Asko customer, Laura, shares her family size laundry experience. See how Laura, like many other customers, finds Asko’s family size washer and dryer to be the perfect fit for their family. www.askousa.com
Laura Talks Asko Laundry
Posted in ASKO Appliances, ASKO Washing Machines, best washers and dryers, Compact Stackable Washer and Dryer, Energy Efficient Appliances, Energy Star Washing Machine, Laundry, Laundry Room Decor, laundry room organization, laundry room remodel, organize laundry room, stacking washer & dryer
Tagged : stacking washer and dryer, ASKO Appliances, ASKO Washers, ASKO Washing Machines, best washers and dryers, Compact Stackable Washer and Dryer, energy efficient appliances, Laundry Capacity, stacking washer dryer, ventless dryer
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How to load your dishwasher
Entertaining: Let Your Dishwasher Do the Work!
To get your dishes truly clean, you need to know how to load your dishwasher properly. This is especially important during weekends like Memorial Day weekend, when extra company and festive parties can create extra work for the hosts. ASKO has dishwashers that can do the work for you, including some that have a plate-warming feature to use before your holiday party. Here are some tips for correctly loading your dishwasher.
Do not pre-rinse, but scrape instead. A good dishwasher will save time and money by allowing you to scrape your dishes instead of rinsing before you load them. This saves water, as well as your time.
- Choose a dishwasher that is the right size and configuration for your dishes. Many newer dishwashers have removable or adjustable racks, so that you can change it to fit your dishes.
- Use a dishwasher with different cycles. An efficient dishwasher will allow you to run a quick cycle for lightly soiled dishes or dishes that you need to use quickly, and other cycles for more heavily soiled items.
- Fully load your dishwasher. It is more energy efficient to run a dishwasher that is full, and a good machine will clean a full load just as well as a partial load. Be careful not to nest any dishes inside each other, as this will prevent water from circulating over the entire surface of each dish.
- Go easy on the detergent. Today’s ASKO dishwashers use less water than traditional machines, and require less soap. Your dishes end up sparkling and clean, and you save money on soap and water.
ASKO is leading manufacturer of high quality European appliances, and their dishwashers are extremely innovative. Ranging in capacity from 14 place settings all the way up to 17 place settings, and up to ten spray zones, and a wide range of cycles, these dishwashers clean your dishes to perfection, and then dry them with a turbo fan drying system that eliminates the need for hand drying. Their patented self-cleaning, triple filtration system removes debris, preventing it from re-depositing on your dishes, and their dual pump system ensures that clean and dirty water never mingle.
Now, ASKO even makes your holiday entertaining easier with a plate-warming feature. 
Because gourmet chefs agree that hot food is best served on a hot plate, ASKO created the Crockery program, which can be used to heat plates before a dinner party.
Once you are sure you know how to load your dishwasher, be sure you are using the right dishwasher. ASKO has been in the business of manufacturing quality appliances for over sixty years, and they can provide the perfect dishwasher for your needs. Visit their website to learn more, or join the online community on Facebook and Twitter.
My Dishwasher Won’t Fit!
Many of us are updating our homes a little at a time these days. If you plan on replacing the flooring in your kitchen, you might find that your flooring height may increase. This could reduce the installation space for a dishwasher. This means if you’re looking to install a new dishwasher, you will need to find one that can fit into a shorter space. ASKO’s XL/ADA dishwashers are here to rescue you!
ASKO’s XL/ADA dishwashers are tall tub dishwashers, meaning they have the same tank size as competitor’s standard dishwashers. These models can be lowered in order to meet an installation height of 32 ¼”. You will find these models to have a 14 place setting capacity and low noise levels of 48 dB(A). They also have extremely low water consumption, using as little as 2.5 gallons of water with the Quick Wash! Like all other ASKO dishwashers, the XL/ADA series exceeds Energy Star standards; it is more efficient to wash a load with an ASKO versus hand washing.
ASKO offers five XL/ADA models:D5634ADAHS (stainless), D5534ADAFI (panel ready), D5424ADAB (black), D5424ADAW (white), and D5424ADAS (stainless).
Watch this video and visit the ASKO Website for details.
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All Natural Cleaning Supplies
Childproofing Your Kitchen Using All Natural Cleaning Supplies
At ASKO, we live for innovative design that helps the environment. We strive to be your go-to manufacturer for your next energy star dishwasher, dryer, or washing machine. We are also passionate about helping you to be green in every part of your home, that’s why we invited Michelle Savin, eco-friendly mom and blogger, to discuss how to childproof your kitchen with all natural cleaning supplies.
When it comes to a childproofing your home, do you know what chemicals are in your kitchen? My golden rule is that absolutely no cleaners should be stored under the kitchen 
sink, even All Natural Cleaning Supplies. In my home, I actually keep my cleaners on a high shelf in the garage, away from my children.
I feel like I have been childproofing my entire life. Having five children makes me feel like a seasoned veteran. My 16-month-old son is about to be into everything, so once again it is time to keep everything out of his reach.
When I was on the Nate Berkus show last year, I talked about All Natural Cleaning Supplies to use in the home. During his show, I actually made my own all-purpose eco-cleaner and even demonstrated removing scratches from hardwood floors using tea. In this post, I have also included a mold remover for grout and eco-floor cleaner that I use in my home. The beauty of making your own All Natural Cleaning Supplies is that you can keep toxic chemicals out of the home and choose your own fragrance. Make sure to keep all chemicals, natural or not, away from children and animals, and make sure to prepare these cleaners in open containers.
Michelle Savin’s All Purpose Eco-Cleaner
This is great for wiping down counters in the kitchen, and for wiping down granite or other solid surfaces around the home.
What you will need:
4 cups of water
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1 Tablespoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons borax
3 drops of essential lemon oil
You can also use lavender or spearmint; I personally like the lemon or mint for the kitchen.
Michelle Savin’s Mold Remover for Grout
What you will need:
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
2 cups of water
Directions: Spray on grout leave for one hour. You can rinse after one hour. You can also use your eco-grout brush and plain baking soda on the grout.
Michelle Savin’s Eco-Floor Cleaner
You will need:
1/3 cup vinegar
1 gallon of tap water or 16 cups of water
Note: Add 10 drops of essential oils to your preference.
The Michelle Savin Tea Solution
This Tea Solution is ideal for removing scratches on hardwood floors.
You will need:
2 cups of boiling water
5 tea bags
Directions: Let the tea steep. Let the mixture cool. Use a rag or pastry brush to apply tea to scratches on wood floor. Let the tea dry. Then apply a little oil olive to seal the scratch. Make sure to test and dry thoroughly.
Explore the ASKO blog for non-toxic tips on how to wash towels to keep them soft, and tricks for washing white clothes. With summertime upon us, it is time to clean the house and keep everyone safe with these All Natural Cleaning Supplies.
Michelle Savin is an eco-stylist from California. She is an expert on organic and eco-friendly family living. She is the founder of organic bedding line Until Kara. Follow her at Organic Conscious Mom or on her Twitter @EcoStyleMe.
Most Energy Efficient Washer
Most Energy Efficient Washer* in the Industry W6884 ECO
In light of Earth Day, we thought we would share some great details about the most energy efficient washer out there, ASKO’s W6884 ECO!
Did you know the average family washes almost 400 loads of laundry each year? That’s a lot of water and energy usage! With the W6884, you can save up to 60% energy!
Feature: The W6884 connects to both hot and cold water connections to reduce cycle time.
Advantage: When connected to an eco-friendly hot water source, such as solar panels, heat pump, geothermal or district heating, this washer is designed to save you up to 60% in operational costs!
Benefit: The benefits are endless! The Quick Wash (program for normally soiled cotton and linen) only uses 6.6 gallons of water. You’re also saving energy, time, and money.
Added bonus: Because the final spin speed is 1800 rpm, the majority of the moisture in your fabrics is extracted, therefore reducing time in the dryer. No other manufacturer has a spin speed of 1800 rpm! Even if the washer is not hooked up to an eco-friendly heat source, it is still a Tier 3 CEE rated product, which means it qualifies for the highest rebate in your participating local municipal area.
*When connected to an eco-friendly hot water source, such as solar panels, heat pump, geothermal or district heating, this washer is designed to save you up to 60% in operational costs making it the most energy efficient washing machine.
If you are looking to make your home more environmentally conscious, consider ASKO for your appliance needs. Creating energy efficient appliances for over 60 years, ASKO is committed to creating products that treat the environment with respect, while helping you to keep a clean home. Visit the website to learn more, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Never miss another ASKO blog post! Visit the ASKO Appliances Blog and subscribe!
Spring Decorating Ideas
Simple Spring Decorating Tips for 2012
Spring is here! Time to dust off and freshen up! Right now it’s all about livening up your space for the new season. It’s time to add a few splashes of color and life to your home. Here are our favorite trends for the season.
Get organized!
Spring cleaning, not so fun, eh? It doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with the basics. De-clutter. Clean out your closets. If you haven’t worn the item in over a year, donate it! Someone else can put it to better use. Onto the bedroom, kitchen, and living room. Do you really need lots of stuff sitting out on display? Take everything off your nightstands, dresser, kitchen counters, and side tables. What do you really need sitting out? Keep your favorite photographs of friends and family out, but hide the little trinkets and knick-knacky stuff. As for the kitchen, to keep it fresh and clean, try to keep the counters clear of junk. You don’t want to display too much. Have a mixed balance of displayed items and hidden items.
New Colors!
Goodbye winter blues, hello spring pastels and brights! It’s simple to revamp your living room for spring. Simply hide your pillows (or use a pillow cover on them) and replace them with a playful and fresh and uplifting scheme. Add new artwork to energize the walls!
Add a fun and playful pattern!
We’re seeing lots of chevron and Ikat. Find a few bold prints you love and mix them with a more subtle print. You don’t want to go too pattern crazy. This is an easy way to give you’re room a quick makeover.
Add some life to the room!
Nothing says spring like fresh flowers. Hydrangeas, peonies, tulips, calla lilies, we love them all! Add a little citrus to the arrangement too. Slice some limes or oranges and place them around the bottom of your vase.
This list of spring decorating ideas is just a sampling. Check out ASKO Appliances “Springspiration” pinboard on Pinterest! We have lots of great Eco-friendly tips and laundry room and kitchen ideas on Pinterest as well. If you are looking to make your home more environmentally conscious, consider ASKO for your appliance needs. Makers of fine European appliances for more than half a century, ASKO is committed to creating products that treat the environment with respect, while helping you to keep a clean and beautiful home. Visit the website to learn more, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Never miss another ASKO blog post! Visit the ASKO Blog and subscribe!
Loading a Dishwasher – Making the Most of Your Appliance
Loading a Dishwasher
Loading a dishwasher does not seem tricky, but if you have ever shared a kitchen, you know that everyone has an opinion about how this task should be done. So, is there a correct way? The best way to load a dishwasher is the way that optimizes its cleaning power and uses energy wisely. Here are some tips:
- Scrape before you load. With ASKO, no pre-rinsing is required, however ASKO dishwashers and detergents work best when there is actually something to remove.
- Load plates into the bottom rack. Plates should fit between the slots, facing the center. If they lean, lean them in and downward. Be sure they are separated, so that all surfaces are reached by the stream of water.
- Also use the bottom rack for platters, cookie sheets, pots, and pans. Platters and cookie sheets should go along the sides, with pots and pans facing downward, with their open sides toward the sprayer arm.
- The top rack is for glasses, cups, bowls and plastic. Be careful to position glassware on the prongs, so they do not move around and break.
- The cutlery basket is often a topic of debate. Here is the definitive answer: put the cutlery handle side down, except for knives, which pose a hazard if the blades point upward. Space the cutlery loosely, and be sure the spoons and forks are not “nesting” close together, where water cannot reach all the surfaces. Long pieces of cutlery should lay down, either in the upper basket or in a flat cutlery basket, designed for that purpose
- If your dishes are not coming clean, look to your detergent. We Recommend powder detergents. You may also need to change the amount of detergent you are using.
Of course, even more important than loading the dishwasher is choosing the dishwasher in the first place. Choose a machine that offers a variety of cycles, and a flexible rack system that allows you to change things up to suit your needs. ASKO has been making fine European appliances since 1950, and their dishwashers are not only innovative, but also energy efficient. Visit the website to learn more, or join the conversation online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.
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Laundry Room Decor Ideas
Photo courtesy of Distinctive Remodeling Solutions.
Even people who fastidiously decorate every inch of their living space sometimes run dry when it comes to laundry room décor ideas. Many people even hide their laundry rooms, but this space does not have to be an eye sore. In fact, there are plenty of innovative ways to make it both functional and decorative. Our laundry room décor ideas will have you showing off your laundry room when you walk people around your home!
• Think clean. The best-looking laundry rooms have clean lines and simple color palettes, along with easy-to-clean surfaces. Ample storage space should keep surfaces clear. The cleaner the laundry room feels, the easier it is to do laundry!
• Make it easy on yourself. Counter space in the laundry room makes spot treating and folding laundry easier. Using fully integrated washers and dryers help create an open folding space! You can elevate them too so your folding space is at the perfect height. If a counter is not available, a melamine table can make a handy substitute, because it is resistant to water and stains.
• Create attractive storage solutions. Keep detergent and cleaning aids stashed in a cabinet above the washer, for easy access, and post a stain-fighting guide on the inside of the door. Re-purpose glass jars to store detergent—it will look far better than plastic jugs and cardboard boxes. Hang a basket for items found in pockets, and surface-mount an ironing board in a cabinet rather than keeping one freestanding.
• Functionality is the most important factor. Consider a drop-down drying rack for delicate clothing. Use hang-dry closets with a dehumidifier for those items that cannot be tumbled dry. Install shelves and cabinets when possible. Even a small space can be fully utilized with a little bit of thoughtful creativity.
• Get creative. Use paint, curtains, and stencils to make the laundry room space your own. Switch the direction your dryer (or front-loading washer) opens if the current direction will not work in the space. Browse through laundry room photos for ideas, and then look to your own style for inspiration. You spend a great deal of time doing laundry, so make it a space that pleases you.
Photo above is courtesy of Distinctive Remodeling Solutions. Visit Distinctive Remodeling Solutions online and Like them on Facebook!
When you are coming up with laundry room décor ideas, do not settle for ordinary appliances, ASKO Appliance has been making high-quality European appliances since 1950, and they know how to execute flawless style with phenomenal functionality. If you are looking for inspiration for your kitchen design, check out these celebrity kitchens you’ll love and want to imitate! Visit the website to see ASKO’s sleek and fashionable washers and dryers, or plug into the online community on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or >LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the ASKO Appliances Blog so you will never miss a post!
How to Save on Heating Bills This Winter
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, you would be prudent to learn how to save on heating bills this winter. Despite a warmer winter, the EIA predicts a rise in energy costs, particularly for those households that use heating oil or propane. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to cut your costs.
- The most obvious way to cut energy costs is to lower the thermostat setting. For every degree a thermostat is lowered over an eight hour period, the heating bill will drop 1 percent. It makes sense, then, to turn the thermostat down when you sleep or leave the house. Installing a programmable thermostat is a good idea, so that you do not risk forgetting.
- A clean furnace runs more efficiently. Though it is most certainly not the least expensive way, checking and cleaning your furnace is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating costs. Change the air filter, and for about twenty dollars, you can improve the airflow from the furnace and extend its life expectancy.
- Insulate! Adding insulation to the attic and crawl space can lower heating costs, and insulating the water heater can help it retain heat and reduce your energy bill by about twenty dollars each year.
- Use your appliances in an energy efficient way. Choose energy efficient appliances, and then be smart about how you use them. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when you have full loads, and you will be able to run them less frequently and save money.
- Be smart about light. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use half the energy of a traditional bulb, but last longer. Turn off lights during the day, and use the sun’s natural light and warmth.
- Use ceiling fans. Fans are not just for summer. Set in reverse, a ceiling fan will draw warm air through the house, improving the efficiency of the heating system.
- Dodge the drafts. Seal cracks and leaks, and weather-strip around windows and doors, to prevent the loss of warm air and lower heating costs.
- Use only what you need. Turn off anything you are not using, whether lights, appliances, televisions, or computers. Also consider heating only the space you are using. Use space heaters, and close vents in unoccupied rooms.
While you are learning how to save on heating bills this winter, check out the energy-efficient appliances from ASKO. A maker of fine European appliances for more than half a century, ASKO creates products that are not only eco-friendly and energy efficient, but also sleek and stylish. Visit the website to learn more, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
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Posted in How to Save on Heating Bills, How to Save on Heating Bills This Winter
Tagged How to Save on Heating Bills, How to Save on Heating Bills This Winter
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Interior Design Trends for 2012
As the new year unfolds, many people are wondering about interior design trends for 2012. The year is shaping up to be a happy one, with a focus on light and fun. According to many designers, bold colors and eclectic designs will dominate the scene.
- Bright is the watchword. Bold upholstery, with bright colors and interesting prints, are freshening up rooms everywhere. Designers are also advising clients to add more lighting to rooms, to increase the light and make an impact. Light fixtures that are large and unique are a great way to brighten a room, especially if they combine things like iron and glass, or colored crystal and organic shapes, to add interest.
- Texture is key. Dimensional wallpaper, sleek tiles, and fresh flowers can bring a new look to a room. Have fun with your decorating, and do not be afraid to play with textures to add a new feel to the room.
- Mixing styles is a great idea. Eclectic decorating is replacing minimalism, and people love it, because it means they can reuse beloved pieces while mixing in some modern ones as well.
- There is a movement toward uniting past, present, and future. Eclectic decorating is not the only way to preserve the past while looking toward the future. Look for interesting trends in design this year that incorporate indigenous influences like native geometrics and repurposed items with more modern ideas—like blueprints and maps as art, or mirrors and mirrored images.
- Colors are leaning toward earth tones, jeweled tones, and other rich colors. Natural pigments are popular. Golds, yellows and browns are becoming warmer; dark reds are prevalent; and turquoise, teal, and indigo are all making an appearance.
In short, the biggest interior design trends of 2012 seem to blend the old and the new, infusing modernism with a yearning for a simpler time. Eco-consciousness is a given; natural colors are popular. Look for furniture with a natural, rustic, or antique feel, paired with a modern touch to give them a unique flair.
If you are looking to redecorate, do not overlook your appliances. ASKO has been the manufacturer of fine European appliances since 1950, and the company’s designs combine form with function, flawlessly. Visit the ASKO website to learn how we combine eco-friendliness with top-notch design elements, or plug into the online community on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn. Subscribe to the ASKO Appliances Blog so you will never miss a post!
Posted in Interior Design Trends
Tagged Interior Design Trends, Interior Design Trends for 2012
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