While nothing makes a kitchen sparkle like having spotless appliances, cared for and regularly cleaned kitchen appliances perform much better than uncared for and dirty kitchenware. Although performing a thorough cleaning requires time, you can still keep things tidy with the easy kitchen appliance cleaning tips listed below.
Refrigerator
As a collection point for gunk, dust and a host of other stuff, the space behind your fridge is one of the dirtiest in your house. Unplug your fridge first since some types retain potentially harmful electric energy. Pull out the refrigerator and mop the space behind it before you vacuum the coils located either behind or underneath the fridge. Clean coils put less stress on the refrigerator’s motor, prolonging its life.
Because having a tighter seal helps you to save energy, replacing loose door gaskets is recommended. You can always find replacement gaskets at home improvement stores or online. However, make sure you check the owner’s manual for part numbers to ensure you get the correct piece. On a monthly basis, use warm soapy water to wipe down the existing gaskets if they are not loose 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 fridge. Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe down the shelves and crispers on a weekly basis or whenever you spot a spill. You can use a damp cloth to remove fingerprints from stainless steel exteriors.
Microwave
Start by filling a coffee mug with water and some slices of lemon. Place the cup inside your microwave before running the appliance on high power for about three minutes. Leave the lemon solution inside for another three minutes to soften baked-on food particles and eliminate odors.
Soak a cloth with warm, soapy water and use it to wipe down the inside walls. Detach the turntable and use a toothbrush to scrub the wheels. Spray a cloth with all-purpose cleaner and use it to wipe the exterior of plastic appliances, ensuring you clean the fan slats. Dip a cloth into a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, and then wring it out before you wipe along the grain of stainless-steel machines. Use a clean cloth to buff dry.
Toaster and toaster oven
Be sure to unplug the appliance before you pull out and empty 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 allow them to sit in warm soapy water for a while before using a sponge or brush to scrub off any charred food. To clean the interior of a toaster oven, wipe using a cloth wet with soapy water. Use a wet pastry brush to reach into the slots of regular toasters and an old credit card or toothbrush to dislodge burned-on food particles.
Remember to remove the knobs, soak them in soapy water and then wipe them dry before replacing them. Use a toothbrush to scrub and clean the exterior including the door hinges, knobs, and levers, and then a clean cloth wet with soapy water to wipe the surface. Crumple aluminum foil into a ball with the shiny side out and use it to rub off rust spots if the exterior is chrome.
Dishwasher
Although you may think you don’t have to clean your dishwasher seeing as it basically cleans itself whenever you use it, cleaning this appliance at least once a month is important. Use soapy water and a clean piece of cloth to wipe down the interior after you pull out the racks. Because bacteria hide in the racks’ wheels, 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 you run it, empty, for a full cycle to wipe out lime deposits. Use the brush featured in your vacuum cleaner to dust off fan slats. Use an all-purpose cleaning product and a piece of cloth to wipe down plastic doors. Dampen a cloth with dishwashing liquid and water, and then wring it out before using it to wipe down a stainless steel door along 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 appliance for debris.
Blender, mixer, and food processor
Start by removing any detachable parts such as the blades and soaking them all in a sink filled with warm soapy water. Using warm soapy water, hand-wash the food-processor bowl and the blender carafe. Use a nylon brush to clear any food remnants from the blades. With a clean cloth or towel, dry every piece to prevent rust. Use soapy water to wipe down the bases since submerging them might damage the machinery.
Coffeemaker
Remove the filter carafe, soak and wash them using warm, soapy water before you rinse and replace them. Descale water deposits by pouring about three cups each of white vinegar and water into the water chamber and hitting the brew button. Halfway through the cycle, turn the machine off and leave the solution inside for an hour. Turn the appliance back on and complete the cycle.
To ensure you rinse out any leftover vinegar, run two cycles of water through the appliance. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and water to wipe down the outside and then dry using a clean cloth.
This guest post was created by Maids by Trade. For over 20 years, Maids by Trade has been a trusted, reliable house cleaning service for homes all across the United States.
