Just like other machines, your appliances in the kitchen require regular maintenance and cleaning to perform better and last longer. Such regimens do not have to be complicated, and the good thing is that you can do most of them yourself. However, when you are not sure about how to handle other appliances or have noticed something peculiar, it is advisable that you seek professional assistance. The following are the easy ways of cleaning various common appliances found in the kitchen.
The refrigerator
The first place you want to visit when thinking about cleaning the refrigerator is the space behind it. A lot of things fall behind there besides being the collection center for dust and gunk. Before you begin, ensure you have unplugged it from the AC and begin by mopping up the said space. Use a vacuum cleaner on the refrigerator coils to remove the dust and other dirt which put a strain on the motor.
This will end up prolonging its life. Use white vinegar in water to clean the inside and outside of your fridge and replace all the loose or missing door gaskets.
The microwave
The good thing about cleaning a microwave is that it will do the most difficult work itself. The kind of dirt to find in a microwave is baked-on food. To remove this dirt, begin by microwaving water in a microwave-safe container to boiling point. Leave it inside the microwave for a few minutes to allow the steam to remove gunk and other dirt. After that, wipe it clean and remove fingerprints from the stainless-steel interior.
The oven and the stovetops
The other kitchen appliances that require regular cleaning are the ovens and stovetops. While most ovens come with the self-cleaning mechanism, some areas such as the frames and door hinges won’t be adequately cleaned. Use soapy water or vinegar to wipe such areas and remove all gunk. To avoid dealing with the bake-on cruds, clean spills immediately you finish using the oven.
To clean the stovetops, soak the knobs, hood vents and burners in hot soapy water for a few hours before scrubbing them. This should help tackle the baked-on spills. Also, vacuum the space between the counter and the stove.
The coffee machine
A dirty coffee machine has mineral deposits clogging it. This reduces its efficiency besides affecting its lifespan. An effective way of removing them would be to run a mixture of one part white vinegar and two-parts water through the machine. Later, you will need to remove the vinegar taste by running clean water through the machine twice or more. Do not forget to scrub off any stains on the glass coffee pot.
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The toaster
Before you begin cleaning your toaster, the first thing to do is to unplug it from the mains. The crumb catcher should be the center of focus – make sure you have washed it with soapy water and allow it to dry. Shake your machine over a bin to remove any food remains and make sure that it is dry before plugging it back in.
