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Cleaning Kitchen Appliances

A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Clean Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances play a vital role in everyday tasks, from cooking to cleaning, but over time they collect food, grease, and spills that often go unnoticed. Oil splatters in ovens and microwaves, crumbs build up in toasters, and coffee residue lingers in coffee makers, all of which can lead to odors and performance issues. Refrigerators may develop spills and expired food buildup, while dishwashers can suffer from soap scum and food particles. These everyday accumulations not only affect the appearance of your kitchen but can reduce appliance efficiency and shorten their lifespan. Here's how to keep your commonly used kitchen appliances in top condition.

HOW TO CLEAN THESE 7 KITCHEN APPLIANCES

1. Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is always working hard to keep your food fresh, so it’s important to give it a good cleaning every now and then.

Steps:

  • Clear Out the Fridge: Start by taking out all the food. This is a perfect chance to check for anything that’s expired or leftovers that should be tossed.
  • Take Out Shelves and Drawers: Remove any shelves, drawers, or bins that can be taken out, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Let them dry completely before putting them back in the fridge.
  • Wipe Down Inside: Use a mix of equal parts water and vinegar or a gentle dish soap solution to clean the inside walls and surfaces. This will help get rid of spills, stains, and any bad smells.
  • Clean the Outside: Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge, including the handle and seals, where dirt and germs can build up. If you have a stainless steel fridge, use a stainless steel cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar for a shiny finish.


2. Oven

Your oven takes on some of the toughest cooking tasks, which means it can get really dirty with baked-on grease and grime. Cleaning it regularly will help it stay looking nice and smelling fresh.

Steps:

  • Remove Racks: Take out the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water or a vinegar and baking soda mix to help loosen the stuck-on grease.
  • Use Oven Cleaner: For the inside, apply an oven cleaner (you can buy it or make a paste with baking soda and water) to the oven’s interior. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to break down tough stains.
  • Scrub and Wipe: Scrub the inside with a sponge or brush, paying extra attention to any tough spots. Then, wipe everything down with a damp cloth.
  • Clean the Oven Door: Don’t forget about the door! Use a glass cleaner or vinegar solution to get rid of streaks and smudges for a clear finish.


3. Microwave

Microwaves can get messy with food splatters, so cleaning them regularly will help prevent stubborn buildup and bad smells.

Steps:

  • Steam Clean: Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with water and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Put it in the microwave and heat it for about five minutes. The steam will help loosen any stuck food and stains inside.
  • Wipe Down the Interior: Grab a damp sponge or cloth and wipe the inside walls and ceiling of the microwave, making sure to clean the corners too.
  • Clean the Turntable: Take out the turntable and wash it in warm, soapy water. Let it dry completely before putting it back in the microwave.


4. Dishwasher

Even though your dishwasher cleans your dishes, it also needs some care to avoid buildup and keep working well.

Steps:

  • Remove and Clean the Filter: Find the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and take it out. Rinse it under warm water to get rid of any food bits stuck in it.
  • Run a Vinegar Cycle: Put a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. This will help break down grease, grime, and bad smells.
  • Follow with a Baking Soda Cycle: Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle. This will freshen up the inside and get rid of any lingering odors.


5. Coffee Maker

If you love coffee, it’s important to clean your coffee maker regularly to keep your drinks tasting fresh.

Steps:

  • Run a Vinegar Cycle: Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water, then brew a cycle. This will help clear out mineral deposits and buildup.
  • Rinse with Water: After the vinegar cycle, run two or three cycles with just water to wash away any vinegar left behind.
  • Clean the Carafe and Exterior: Wash the carafe and any removable parts in warm, soapy water, and wipe down the outside of the machine to remove coffee stains and fingerprints.


6. Blender

If you don’t clean your blender right after using it, it can get all sticky and hard to wash, especially when you’re blending thick stuff.

Steps:

  • Quick Clean Method: Pour warm water into the blender until it’s half full, add a few drops of dish soap, and blend for about 30 seconds. This will help clean the blades and the jar without needing to take anything apart.
  • Rinse and Dry: Make sure to rinse the jar really well to get rid of any soap, then let it dry in the air. If you want to clean it more thoroughly, take apart the blade and base and wash each part separately.


7. Toaster and Toaster Oven

Toasters and toaster ovens can gather crumbs and burnt bits over time, which can smell bad and even cause fires if they aren’t cleaned.

Steps:

  • Unplug and Shake Out Crumbs: First, unplug the toaster and shake it over a trash can to get rid of the crumbs. If your toaster has a crumb tray that you can take out, remove it and wash it with warm soapy water.
  • Wipe the Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the inside walls of the toaster oven. For tough stains, a mix of baking soda and water can work well.
  • Clean the Racks: If your toaster oven has racks, take them out and soak them in warm soapy water, then scrub them with a brush to get rid of any stuck food.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It's a well-known fact that how you treat things or people affects what you receive back. This is true for your kitchen appliances too. These appliances can be significant investments, and just like anything valuable, they need to be taken care of to keep working well. To make them last longer, it's important to clean them regularly, maintain them, and use them carefully. When you put in the effort to keep your kitchen appliances in great shape, they will reward you by staying dependable and working properly for a long time.