While nothing makes a kitchen sparkle like having spotless appliances, regularly cared for and cleaned kitchen appliances perform much better than unkempt and dirty cookware. Although performing a thorough cleaning takes time, you can still keep things tidy with the easy tips for cleaning kitchen appliances listed below.
Refrigerator
As a collection point for gunk, dust and countless other things, the space behind your refrigerator is one of the dirtiest in your home. Unplug your refrigerator first as some types hold potentially harmful electrical energy. Pull the fridge and mop the space behind it before vacuuming the coils located either behind or under the fridge. Clean coils put less stress on the refrigerator motor, extending its life.
Because having a tighter seal helps you save energy, replacing loose door gaskets is recommended. You can always find replacement gaskets at home improvement stores or online. However, be sure to check the owner’s manual for part numbers to make sure you get the right part. Monthly, use warm soapy water to wipe off existing seals if they are not loosened before rinsing and drying.
Use a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water or soapy water to clean and shine both the outside and inside of your refrigerator. Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe the shelves and crispers on a weekly basis or whenever you notice a spill. You can use a damp cloth to remove fingerprints from the outside of the stainless steel.
Microwave
Start by filling a coffee mug with water and a few slices of lemon. Place the cup inside your microwave before running the appliance on high power for about three minutes. Leave the lemon solution in for another three minutes to soften baked-on food particles and eliminate odors.
Wet a cloth with warm, soapy water and use it to wipe the interior walls. Take off the turntable and use a toothbrush to scrub the wheels. Spray a cloth with all-purpose cleaner and use it to wipe the outside of the plastic device, making sure to clean the fan blades. Dip a cloth in a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, and then wash it before wiping along the grain of a stainless steel machine. Use a clean cloth to dry.
Toaster and toaster oven
Be sure to unplug the appliance before pulling out and emptying the crumb tray. For a toaster, shake it over a sink to get rid of any food particles. For a toaster oven, remove the racks and let them sit in hot, soapy water for a while before using a sponge or brush to remove any burnt-on food. To clean the interior of a toaster oven, wipe it using a cloth dampened with soapy water. Use a wet pastry brush to reach into the slots of regular toasters and a credit card or old toothbrush to remove burnt food particles.
Remember to remove the handles, soak them in soapy water and then wipe them dry before replacing them. Use a toothbrush to scrub and clean the exterior including door hinges, handles, and levers, and then a clean cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe the surface. Roll the aluminum foil into a ball with the shiny side out and use it to rub off the rust spots if the outside is chrome.
Dryers
Although you may think that you don’t need to clean your dishwasher since it basically cleans itself every time you use it, cleaning this appliance at least once a month is important. Use soapy water and a clean cloth to wipe the interior after pulling out the shelves. Because bacteria hide in the wheels of the shelves, use a toothbrush to scrub them.
Since citric acid disintegrates stubborn stains, fill the detergent cup with a packet of powdered lemonade or white vinegar before running it, empty, for a full cycle to wipe away limescale deposits. Use the brush featured in your vacuum cleaner to dust the fan blades. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth to wipe the plastic doors. Wet a cloth with dishwashing liquid and water, and then wash it before using it to wipe a stainless steel door across the grain. Use a clean cloth to dry.
Remember to wipe the gaskets to ensure a tight seal and check the drain at the bottom of the device for debris.
Blender, mixer, and food processor
Start by removing any removable parts such as the blades and soak them all in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Using warm, soapy water, hand wash the food processor bowl and blender carafe. Use a nylon brush to remove any food debris from the blades. With a clean cloth or towel, dry each piece to prevent rust. Use soapy water to wipe the bases as submerging them can damage the machinery.
Coffee machine
Remove the filter carafe, soak and wash them using hot, soapy water before rinsing and replacing them. Remove water deposits by pouring about three cups each of white vinegar and water into the water chamber and hitting the brew button. In the middle of the cycle, turn off the machine and leave the solution inside for an hour. Turn the device back on and complete the cycle.
To ensure that any remaining vinegar is rinsed away, run two cycles of water through the appliance. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and water to wipe the outside and then dry using a clean cloth.
This guest post was created by Maids by Trade. For more than 20 years, Maids by Trade was a trusted and reliable house cleaning service for all homes across the United States.
