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Cleaning Appliances
Appliances are one of those parts of our home that we use every day and take for granted. Some of them even help us out with our household chores such as a dishwasher and laundry machine. These great appliances work hard to clean our clothes and dishes, but how often do we clean them in return? Probably not as much as we should. So how often is a good amount? Read on and we will share with you some quick and easy tips for cleaning your appliances, how often you should be cleaning them and so much more!
Is your refrigerator old and on its last legs? Maybe your dryer is starting to overheat and is ready to kick the bucket. Sadly, our appliances don’t last forever. If it is time for you to choose a new appliance, we’ve got you covered! Check out our great article on choosing the right appliance for you!
Refrigerators
How often should it be cleaned: Every 3 months
How to clean: Cleaning your refrigerator is a must, especially when old food starts to stink it up! The first thing you will want to do is go through and throw away any expired food or old leftovers. Next, remove everything from your fridge so you can easily wipe down the shelving and walls. Be careful not to leave food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. Remove the shelving and drawers and anything else that can be removed. Bring it to the sink and wash it with hot, soapy water. Wipe the inside of your fridge with soapy water and rinse with a clean cloth.
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Throw old food away once per week
• If you see a spill, clean it right away
• Wipe down sticky bottles or jars
• Line your shelves
• Store leftovers at eye level
Ranges & Ovens
How often should it be cleaned: Oven interior – every 3 months / stovetop – once a week.
How to clean: The nice thing about your oven is that it probably has a “self-cleaning” option. This can be a huge time saver and will make your oven clean for the next few months. Be sure to remove racks and clean those separately. When it comes to your stovetop, different cleaning measures come into place for different tops. For glass tops, you may need to clean them after every use. Warm, soapy water on a sponge or cloth should do the trick. If you find that there are stubborn burn stains that don’t want to come out, try a few of these tips for getting them out. When cleaning a gas range stovetop, remove all of the grates and burners and clean them separately. This will make cleaning the stovetop much easier. Use a cloth and warm soapy water. For tough stains, try using a degreaser.
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Try washing your stovetop with car wax, future spills will come out easier
• Use a splatter screen on frying pans
Dishwashers
How often should it be cleaned: Every 6 months
How to clean: Cleaning a dishwasher is actually quite easy! You can have a sparkling appliance in just a few simple steps. Firstly, remove the filter and utensil holder. Use a dishcloth or paper towel to remove all old food or debris. Next, fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar and place it on the bottom of your dishwasher. Run the appliance on a hot water cycle. Once the cycle is finished, take out the bowl and replace it with 1 cup of baking soda, sprinkled on the bottom of the washer. Lastly, run the dishwasher again on a hot water cycle. Voila! Your dishwasher will be squeaky clean!
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Remove pieces of food daily
• Run your dishwasher sanitizing cycle monthly
• Remove the utensil holder and wash weekly
Washing Machines
How often should it be cleaned: Once a month
How to clean: Like ovens, some washing machines also come with a self-cleaning option. If your machine can do this, then it is best to run a self-clean once a month. No self-cleaning option? Not to worry! You can easily clean it yourself. To clean a top loader, put on a slow cycle and allow the machine to fill up with water. As it is filling, add 4 cups of vinegar or bleach. Close the lid and let the washer run its cycle. Like the dishwasher, once this cycle is complete, add a cup of baking soda into the washer and run one more slow cycle. Once it has drained, you can wipe down the inside of the tub removing residue. When cleaning a front loader, follow the same steps, but be sure to wipe around the rubber gaskets and don’t forget to wash the door. After the cycles are complete, leave the door open and let the machine air out.
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Wipe the door clean after every use
• Remove any debris from the rubber gaskets before using or after a wash
Dryers
How often should it be cleaned: Dryer vents should be cleaned once per year. Lint traps should be cleaned after every use. Your dryer’s drum can be cleaned as needed.
How to clean: When it comes to cleaning your dryer, it is mostly about the outside of the appliance rather than the interior drum. If something sticky like gum or crayon gets into your dryer, you can take a spatula to it and do your best to scrape it off. Other than that, the drum doesn’t really need to be cleaned. Secondly, the dryer lint filter should be cleaned after every use. You may want to take it to your sink and give it a good scrubbing once every few months if the lint is getting stuck. Lastly, the dryer vent should be cleaned at least once per year. You can do this yourself with a few simple household items, or you can contact a professional if you don’t feel comfortable. If you ever smell burning in your laundry room, have your ducts cleaned right away to avoid a house fire.
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Always clean your lint filter after every use
• Shake clothing of dirt and debris before putting it into the dryer
Microwaves
How often should it be cleaned: Weekly
How to clean: Use a microwave-safe container and fill it with 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Place the container into your microwave and run it on high for 5 minutes. Once finished, leave the door closed for another 3 minutes. This will keep the steam inside the appliances and help loosen up any food build-ups. Next, open the microwave and remove the container while wearing oven mitts. Remove the turntable and start to wipe down the interior of the appliance. You should scrub from top to bottom and don’t forget about the door. Clean your turntable in the sink with the sponge and pat both the turntable and the microwave dry. Good as new!
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Use microwave-safe lids or a paper towel to cover food when heating
• Wipe down your microwave interior when you clean your kitchen counters
Coffee Makers
How often should it be cleaned: Monthly
How to clean: Fill your coffee maker up with white vinegar, depending on its size, you can add up to 4 cups. Leave it in for half an hour. Run the vinegar through a cycle. Lastly, you will want to follow up with 2-3 cycles of water until the vinegar smell (and taste!) are gone. There is nothing worse than brewing a cup of coffee the next day and having it taste like vinegar.
Tips for keeping it clean:
• Wash your carafe after every use
• To remove grime from a carafe, fill it with warm soapy water and some uncooked rice. Swirl the mixture around to loosen any buildup. Use a sponge to wipe it clean
• Leave your coffee reservoir open after every use to allow water to dry. This will help prevent mold or mildew
In conclusion, cleaning your appliances really doesn’t have to be difficult! If you make it part of your weekly, monthly or yearly routine, it will just become second nature. Have you noticed that white vinegar is a true cleaning lifesaver? It is tough on stains and buildup and can be used to clean so many different areas of your home. We have approached that time of year for spring cleaning and we hope these tips will make cleaning the large appliances in your home a little bit easier.
Is it time for a new appliance altogether? Check out our great article that will help you make the choice a little easier.
Looking for a home with a new kitchen loaded with luxury? Contact us! We would love to help you find a home with your dream kitchen!
