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A $300 million cash-for-clunkers-style federal program - being referred to as Cash For Refrigerators - to boost sales of energy-efficient home appliances provides a bit of hope for beleaguered makers of washing machines and dishwashers, but it may not be enough to lift companies such as Whirlpool and Electrolux out of the worst down cycle in the sector's history.

Congress approved a cash for clunkers program on June 18th to provide government incentives of $3,500 to $4,500 to motorists who trade in their old gas-guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles after Senate Democrats barely defeated a Republican effort to kill the plan.

Some state senators said the program would help hard-pressed car dealers and automakers by bringing new buyers into showrooms, and they got help from President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who made calls to wavering Democrats urging them to keep the plan alive.