. He goes outside and sees Ann sitting in a car. The blood he saw only in a dream wasn't hers. Harry is confused now and that just makes things worse. At the beginning, Harry had everything under control. His privacy was in a box only he knew how to open and his work was just a job in which the words didn't matter. But gradually the box has been pried open and the contents spilled on the floor and his life and his work have intermingled, like a salad, all the ingredients are mixed up together and it is no longer possible to just have cherry tomatoes, you have to have the dressing and bits of herbs and croutons too. You can't separate one part of your life and keep it pristine and untouched in a box because they are all connected and everything matters. The words matter, people matter. Despite what he told Stan he is after all curious and he is concerned about what happened in room 773 and he feels responsible for it. Whatever it was.
He reads a newspaper headline and he puts it all together. He knows what happened. He goes back to the Director's office building and watches the press photographers scrambling for pictures. All three of the survivors see Harry standing there and they know that he knows how dangerous the words were. Nothing is private. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much money you have, no matter how clever or secretive you are, someone else will know what you know. Harry knows.
Harry is in his apartment playing his saxophone. The telephone rings. He picks it up. "We know that you know Mr. Caul. For your own sake don't get involved any further. We'll be listening to you," then, on the phone, he hears a tape rewinding, followed by the sound of him playing his saxophone in his apartment.
Harry gets out his surveillance toys and scans his apartment to find the bug. He unscrews light switches, opens up his air conditioning unit, tears the curtains down and examines the pelmets. Harry is an expert, he knows where to put bugs. He takes down the light fittings and peers into the dark spaces they reveal. He takes his telephone to pieces and puts a meter across it, pitting his technical expertise against their wits. Reluctantly he tears apart the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He rips apart the door frames and tears up the floor covering. Eventually, as night starts to close in he has nowhere else to look. He cannot find it. Everything he had has been destroyed. His privacy is nothing but a dream. His life is not so much an open book as a gaping chasm into which anyone can stare at will and his neat and Spartan apartment, his zone of safety and peace has been destroyed from within. He plays his saxophone.
When Francis Ford Coppola made this film, in 1974, it was about the central character, Harry Caul, and his struggle to maintain some semblance of order in his life as it was torn apart around him. Harry is, like all of us, a mess of contradictions. He is a highly moral man in an immoral profession, an expert at surveillance but a loser at security, a grown man at his 44th birthday but emotionally a child, among the elite in his profession but unable to carry on a normal conversation with a woman. There are lots of other themes in here too, like the role that sound plays in the film, the interception, recording, and interpretation of sounds. At the beginning there is a simple piano melody played, representing the simplicity Harry sees in his life. As things gradually become more complex so does the piano theme so that by the time Harry is tearing his apartment to pieces to find the bug it has become a contrapuntal score with counter melody and discordant harmonies representing the utter chaos confronting him. The recording made in the square is played over and over, in snatches, with parts that were opaque becoming clearer as time goes on, with new meanings given to words we have heard before and this repetition and revision is used to demonstrate what Harry is thinking. By listening to the tape we can know what is on Harry's mind so there are lots of shots where no dialogue is necessary, all we need is the tape to know what is going on so that in a very real sense the whole story of the film is told in that very brief conversation that Ann and Mark have in the square. And, of course, Harry plays the saxophone. Harry lives in an audio universe where sound is the sense that makes sense of everything else so he does something that makes a noise to stimulate his sense of sound.
The film is also about our desire for privacy. We all have secrets and even though they might not be life threatening or embarrassing we are all selective to some extent about who can know what about us. You might tell your next door neighbour you're going on holiday so that she can feed your cat for you while you're away, but you wouldn't tell that guy at the supermarket unless you really had to. There is a balance there, that we all make, about what to tell and to whom and a debate to be had about the extent to which we have a right to expect our privacy to be respected by those to whom we entrust our secrets.
If, as I believe, it is a writer's responsibility to ask questions, then that is what this film does in a way that a lot of other films do not, it asks the viewer those questions and requires them to formulate the answers. Which is why I thought of this film when I read the revelations of Edward Snowden this week. Mr. Snowden blew the cover off the NSA's programs that have been spying on the public, recording their telephone call data, compiling massive databases of internet traffic, emails and hashtags on twitter. It occurred to me that we could watch that whole scenario play out just by watching Gene Hackman play Harry Caul in this film. If we, in our naive belief in personal privacy are the Harry Caul who appeared at the beginning of the film, and Martin and the Director are the state, running profiles on us and watching us, knowing where we are going to be and placing un-locateable bugs into our personal spaces, then is the result for us going to be the demolition of our personal lives as it was for Harry Caul? Wherever you stand on the privacy versus security continuum, the story of Harry Caul would appear to be required reading because it asks the questions you need to answer before you can have any meaningful participation in the public debate.
1. A caul is the translucent membrane that sometimes covers a baby's head when it is born. It is a remnant of the amniotic sac and babies born with it are called caulbearers. In some mythologies, caulbearers are considered lucky and they have special powers: to have dreams that foresee some aspects of the future, and a protection from drowning. Since Harry's surname is Caul, it is possible to see Harry's translucent raincoat, that he wears at work or when surveilling others, as a caul that protects him and gives him special powers. In the film but not mentioned in my essay was a dream Harry has in which he tells Ann the story of a near death experience when he was young. He nearly drowned in his bath. As mentioned, he also has the dream that foresees some aspect of the future but Harry interprets it incorrectly, leading to his confusion.
It is also possible to interpret Harry's raincoat as the amniotic sac itself, protecting the baby in the womb. Harry wears it as his armour to protect himself from the world and it would be interesting to know whether, in his back story, Harry wore the raincoat before the tragedy in New York where the three people died or if he started wearing the coat only after that event. Also, if the raincoat is the amniotic sac, that might be interpreted as a metaphorical marker to Harry's emotional immaturity. He goes to confession and tells a priest, essentially a stranger, that his work endangered the lives of people, but he was unable to share a single detail, even trivial things like his birthday, with the woman he supposedly shared his life with. This inability to express or develop any intimacy with people is a very childlike response so it is possible that the amniotic sac raincoat signals Harry's embryonic emotional state. Or his name could just be a coincidence.
2. Ann's relationship to the Director is not as clear cut as my essay may have made it seem. More than one other essay on this film said she was his daughter, and she appears in the film to be of an age where that might be true. It is even theoretically possible for them to be brother and sister. The actors portraying them are 16 years apart in age, if that matters. However, what does matter, is that Harry thinks Ann is related to the Director in some way so that he can see the discovery of her liaison with Mark as endangering her. It is, ironically, not the truth itself but Harry's perception of it that is important.
3. I watch a lot of films and I watch most of them a lot of times. There are very few films in my DVD collection that I have not watched at least a dozen times and some I have seen over thirty times and will still watch again. I also have a great many books I have read more than once. The idea that a book or film might be less enjoyable if I know the ending or that knowledge of the plot diminishes my pleasure in any way is as incomprehensible to me as the idea of cutting my foot off to make shoe purchases cheaper. Which means that I do not acknowledge the existence of any such thing as a plot spoiler.
selected cast:
- Gene Hackman as Harry Caul
- Teri Garr as Amy Fredericks, Harry's girlfriend
- Cindy Williams as Ann, the woman in the square
- Frederic Forrest as Mark, the man in the square
- John Cazale as Stan, Harry's assistant
- Harrison Ford as Martin Stett, the Director's assistant
- Robert Duvall as the Director
1. Pitt Rivers Museum – the caul in mythology and literature


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September 24, 2019Your home is an intimate space that reflects your personal taste and style, and while it may be the place that you feel most comfortable the same may not always hold true for your guests. Whether you are having extended family over for an impromptu game night or hosting friends for a formal dinner party or informal backyard barbecue, Mr. Appliance® has some great tips on how to be a good host to ...Continue Reading
The Best Gifts for Cooks
September 17, 2019For some, cooking is merely a means to end but for others, it is a passion. Whether you know a well-seasoned chef or one who is just starting to learn, each will have their own unique sense of style and flair when it comes to creating a meal. While this can make it challenging to shop for these individuals around birthdays or holidays, the kitchen experts at Mr. Appliance® have a number of great ...Continue Reading
How to Become a Soup Kitchen Volunteer
September 17, 2019Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community in which you live and can be a valuable and rewarding experience. By becoming a soup kitchen volunteer you can help to provide hot, healthy meals to those in need and make a real difference regardless of how much time you have to spare. Read on to learn how to get started, with helpful information and tips from the dedicated team of ...Continue Reading
Grandparents Day Gifts | Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration
September 3, 2019In addition to signalling the start of the school year and the first days of fall, September is also a time to honour grandparents. As this special day approaches and you are searching for the perfect Grandparents Day gifts, the team of dedicated professionals at Mr. Appliance® has some great ideas to help inspire you. What is Grandparents Day? The origin of Grandparents Day dates back to 1973 ...Continue Reading
How to Separate Laundry to Prolong the Life of Your Clothes
August 27, 2019If you're like most, you have a love-hate relationship with your washer and dryer—where you love the idea of having freshly laundered clothes but hate the mishaps and disasters that can ruin your most cherished or expensive items. The best way to avoid damage and help your clothes to last longer is by taking the time to sort your laundry before you begin and setting the correct temperature in ...Continue Reading
How to Clean an Ice Machine (and Why)
August 27, 2019There is nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink, and the best way to preserve the quality and taste of your ice is with regular cleaning and maintenance. Read on to learn how to clean an ice maker and discover why it is such an important part of any cleaning routine. Signs You Need to Clean Your Ice Maker Once you've chosen the best ice maker to suit the needs of your family and lifestyle, ...Continue Reading
How to Clean a Deep Fryer and Say Goodbye to Grease
August 13, 2019Deep frying adds a unique flavor and texture to food that is impossible to replicate and is one of the main reasons that restaurant food is so appealing. You can achieve similar results at home with an electric or stovetop deep fryer, but it's important to ensure it is cleaned properly on a regular basis. Read on for some deep fryer cleaning tips from the experts at Mr. Appliance® to stop grease ...Continue Reading
Troubleshooting Tips for When Your Dryer Won't Start
July 30, 2019Have you discovered that your dryer won't start up? There are several possible reasons that a gas or electric dryer won't turn on; hopefully, it's a simple issue such as a tripped breaker, a broken switch, or a defective latch. These straightforward troubleshooting tips will help you pinpoint the problem and take appropriate action. You may be able to fix the problem yourself, but more complicated ...Continue Reading
What Is an Icebox? A History Lesson
July 23, 2019Have you ever heard your grandma refer to the freezer as the "icebox?" She didn't coin this phrase herself—she may have actually had a legitimate icebox in her home as a kid! This was an early method of refrigeration that people utilized to keep food cold before the modern refrigerator. Learn what role the icebox played in refrigeration history and how it helped lead to modern fridges and ...Continue Reading
Know Your Appliances: What in the World Is a Garburator?
July 16, 2019Modern conveniences are designed to save space, time, and money by performing any number of unpleasant household tasks quickly and efficiently. One such item that can be found in homes across the globe is a garburator, and while you may not know what one is you may be surprised to find that you have one in your kitchen. What's in a Name? Travelling the world is a great way to expand your horizons, ...Continue Reading
Why Is There a D in "Fridge" but Not in "Refrigerator"?
July 2, 2019The English language is full of oddities and inconsistencies that don't always make sense and periodically result in unusual spellings or pronunciations. While this can make English a difficult language to learn, even those who are fluent may find themselves searching for answers every now and then or relying on spellcheck for assistance. The appliance world is no exception when it comes to these ...Continue Reading
How to Play the Washboard as a Musical Instrument
June 18, 2019In the musical realm, there are few instruments that capture the historical charm and whimsical percussion of the washboard. This once popular laundry tool was considered effective at removing most dirt and stains from clothing and linens given the right soap and some vigorous scrubbing, but it has since been replaced by the modern convenience of the automatic washing machine. Today these vintage ...Continue Reading
An Easy, DIY Play Kitchen for Your Little Chef
June 11, 2019It's said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you're a parent who spends any time there, there's a high likelihood you've had offers to help from little hands which are also near and dear to your heart. From helping crack eggs to playing drums on the floor with pans, children love feeling like they're part of cooking meals. In fact, this CBS News story shared research results showed that ...Continue Reading
How to Make Slime with Laundry Detergent and Shampoo
June 11, 2019When it comes to school science, experiments slime ranks number one, giving students a hands-on way to learn about chemical reactions, polymers, and viscosity. Creating slime at home is even more fun and can provide you and your children with hours of enjoyment using just a few common ingredients. Put away the electronics and get back to basics with these tips on how to make slime with laundry ...Continue Reading
The History of Baking: From Ancient Egyptians to Today
May 28, 2019From bread and pie to pastries and cakes, baking has a long history that has satisfied the hunger of countless people from worldwide civilizations for thousands of years. The next time you bake a culinary masterpiece—or simply pop a frozen pizza in the oven—think of this history of baking. Ancient Baking The oldest known ovens were unearthed in Croatia in 2014. They are estimated to be 6,500 years ...Continue Reading
Super Cool Refrigerator History
May 21, 2019It's hard to imagine your home without a refrigerator, but as little as 100 years ago Canadians relied on alternative methods of food preservation according to the type of food and the surrounding climate. Read on to learn more about the evolution of this modern-day marvel courtesy of the seasoned professionals at Mr. Appliance®, from the old-fashioned icebox to the technologically advanced smart ...Continue Reading
When Was Ice Cream Invented? A Short, Sweet History Lesson
May 14, 2019There is nothing like a cold scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day, but if you're like most people you have given little or no thought to the history of this wildly popular treat. Read on to learn all you ever needed to know about the origin and evolution of ice cream including the best way to store it, from the team of professionals at Mr. Appliance®. When Was Ice Cream Invented? Icy treats can ...Continue Reading
Create a Timeless Kitchen with Antique Appliances
May 7, 2019For several generations now, kitchens have included appliances to make life easier. Long gone are the days of stoking the fire, hauling ice to the ice chest, and washing dishes by hand. There's no arguing the convenience of appliances—the problem is they're simply an eyesore. If you're put off by gaudy appliances disrupting the beauty of your carefully selected shaker-style cabinets, butcher block ...Continue Reading
The Best Range Hoods to Keep Your Kitchen Ventilated
April 23, 2019Ventilation is a key factor in the quality of your indoor air and the cleanliness of your home. When you consider that the kitchen is one of the most often used rooms and that which produces the most odours, grease, and steam, it's imperative that you choose a range hood that not only looks good, but also performs well. With so many different types of range hoods to choose from it can be hard to ...Continue Reading
Retro Kitchen Appliances Are Back in Style
April 16, 2019Retro Kitchen Appliances are Back in Style Retro style kitchen appliances give you modern performance with a vintage, but timeless look. If you're interested in the retro appliances trend you will want to know a little about their history, today's modern twist on retro, how to integrate them into your design and most importantly, making sure your new appliances comply with safety standards. We ...Continue Reading
Coloured Appliances in the Kitchen: Yes, Your Oven Can Be Purple
April 9, 2019For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where meals are prepared and shared, where stories are told, where childhood boo-boos get a bandage and a kiss better. Cold, heartless stainless steel has been at the top of the design list for American kitchens for many years, but perhaps it's time to infuse a little warmth and colour to our favourite spaces with coloured appliances in ...Continue Reading
The Great Debate: Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washing Machine
April 2, 2019Who comes out on top in the fight against loads and loads of dirty laundry—a front-load or top-load washing machine? If you ask around, you may find that some people with strong opinions will try to steer you in one direction or the other. You may recall that top-load machines ruled the roost while you were growing up, but by the turn of the century, front-loading washing machines took center ...Continue Reading
Can You Put Styrofoam in the Microwave? Reheat Food Safely
March 26, 2019Microwave ovens are a useful addition to any kitchen and in most circumstances, they are considered to be a time-saving alternative for heating, cooking, and defrosting a variety of foods. One of the most common uses for this technology is the reheating of leftovers which poses the question, "Can you put styrofoam in the microwave?" This popular material is often used by restaurants and fast food ...Continue Reading
How to Clean Front-Load Washer Mould
March 19, 2019Front-load washing machines are famous for being quiet, efficient, and gentle on clothes, but they're infamous for accruing nasty mould and mildew. Here's how to clean front-load washer mould, along with tips to limit the machine's susceptibility to future growth. What Causes Front-Load Washing Machines to Mould? Front-load washers are all the rage, but their design makes them more prone to mould. ...Continue Reading
Does Stainless Steel Rust? (Stainless Isn't Always Rust-less)
March 12, 2019Stainless steel is used in any number of applications including medical equipment, automotive parts, and indoor and outdoor appliances. There are several misconceptions about this versatile material—the biggest one being that it doesn't rust when exposed to water or the elements. While stainless steel may not corrode in the same manner or at the same speed as ordinary steel it can happen under the ...Continue Reading
Are Microwaves Safe or Dangerous?
March 5, 2019When microwave ovens were first introduced in the late 1960s they revolutionized the way people reheat, defrost, and cook their food. While they were once considered a luxury item, they can now be found in nearly every home across the country. But like most modern conveniences it's important to learn all you can about how microwave ovens work and whether or not they are a safe alternative to more ...Continue Reading
Freezing Baby Food 101: How to Freeze Baby Food
February 26, 2019Caring for a new little one comes with many questions and concerns. How should you dress your baby? What temperature should you keep your baby's nursery? What baby food should you buy? Your questions are never-ending, but fortunately, there's often more than one right answer. For instance, many parents choose to make their own baby food and freeze it for later. This is a healthy and cost-effective ...Continue Reading
Can You Put Hot Food in Your Refrigerator?
February 19, 2019If you're like most people food safety is somewhat of a mystery. Unfortunately, the consequences associated with improper food handling and storage can be dire, ranging from mild stomach upset to severe illness or even death—prompting a need for strict adherence to food safety guidelines. One of the most common dilemmas that homeowners face is whether or not to put hot food in the refrigerator, ...Continue Reading
What Is Freezer Burn? Causes and Prevention of Freezer Burn
February 15, 2019Freezing food is a great way to reduce waste, spend less money on groceries, and save time by preparing meals in advance . Of course, if you're not diligent, food can go bad in the freezer, too, from a condition called "freezer burn." Now's your chance to learn what causes freezer burn and how to prevent it. What is Freezer Burn? While freezing food has some amazing benefits, the biggest downside ...Continue Reading
How to Install a Garburator
February 12, 2019A new garburator can enhance your lifestyle, saving you time while helping to reduce your impact on the environment. Whether you need to replace your old or worn out appliance or you are installing a new garburator as part of a kitchen remodel or renovation, it's important to follow the proper procedures to ensure optimal performance and safety. The experts at Mr. Appliance® are pleased to provide ...Continue Reading
Grow These Indoor Plants You Can Eat
February 5, 2019There is no question that organic or locally grown produce has a number of significant benefits over varieties which have been genetically modified, or laden with pesticides. Unfortunately the healthier version of fruits, vegetables, and herbs come with a heftier price tag, and may be hard to find at your local grocer. The solution? Start your own indoor garden, and have your favourites at your ...Continue Reading
How to Hide your Kitchen Appliances in Plain Sight
January 22, 2019Regardless of whether your kitchen is decorated in a modern, traditional, or contemporary style, nothing can ruin the overall appearance more than your kitchen appliances. One of the best ways to enhance the look and feel of the most often used room in your home is by hiding your appliances, both big and small, in plain sight—but how? The team of professionals at Mr. Appliance® has a number of ...Continue Reading
Clever, Easy Ways to Hide a Washer & Dryer
January 15, 2019The washer and dryer may be two of your most treasured appliances, but that doesn't mean you want to stare at them all day. Unfortunately, not every home or apartment is lucky enough to have a dedicated laundry room. Avoid airing out your dirty laundry for all to see with these ways to hide a washer and dryer. Places to Hide Laundry Room Appliances Every living space is unique. Some layouts don't ...Continue Reading
Small Laundry Room Ideas and Design Tips
January 8, 2019It's easy for the laundry room to become cluttered, especially if you have a small space to work with. The key is to design the room strategically so it stays organized week after week. You also want to introduce some personal flair to make this part of your home more inviting. Here are some small laundry room design ideas to help you make the most of the space. Colour Scheme Begin by assessing ...Continue Reading
Commercial Kitchen Layout Tips
January 2, 2019The kitchen is not only the heart of the home but also the heart of any restaurant or food service venue. While the quality and variety of equipment you choose will help determine your success, equally as important are the kitchen design and layout. Whether you in the planning stages for a new restaurant or would like to improve the workflow and efficiency in your existing establishment Mr. ...Continue Reading
Make the Most of Grilling Indoors on an Electric Grill
December 26, 2018The long, cold months of winter may have you longing for those summer nights when the smell of grilling around the neighborhood filled the air. There's no reason you can't create that in your own home--even on the coldest days! With a few solid tips, you can get great results from your indoor electric grill. Choose the Right Equipment Everyone's probably familiar with the countertop grill by the ...Continue Reading
How to Fix a Clogged Garburator
December 18, 2018A garburator is a modern convenience which can help to significantly reduce the amount of waste that your home produces. What is not convenient, however, is a clogged garburator , which can occur for any number of reasons. Read on to learn some helpful tips to prevent clogs from recurring and great advice on how to fix a clogged garburator from the experts at Mr. Appliance®. What Causes a ...Continue Reading
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal
December 11, 2018Your garbage disposal has a tough job, grinding up leftover organic material into liquefied waste so that it can easily flow through your wastewater pipe. As with any other appliance, a number of things can go wrong with your disposal which may cause it to malfunction or break down—but unlike your stove or refrigerator, you may be able to solve the issue yourself with the touch of a button. Before ...Continue Reading
How Does a Refrigerator Work?
December 4, 2018If you're like most people you don't give much thought to the inner workings of your refrigerator unless it breaks down, or it comes time to replace it. In order to get the most from this invaluable appliance, however, it can be useful to know exactly how it keeps your food cold—and Mr. Appliance® is here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how a refrigerator works, and how ...Continue Reading
Kitchen Ventilation | Downdraft vs. Hood Fan
November 13, 2018Cooking a great meal can make your entire home smell wonderful, but it can also wreak havoc on surfaces, cause your kitchen to look worn and dingy and even create heat, fumes, smoke and/or odors that can make you feel unwell. The answer? Proper kitchen ventilation—but before you decide which type is best for your home it is important to learn about the difference between downdraft vs. hood fan ...Continue Reading
How Do Induction Cooktops Work?
November 6, 2018While the art of cooking has been around since the discovery of fire, the technology behind it has continued to evolve to include gas, electricity, microwaves, and induction. While most methods can be easily understood the process of induction remains a mystery to many, and if you are among those who wonder "How does induction cooking work?" Mr. Appliance® has the answer. What is Induction? ...Continue Reading
The Best Refrigerator Style for You
October 16, 2018Whether you are choosing a refrigerator for your new home or replacing your worn or outdated model, you may quickly discover that there is a vast array of different refrigerator styles, sizes, and features. Before you choose your new appliance, take the time to research your options to make the most of your investment. Mr. Appliance® is here to help, with our comprehensive buying guide to help you ...Continue Reading
Appliances with the Best Resale Value
October 9, 2018Aging appliances? Paying up for high-end upgrade could be worth it in the end when you sell your home. But before you end up experiencing unnecessary sticker shock, learn which appliances to splurge on with the help of Mr. Appliance… What are the Best Appliances for Resale Value? Higher end appliances last longer and are easier to sell, adding value in the eyes of potential homebuyers. They also ...Continue Reading
10 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Easier
October 4, 2018The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with friends and extended family, as you gather around the table for a delicious feast, complete with turkey and all the trimmings. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of great stress, as the added pressure of cleaning, shopping, and meal preparation take their toll on both time and budget. This year, spend less time in the kitchen and more time ...Continue Reading
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Washer/Dryer
October 2, 2018Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Washer/Dryer When deciding how to spend their hard-earned money, most people would rather indulge in a much-needed vacation than buy a washer and dryer—but while the memories of your time at the beach will fade, the right laundry duo can provide you with years of dependable service. Whether your current appliances are inefficient, malfunctioning, or past ...Continue Reading
How to Freshen Up a Stinky Fridge
September 24, 2018No matter what the source of the odor, a stinky fridge can put a damper on even the simplest meal. If your fridge isn't doing its part to create an appetizing aroma, here are a few ways to solve the problem. Start with a Deep Clean Even if your fridge isn't stinky, periodically deep cleaning it will make sure it stays fresh. First, unplug the refrigerator and remove all the contents. Throw out ...Continue Reading
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad?
September 18, 2018The unique scent of clean linens is so beloved and calming that there are a number of products on the market today that mimic it, from candles to room sprays. Unfortunately, there is one smell associated with laundry that no one tries to replicate, and that is a musty washing machine. If you've ever asked yourself the question, "Why does my washing machine smell bad?" you're not alone. The good ...Continue Reading
How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
September 11, 2018Dinner leftovers are put away, the counter is wiped, and the dishwasher is running. There's nothing like having a clean kitchen at the end of the night! So, where's that smell coming from? Check the dishwasher. The dishes may be clean, but the appliance itself may be giving off a foul odor. Learn how to clean a smelly dishwasher with these expert tips from Mr. Appliance®. Clean the Drain Filter ...Continue Reading
How to Troubleshoot the 6 Most Common Appliance Problems
August 28, 2018Not every appliance problem has to come with the hassle and expense of a professional repair. In many cases, the fixes are simple enough to do yourself in just a few minutes. Before you call for help, keep your appliances running smoothly with these tips from our appliance experts. 1. Smelly Washing Machine A bad odor in your washing machine can defeat the purpose of the appliance! If you're ...Continue Reading
Why is My Gas Stove Clicking?
August 21, 2018Gas stoves are the pride and joy of any self-respecting chef. If this is what you have in your kitchen, you're probably accustomed to hearing a "click, click, click" when you turn the burner knob. This is the sound of the electric igniter working to light the burner. Once the flame is going, the clicking should stop. Here's the problem: your gas stove is clicking even after the burner is lit – or ...Continue Reading
Can I Leave a Chest Freezer Outside?
August 14, 2018A chest freezer is a great addition to any home and is perfect for large families or anyone who likes to purchase or store food in large quantities. The downside to these handy appliances is their size, and for many, it can be a challenge to determine where to set them up so that they are out of the way, yet easily accessible when needed. While the great outdoors or your garage may seem like great ...Continue Reading
What to Do If Your Ice Maker Isn't Making Ice
August 7, 2018Nothing is more frustrating than an ice maker that's not working, especially in summer months when you'd like nothing more than an ice cold glass of water or lemonade! Perhaps you're having an outdoor barbecue with friends or neighbors, or guests are coming for dinner over the weekend. Even if there's nothing special going on, you need your ice maker to work. What could possibly be the problem and ...Continue Reading
Your Guide to the Best Ice Makers Available
July 24, 2018It's easy to take cold drinks for granted, but if you're on the lookout for the best ice makers available, chances are you've had more than your fair share of room-temperature beverages. Use this guide to help you shop for the best ice machine out there. How to Determine if You Need a Standalone Ice Maker Here are the most common reasons people shop for portable ice machines: Your freezer doesn't ...Continue Reading
Be Aware of Safe Meat Temperatures When Grilling
July 17, 2018Outdoor grilling is a favourite summer pastime, and indoor grilling is the perfect way to create healthy dishes while changing up your regular menu anytime of the year. On the other hand, it's important to cook all meat to a safe temperature to avoid illnesses. Here's what you need to know about safe meat temperatures for a happy grilling season. Get the Right Equipment An instant-read thermometer ...Continue Reading
Why Is My Ice Maker So Slow?
July 10, 2018When you press your cup against your freezer's ice maker dispenser, you expect ice cubes to fall out on cue. But what if your ice maker isn't making enough ice to keep up demand? There are a few common culprits that might be to blame for this problem. Work through each one until you find the solution. How an Ice Maker Works A switch inside the ice maker triggers water to flow in from the line ...Continue Reading
Preventative Maintenace For Kitchen Appliances
July 3, 2018Kitchen appliances are not only expensive investments, but they're also the ones that can cause the greatest inconvenience when they stop working. The good news is that with regular maintenance, you can help your appliances not only last longer, but also operate more efficiently to cut down on energy expenses, too! Here's what you need to know about preventive maintenance for kitchen appliances. ...Continue Reading
Silence a Loud Refrigerator
June 26, 2018When your refrigerator makes odd noises you haven't noticed before, it's important to take a little time to investigate the source of the noise. Nothing is more irritating than a loud refrigerator and you want to determine whether it may be a serious (and potentially costly) problem. At Mr. Appliance® our goal is to help you figure out what's causing the noise and how to remedy the situation! Is ...Continue Reading
How to Defrost a Freezer
June 19, 2018Many new freezers have a self-defrost feature to keep icy buildup at bay. But if you have an older appliance, you might need to perform this task manually. Removing ice from the walls of your freezer helps it run more efficiently. It also reclaims precious freezer space, so you have more room for frozen dinners and ice cream. If it's starting to look like the arctic tundra in there, use these ...Continue Reading
How to Reduce Refrigerator Energy Consumption
June 12, 2018Refrigerators can be the largest energy consumers in the home making it a primary target if you're looking to cut your energy expenses and reduce your environmental impact. The easiest way to reduce the energy use from your refrigerator is to replace it with a new, energy-efficient model, especially if it's more than 15 years old. The savings in energy consumption will help the fridge pay for ...Continue Reading
The Most Power-Hungry Home Appliances
June 4, 2018If your attempts at reducing your electricity usage aren't having the impact that you desire, the problem may be that you have one or more power hungry appliances lurking in your home. Inefficient appliances can wreak havoc on your budget, but the first step to resolving the issue and regaining control over monthly spending is to identify these energy hogs and replace or repair them with more ...Continue Reading
From Our Kitchen to Yours: The Many Uses of Lemons - Make Food Last Longer and Turn Out Better
May 29, 2018Lemons aren't just for lemonade! Did you know you can use them to help preserve your food, and even make food turn out better as you prepare it? Read our tips on how to help your food put its best foot forward with a little help from these yellow, citrus friends. How to Make Food Last Longer and Turn Out Better with Lemons Watch our video below! Then read more details in the full blog... ...Continue Reading
Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking?
May 15, 2018Are you concerned about the puddle of water you just found on the laundry room floor? Don't panic – all you need is to uncover the reason why the washer is leaking and perform the required repair. Many times, a simple DIY fix is all that's required, though you can always schedule appliance repair with a knowledgeable appliance repair technician. How to Locate the Washing Machine Leak First, make ...Continue Reading
How to Level a Washing Machine
May 8, 2018A clean, organized laundry room can be an efficient place to get chores done. However, a washing machine that vibrates excessively or shakes the entire house during the spin cycle disrupts the haven you have in mind. When the washing machine shakes, it can damage internal mechanisms and anything near the appliance, including the walls and floor. The problem is simple: the machine is not sitting ...Continue Reading
Your Guide to Energy-Efficient Appliances
May 1, 2018Energy efficient appliances are an all-around good choice. Not only will you save on your energy bills every month, but you'll also be doing your part for a greener planet. If you're thinking about making the switch to efficient appliances , here's what you need to know. Start With the Basics Energy Star is a program from the Environmental Protection Agency designed to help people make smart ...Continue Reading
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
April 23, 2018It might seem strange to have to clean a machine that does the cleaning, but over time, soap scum and detergent buildup can start causing problems. Your washing machine--and your clothing--will benefit from a periodic cleaning. From the inside out, here is what you need to know to keep your washing machine in top shape. Collect Your Materials There's no need for harsh cleaning agents here; all you ...Continue Reading
From Our Kitchen to Yours: The Many Uses of Lemons - Cleaning
April 17, 2018Lemons aren't just for enjoying in our favorite beverages, they also make an excellent household cleaner. According to Readers Digest there are 34 Uses of Lemons. Some of the most commonly asked questions include; Can you clean with lemon juice? How do I clean my counters and appliance surfaces with lemon juice? Are there homemade lemon juice cleaners? Refreshing the Refrigerator Easily remove ...Continue Reading
What Are the Best Appliances for a Small Home?
April 10, 2018Whether you live in an actual Tiny House or just need to make the most of every square foot in your home, choosing the right appliances for small homes can be a challenge. Here's what you need to know about making the most of small spaces. Working in Small Spaces Staying organized and keeping clutter to a minimum are essential when working in small areas. When choosing appliances for small ...Continue Reading
Checklist Urges New Homeowners to Evaluate Old Appliances
March 27, 2018Appliance inspection isn't a high priority task for most new homeowners. But with all the work they do to make our lives easier, a quick inspection can help new homeowners avoid expensive repairs. With so much appliance repair experience, Mr. Appliance knows first-hand how a little preventative maintenance can go a long way. The important of appliance inspection was echoed in the New Homeowner ...Continue Reading
Appliance Cleaning Tips that Can Prevent the Need for Repairs
March 6, 2018It's easy to take your kitchen and laundry room appliances for granted, but if you neglect them, you might end up with a premature appliance repair on your hands. Fortunately, a little cleaning goes a long way. Here's how to maintain some of the major appliances in your home to help prevent repairs in the future. Refrigerator & Freezer Cleaning Tips to Avoid Repair Clean the refrigerator coils: ...Continue Reading
Home Maintenance Schedule: Check Your Appliances!
February 27, 2018Your home appliances hum effortlessly along, helping you throughout your busy life, never asking much in return. Although, the truth is that a little attention every now and then helps appliances last longer and work more efficiently, saving you money. With so much experience repairing and servicing appliances, Mr. Appliance knows firsthand how a little maintenance can go a long way. ...Continue Reading
Do Not Attempt to Repair Your Washer Yourself
February 20, 2018If your washing machine isn't working right, you may want to try fixing it yourself. However, if you're still not sure what's causing the problem after some simple washing machine repair troubleshooting, you should call a professional to prevent risking more damage to your washer. Here are seven of the most common issues you might experience with your washing machine and when to call Mr. ...Continue Reading
Broken Appliance: Repair or Replace?
February 9, 2018Kitchen appliances are a major financial investment, and when one of your appliances has been underperforming or is no longer working, it can be tough to decide whether to repair or replace it. There are several variables to consider before you make your final decision based on your individual needs and circumstances, including whether you are wanting to upgrade your appliances as part of your ...Continue Reading
How to Get Rid of a Refrigerator
February 2, 2018When you think about the appliances in your kitchen that you rely on most, odds are the refrigerator is somewhere near the top of the list, if not the very first item on that list. However, like all other appliances, refrigerators don't last forever . At some point, you're going to have to replace your old refrigerator, or you're just going to want to upgrade it in order to take advantage of the ...Continue Reading
How to Responsibly Get Rid of Old Appliances
January 23, 2018Have you been wondering how to deal with your old appliances? For those of us committed to responsible recycling, directing your old appliances to exactly the right place is mandatory. For peace of mind, and the knowledge that you have done exactly the right thing for your old appliance disposal - Mr. Appliance® is always here to help. When you replace an appliance, we help you make sure the old ...Continue Reading
Keep Clutter Off the Top of Your Dryer
January 15, 2018Few people really consider whether or not they are using their dryer properly. After all, it should be pretty self-evident, right? Make sure the lint trap is clear, then toss your clothes in and turn it on. However, you'd be surprised at how many mistakes people make when using their dryer, mistakes that could result in a possible safety risk. For example, many people place their clothes on top of ...Continue Reading
Creative Uses for Old Refrigerators
January 5, 2018When an old appliance breaks, it often isn't worth the cost to repair it. If your refrigerator has reached the average life expectancy of a fridge —or about 14 years—it may be time to replace it the next time it malfunctions. But don't toss the broken appliance just yet! We have a few creative uses for old refrigerators that might make it worth keeping around. Pantry Have you always wanted a ...Continue Reading
The 5 Most Common Oven Issues to Watch Out For
January 2, 2018Whether you're cooking dinner for the family on a busy weeknight or planning a fancy home-cooked meal for this weekend's dinner guests, you don't have time for oven issues. Here are five of the most common oven issues to watch out for and the steps you can take to troubleshoot them yourself. If you have difficulty getting your oven back up and running, remember to leave trickier repairs to a ...Continue Reading
Resolve to Take Better Care of Your Appliances
December 29, 2017It's hard not to take your appliances for granted - you use them so often that they've become a normal part of your day-to-day life, to the point where you don't even give much thought to their use. However, once an appliance begins having issues or, even worse, breaks down, you suddenly realize what an important function it played in your life. Because of this, you should make taking care of your ...Continue Reading
2017 Laundry Gadget Gift Guide
December 19, 2017The laundry room is an area of the home that is often ignored, which is exactly why picking up a laundry gadget or two as a gift can be a great idea. The laundry room is a space that's often messy, cluttered, unorganized and somewhat inconvenient in its function. The following are a few laundry room accessories that could improve all of that: Astar Magnetic Ironing Mat - The traditional ironing ...Continue Reading
Clean the Refrigerator Gaskets in 3 Easy Steps
November 8, 2017Your refrigerator's gasket helps to create a vacuum, air-tight seal, forming a barrier for the cool inside your refrigerator and freezer. It's located along the edges of the appliance doors. Clean this important part of the appliance with these three steps: Make Your Cleaning Solution General Electric recommends mixing of 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. You can also use with a ...Continue Reading
3 Easy Steps to Cleaning the Refrigerator Coils
October 25, 2017Your refrigerator's coils work to compress and cool the refrigerant chemical in the appliance. Dirt, dust and pet hair can accumulate on a refrigerator's condenser coils, which makes them work less efficiently. Try to clean them every six months by using a brush and vacuum cleaner to keep the machine working efficiently. If you have dogs or cats who shed hair frequently, it may be best to complete ...Continue Reading
How to Figure Out if Your Appliance is Still Under Warranty
September 12, 2017No matter what brand your appliances are or how well you care for them, they are bound to break down sometime. In your search for reliable appliance repair, you wound up on the Mr. Appliance® website. You might have noticed that when you go to schedule your service , there's an option to check a box that says, "My appliance is covered by a manufacturer's warranty or service contract." This has you ...Continue Reading
Fix Your Ice Maker When it Gets Stuck Without Destroying It
September 5, 2017Having a freezer with an ice maker is incredibly convenient. It allows you to enjoy icy cold drinks every day without having to refill ice trays at the kitchen sink. Whether you need a large supply of ice for the big game, a birthday party, or a regular family dinner, you count on your ice maker to work flawlessly. That's why it's such a big inconvenience if your ice maker gets stuck or fails to ...Continue Reading
Clean Off Your Refrigerator and Other Back to School Tips
August 23, 2017You've gone back-to-school shopping with your children to help them get their desks, lockers, and backpacks ready for the new school year, but what preparations have you made at home? We're not just talking about the kids' rooms or the study area in the play room—we're referring to the kitchen, the very heart of your home. This is where the hustle and bustle of weekday mornings, afternoon homework ...Continue Reading
Which Small Appliances are Worth Being Repaired?
August 16, 2017When a small kitchen appliance breaks, what do you do? Most people throw it out and buy a new one. But is that the right move? After all, some small appliances can be repaired very affordably with a call to a local repair shop or the manufacturer. Here's a guide to help you decide when small appliance repair is worth it and when it's better to throw the broken device away and replace it. Repair or ...Continue Reading
The 5 Most Common Refrigerator Issues to Watch Out For
August 7, 2017Is your refrigerator acting up? If it's more than a decade old, it might be near the end of its useful lifespan . Still, it could be possible to fix the problem and get several more years out of the appliance. Here's how to troubleshoot five of the most common refrigerator issues. Fridge Not Getting Cold The appliance should keep food between 37 and 41 degrees. If you open your refrigerator door ...Continue Reading
Top Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
June 28, 2017Gas grills are the most popular type of grills for backyard barbecues. Charcoal grills remain the go-to option for portable grilling at campouts and tailgating parties. Regardless of what type of grill you have, you want it to last for many years. Here are the most important grill cleaning and maintenance tips you should perform to keep your grill in good condition. Grill Cleaning: How to Clean a ...Continue Reading
Signs You Need a New Grill
June 21, 2017As grilling season gets underway, you may be eager to whip up this year's first batch of burgers on your trusty backyard grill. But is this aging outdoor appliance really up for yet another grueling year of high temperatures, smoke, and greasy food? Learn when it's time for a new grill and consider some viable replacement options. Is your grill past its prime? Look into repairing or replacing it ...Continue Reading
Father's Day Gift Guide: All About Grills
June 16, 2017The smell of hotdogs and burgers fill the air outside as Dad grills up a delicious dinner on a warm night. Man, our mouths sure are watering! If Dad keeps dropping not so subtle hints about wanting a grill and everything that comes with it, you've come to the right place to figure out what to buy him. There's a ton of grills out there and several types, and it can get confusing but we're here to ...Continue Reading
Who wins the battle between gas and charcoal grills?
May 30, 2017Anytime it's nice to be outside... the battle between gas grills and charcoal grills rages on. For years, people have been asking, is a gas or charcoal grill better for your health? How do you cook on a gas grill? How do you know your charcoal grill is ready? These questions bring to light some of the differences between gas grills and charcoal grills. Let's explore other characteristics to find ...Continue Reading
How to Keep Your Outdoor Appliances Safe from the Elements
May 10, 2017If you recently installed an outdoor kitchen, or you're still contemplating making this upgrade in your backyard, you want the investment to last for many years. This means choosing the right appliances and taking steps to protect them from harsh storms and cold winter weather. Here's how. Indoor vs. Outdoor Appliances At the very least, every outdoor kitchen needs a built-in stainless steel ...Continue Reading
The Perfect Mother's Day Gift
May 3, 2017As you brainstorm for the perfect Mother's Day gifts to give this year, consider the condition of your mom's kitchen appliances. Does she continually complain about dishwasher's loud cycles? Is her fridge outdated and expensive to operate? Does she pine for a new oven? This could be the year you surprise Mom with a new kitchen appliance. If your budget allows, you might even spoil her with a ...Continue Reading
From Our Kitchen to Yours: 5 Out-of-the-Ordinary Ways to Use your Crock Pot
April 19, 2017Crock Pots are one of the most underrated kitchen appliances. One of the best parts about crock-pots is that you can count on it to cook your meal while you are working or running errands. They come in many sizes, so if you are heading out to a party, you can bring a small one for dips; or if you are hosting a dinner party, you can use a big one to make casserole. What many people don't know is ...Continue Reading
8 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Garage Refrigerator
April 12, 2017With summer almost here, you are probably planning for your kids being out of school for a few months. With their release come lots of play dates and little ones running in and out of the house throughout the season. You might be preparing for this by putting extra sodas and snacks in your refrigerator and preparing some easy meals; but you can quickly run out of space… so what do you do? Take ...Continue Reading
To Dry or Not to Dry: Which Fabrics Go in the Dryer?
March 31, 2017Laundry day is a day that many dread; for some, it's the folding, for others it's the sorting. There are many woes that people have about laundry. However something that many don't understand is what they can and cannot put in the dryer. We have all been there: you put your favorite shirt in the dryer and pull it out, only to see that it is now a shirt fit for a small child. It's not a good ...Continue Reading
What's the Deal With Dry Clean Only?
March 22, 2017If you just bought a new wool suit or silk blouse, you may become discouraged when you discover it says "dry clean only" on the tag. Do you really need to obey this instruction? How crucial is it to dry clean certain fabrics, and what makes the process safer than washing? Find the answers to your questions here, so you don't inadvertently ruin a delicate fabric in the wash. What Does "Dry Clean ...Continue Reading
The Washer's Lint Trap Needs Cleaning Too
March 6, 2017You know about the dryer lint screen, but did you know your washing machine has a lint trap, too? If your clothes have a furry coat of lint coming out of the wash, the lint filter is probably clogged. It's time to remedy this problem by learning more about washing machine lint traps. What is a Washing Machine Lint Trap? Some washers have cleanable filters while others have mesh lint traps. ...Continue Reading
Best Places for the Washer and Dryer
February 22, 2017No one seems to agree exactly where the laundry room should go. These rooms were once afterthoughts, installed in out-of-the-way closets or the corner of the basement. Over the years, new homes have started prioritizing laundry room location to increase convenience, improve efficiency, and ensure safe ventilation. But where is the best place for the laundry room? There isn't one right answer to ...Continue Reading
Why You Need to Clean the Lint Filter Every Time
February 16, 2017You've heard that you need to clean the dryer lint trap after every load, but is it true? Let's discuss the reasons to clean the lint filter, how often you should perform this task, and more useful tips. Why Do You Clean a Dryer Lint Filter? When clothing tumbles around in the dryer, the agitation and high heat cause clothing, towels, and linens to shed some of their fibers. The lint screen ...Continue Reading
Get Your Laundry Room Organized Before You Do Anything Else
January 17, 2017Now that the busy holidays are over, you can focus on getting your home organized for the New Year. Before you do anything else, get your laundry room organized to create a more functional space. Whether you have a small or big budget, little or large space to work with, get inspired by these tips to organize the laundry room. Laundry Room Organization on a Small Budget Even when you don't have a ...Continue Reading
Break Your Bad Laundry Habits
January 10, 2017Have you considered breaking your bad laundry habits? If you want to save money on detergent, new clothes, and washing machine repairs, break these bad laundry habits right now! And, we know you'll love these tips so much, we've made a shareable social media graphic with all of them included at the bottom of this page! Using Too Much Laundry Detergent It's easy to assume that more soap means ...Continue Reading
2016 Kitchen Gadget Gift Guide
December 16, 2016Do you have a friend or family member who's always hard to shop for at Christmas time? How about finding a quirky kitchen gadget to make cooking and baking a little easier? From highly useful to a little extravagant, here are the top kitchen gadgets that could serve as the perfect gifts for Christmas 2016. Melon Scoop Cantaloupes and watermelons are popular favorites, but preparing and eating them ...Continue Reading
Clean Everything Else
December 7, 2016This is the time of year to prepare your home – especially your kitchen – for the holidays. If you're hosting dinner parties for family and friends, a clean, functional kitchen will help everything go smoothly. You've already learned how to clean your oven and refrigerator – now it's time to tackle the rest of the kitchen as part of your yearly holiday preparations. Dust High Areas This is a great ...Continue Reading
How to Clean Your Refrigerator
December 1, 2016In your efforts to prepare the kitchen for the hectic holiday baking season, you may have already cleaned the oven. Now it's time to think about cleaning the refrigerator so there's room for holiday leftovers without any funky smells or sticky spots to slow you down. Use these tips to achieve a clean refrigerator and keep it looking good for months. How to Clean Your Refrigerator Ready to deep ...Continue Reading
Holiday Prep: Clean the Oven
November 8, 2016With the holidays quickly approaching, you're probably anticipating all the cooking you'll be doing. Is your kitchen up to the task? The oven is the first place that likely needs attention. Having a clean oven to work with makes holiday baking much more pleasant. Here's how to clean your oven, no matter what type you have. Self-Cleaning Ovens Whether convection or conventional, self-cleaning ovens ...Continue Reading
This Is the Worst Time for Your Washer to Die
September 1, 2016With sports starting back up and warmer, heavier outfits taking center stage, back-to-school time is when you rely on your washer and dryer the most. This would be the worst time for these appliances to break down! To ensure your washer and dryer keep running like normal, implement certain maintenance and troubleshooting tips. Then if needed, you can schedule washer and dryer repair with Mr. ...Continue Reading
8 Reasons Why You Should Talk to Your Children about Entering the Trades
August 12, 2016Do you have teenagers trying desperately to figure out what they want to do… for the rest of their life? Not surprising it's not an easy decision. With so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming to begin even considering different fields. The trades are becoming a good choice to make for everyone, but especially for females who have previously shied away from such types of jobs. The ...Continue Reading
What is the Lifespan of your Refrigerator?
July 21, 2016Have you owned your refrigerator for a few years? Are you unsure how much longer you can expect it to last? Learn the typical refrigerator lifespan so you can plan ahead when the time for appliance replacement looms near. You can even adopt tips to help your refrigerator provide efficient service for as long as possible. How Long Does a Refrigerator Last? According to the 23rd annual portrait of ...Continue Reading
Preventing Bad Odors in the Fridge
July 12, 2016Have you ever opened your refrigerator door only to be assaulted by a stinky waft of refrigerated air? The cool temperature does little to temper the odor, and you're forced to hold your nose as you dig around for the source of the stench. Maybe old leftover fish, ground beef or forgotten salad has been hiding in the back corner for a few weeks – or even longer. Even once you dispose of the moldy, ...Continue Reading
4 Beautiful Outdoor Kitchens
June 7, 2016Summer is upon us, and it's time to start thinking about the barbecues and backyard parties you will be hosting this season. Here are four beautiful outdoor kitchens to give you inspiration for your own outdoor kitchen. 1. The Patio Kitchen This beautiful outdoor kitchen sits on the patio against the home's back wall. The stone on the kitchen walls looks elegant next to the house. It is small yet ...Continue Reading
Summer Grill Showdown: Gas Versus Charcoal
May 31, 2016If you love grilling, you may be familiar with the great gas vs. charcoal debate. Perhaps your best friend prefers one while your father-in-law swears by the other. Every passionate griller has their preference, so if you're still on the fence, approach the issue as objectively as possible to help you choose the right grill for you. Gas Grill Owners of gas grills love the primal pleasure of ...Continue Reading
Clean Laundry Jokes
May 17, 2016Like doing the dishes, laundry is one of those household chores with which you're never truly done! In honor of National Humor Month , we decided to gather up some of the best laundry-related jokes to make the chore a bit less of a bore. Go ahead and procrastinate folding your clothes by reading some of our clean jokes. 1.Q: How much fun is washing your clothes? A: Loads. 2.Q: What happened to the ...Continue Reading
Creative Drying Racks
May 9, 2016Running your dryer less often is also a good way to save energy and money. Plus, some clothes are just too delicate for the dryer. To help your little black dress, wool sweater and favorite lingerie last longer, it's better to air dry these items. But what if you don't have a drying rack? You can easily make your own so you have a dedicated space to hang clothing you don't want to run through the ...Continue Reading
Cook Dinner in Your Dishwasher? Kitchen Appliance Hacks
May 1, 2016You spend your day multitasking, so why shouldn't your kitchen appliances juggle more than one job, too? Dishwashers can poach salmon. Freezers can wash your clothes. Microwaves can help you squeeze orange juice. Granted, there are risks to hacking home appliances—especially the fact that it could render your warranty moot, warns Doug Rogers , president of Mr. Appliance , a national appliance ...Continue Reading
Recycle your Laundry Detergent Bottle
April 27, 2016Recycling newspapers, aluminum cans and glass has become part of the everyday routine and lifestyles for many homes and businesses. Most detergent and fabric softener bottles even have a layer of recycled plastic in them. Yet, there is still a lot more that we can do. According to dosomething.org , the average person generates over 4 pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per ...Continue Reading
Dryer Sheets Versus Fabric Softener
April 8, 2016Which Is Better? Okay, so we all know that using dryer sheets or fabric softener will make your clothes smell fresh and help reduce wrinkles. But, when faced with the choice on the grocery store laundry aisle, which do you pick? We interviewed a mom we know, and did a little online research to get to the bottom of the fresh-laundry face-off. Fabric Softener: Benefits We interviewed a mom we know, ...Continue Reading
Brightening your Kitchen for Spring
March 29, 2016It's always so refreshing when warmer weather arrives in the spring and you can start opening your windows again. From checkered prints to fresh flowers, you can make your kitchen bright and airy as the seasons change by mimicking some of the colors you see outside. Here are some easy, inexpensive kitchen styles for spring you should try out. Add a Fresh Layer of Paint Is there one particularly ...Continue Reading
Proper Dryer Cleaning & Fire Prevention
March 21, 2016by: Steve Bowles, Mr. Appliance Franchise Consultant This blog was contributed by one of our franchise consultants and dryer vent cleaning experts, Steve Bowles. Clothes dryer vent fires are a real risk to home safety and proper inspection and maintenance of your dryer is a necessity. According to recent news reports citing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are ...Continue Reading
Green with (Kitchen) Envy
March 17, 2016The kitchen is the center of the home. It is the room in which family and friends congregate, and the room where you teach your children to cook. As the kitchen is generally a high traffic area, we want it to be modern and warm. These beautiful kitchen styles are timeless in their elegance and inviting in their character. White on White on Grey Bright, uplifting kitchens are on trend right now. ...Continue Reading
Warning Signs for Appliances
February 25, 2016As you go about your day, you rely on home appliances more than you probably realize. Only when something goes wrong do you appreciate how dependent you are on your refrigerator, washer and dryer, hot water heater, dishwasher, and oven. Learn how to tell if you should schedule appliance repair and when to opt for a replacement instead. Signs Your Appliances Need Attention The appliance won't turn ...Continue Reading
Top 5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home
February 11, 2016Winter is among us and so is the biting weather. Don't let the cold catch you off guard; prepare for the frigid forecasts with these easy-to-follow household tips. Give your home some tender, loving care as we enter the Valentine's Day weekend, and you won't regret it when the thermometer dips! Turn Your Ceiling Fan Clockwise Use your ceiling fan around the clock by reversing it to run clockwise ...Continue Reading
How to Love Your Stainless Steel
June 8, 2015Tired of the love-hate relationship you have with your stainless steel appliances? Mr. Appliance® has 4 easy-to-do tips that will help you fall in love with your stainless steel.Continue Reading
Dryer Sheet Magic
May 27, 2015The dryer sheet is no longer just for the laundry room. Mr. Appliance® is sharing our tips to dryer sheet magic around the entire house.Continue Reading
End the Frustration of Unloading Dirty Dishes: 5 Tips to Help Your Dishwasher Do its Best Work.
April 29, 2015Do you have to wash your dishes more than once to get them clean? If so, your dishwasher may be slacking on its job, and there could be many possible reasons. Whether your old dishwasher just doesn't clean like it used to, or you have a new dishwasher that doesn't seem to have the cleaning power of your old one, you can increase the effectiveness of your dishwasher with these tips: Use appropriate ...Continue Reading
How to Choose the Best Dishwasher
April 29, 2015Buying a new appliance can be confusing and stressful. If you are unsure which features are necessary for your lifestyle, how do you get the most bang for your buck without overspending or under-compensating your needs? Choosing the right dishwasher model is largely dependent upon your lifestyle and size of residence. Check out the following key questions flowchart to help figure out what models ...Continue Reading
How You Could Win Food Fighters with the Right Appliances
April 29, 2015July 22nd is the series premiere of NBC's Food Fighters. Doesn't the mere name bring back memories of a good ol', down-and-dirty cafeteria food fight where hotdogs are launched as missiles and pudding cups are used as booby traps to lure innocent victims to their demise? While watching a food-tossing food fight on TV may be captivating to some, Food Fighters is actually a legit competition between ...Continue Reading
Simple Solutions for Small Appliances
April 28, 2015Clean Coffee Every morning give your awakening aroma a fresh start by eliminating leftover coffee residue and hard water deposits inside your coffee maker. To get rid of unsightly stains, inside of coffee pot, mix one part white distilled vinegar to two parts water. Pour into the reservoir and turn the coffee maker on. Let the mixture run through and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat the ...Continue Reading
To Dry or Not to Dry
April 28, 2015Nothing can ruin your day more than pulling your brand new top out of the dryer, only to find…it shrunk. If you've experienced this one too many times, it may be time for a quick refresher on what types of clothing you should keep out of the dryer. First of all, always check the clothing care instructions on the label to find out if and how the item should be dried. When in doubt, it's always ...Continue Reading
Five Kitchen Gadgets You Didn't Know You Needed
April 27, 2015A cook is only as good as his or her tools. When whipping up meals in the kitchen, it's always helpful to have the best tools of the trade, making creating gourmet meals nearly effortless. Mr. Appliance® works hard to maintain a high level of culinary knowledge, and is always on the lookout for ways to make life in the kitchen easier. Here are the top five kitchen gadgets that we feel have ...Continue Reading

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3 jackets every girl should have in her wardrobe
Your closet is incomplete without essential layers that can transform any outfit. We break down the must-haves, so your jacket needs are covered six ways from Sunday. From the basic bolero to a functional utility jacket and the classic denim, here are the looks to bookmark this season.
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Volunteers are vital to the success of the Health Centre! We can't provide the services and programs that we do without the help of volunteers from the community. We value our volunteers and hope that each volunteers learns and benefits from their experience as much as we do. For that reason, we try very hard to match each volunteer with the right volunteer role. Sometimes we have openings for volunteers right away, other times it takes a bit longer to find just the right role.
We invest time and energy to ensure our volunteers have meaningful experiences and make special connections through their time at the Health Centre. We also are dedicated to providing high quality programs and services for our clients. Therefore we ask our volunteers make the same investment in our volunteer program by offering a minimum 1-year time commitment for each volunteer positions.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Program Ambassador
- Client Survey Support
- NELCE: Program, Events and Coordinator Volunteer Positions
- Health Outreach Activity Council
- Kits for a Cause: Group Volunteer Opportunity
- Opportunities French-speaking people: Opportunités pour les personnes qui parlent français
To get started, please complete the online volunteer form or contact the Health Centre if you would like a paper version of the form. Please note, no family members as references is preferred. Thank you!
Should you require accommodation in making an application please contact our office. To learn more about the Health Centre's policies related to our commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, click here.
Volunteer Orientation
Please join us at one of our three annual volunteer orientations! Whether you have been accepted for a position or are looking to be connected, come and learn more about volunteering at the Health Centre and the benefits of joining our team.
Saturday, September 14th, 2019 – 10am-3pm @ Unit 7-1355 Huron Street
Volunteer Appreciation
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 7-13th, 2019! Every year we celebrate the valuable contributions of all our volunteers. This year, we are grateful to our 159 volunteers who support 16 Health Centre programs by contributing 14,190 hours of service. This is equivalent to 7.3 FTE! Volunteers are the heart of our community.