We all enjoy a clean kitchen—and a clean everything. From countertops to mopping the floor, we actively take care of keeping these surfaces within our kitchen clean. However, how often does one clean the kitchen appliances used on a daily basis? In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to clean appliances properly.

Why Cleaning Appliances Matters

Dirty appliances need to work harder, wear out faster, and—let’s not forget—they can become a safety hazard. A clogged-up refrigerator can overheat, a grimy dishwasher can breed fungi, and a lint-filled dryer can risk fires. The list goes on. Cleaning your appliances is important because it:

  • Improves appliance life and saves money (fewer repairs).
  • Keeps everything neat and clean, eliminating weird smells.
  • Enhances the performance of appliances.

The importance of emergency appliance repair services cannot be understated when you don’t have the time or tools to clean up properly. Professionals can swoop in and make your kitchen appliances look and perform as if they’re straight out of the box.

How to Clean Appliances the Right Way

Let’s get to the meat of the matter—cleaning tips for appliances:

Dishwasher

The dishwasher cleans the dishes, but who cleans the dishwasher? Over time, it accumulates food particles, soap scum, and hard water deposits, which end up clogging filters and spray arms. This means it won’t perform as well.

To clean it, remove and rinse the filter under warm water weekly. Use a brush to scrub tougher spots. Use a toothpick to remove debris from the spray arms to maintain proper water flow. Lastly, once a month, place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and run a hot cycle to break down buildup. Follow this up with baking soda to eliminate foul odors.

If your dishwasher leaves residue or has stopped draining properly, don’t wait and use a dishwasher repair service ASAP to prevent bigger problems.

Refrigerator

A dirty fridge isn’t just unappealing—it’s also a major red flag when it comes to food safety. Restaurants get shut down if their fridges aren’t clean. Worse, a clogged-up fridge won’t function properly. It will work harder, increasing power consumption and leading to breakdowns—all without keeping food as cool as it should.

There are three steps to cleaning a fridge:

  1. Clean the coils using a vacuum or a brush. Dust on condenser coils should be cleared every six months, or more often if you live in a dustier area.
  2. Use a mix of warm water and baking soda to remove stains inside and out. This also eliminates odors.
  3. Perform this test: Close the fridge door on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out easily, the seals need to be replaced.

Microwave

Microwaves—right below ovens—are some of the most neglected appliances in a kitchen. Splattered food inside turns into nightmare fuel if not cleaned regularly.

Thankfully, cleaning a microwave is super simple. Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and heat it for five minutes. The steam loosens up the grime, making it easy to wipe down. Rinse and repeat, and you’re golden. Also, check for cracks in the door seal, as they can lead to energy loss and inefficient heating.

Cooktop & Stove

Grease, food spills, burnt-on residue, and even pet hair (yes, they get stuck) can build up fast on your cooktop and stove. Regular cleaning keeps them looking good and working properly. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and spray with vinegar for glass and ceramic cooktops. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. For gas stoves, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water. Wipe the burners with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub any stubborn spots with a soft brush, then dry everything before reassembling.

Conclusion

Keeping your kitchen clean isn’t optional. They say it’s best to treat your kitchen like a temple—after all, it’s where the food and beverages you consume come from. It ought to be spotless.

Cleaning appliances regularly can be a challenge if you don’t have the time. Thankfully, professional cleaning services exist to lend a helping hand. If you’re more of a DIY person, follow the guide in this post to ensure your kitchen stays functional and efficient.