Are there actually people who enjoy cleaning, especially cleaning appliances that have all those nooks and crannies? If so, send them my way! Cleaning appliances is a dreaded chore for most, but it is an absolute must to keep bacteria out of your kitchen and keep your appliances performing at optimal levels. So, if it has been a while, start with one item on this list and enjoy a feeling of accomplishment when all is clean.
Microwave – Fill a microwave-safe container with a cup of water and a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar. Microwave it until the water boils, about one to four minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe all the loosened gunk away with a damp sponge. Leave the door open to let it thoroughly dry.
Stovetop – Your stovetop should ideally be cleaned after each use to remove all the spills and splatters that naturally happen during cooking. But a little baking soda and vinegar can be used to scrub away spills that have set in over time. Wipe everything down with a cleaner specific to your type of stovetop and use a toothbrush to clean out all the ridges and crevices.
Oven – Spilled food and crumbs can lead to odors and smokiness that can cloud your kitchen and possibly affect the taste of your food. Make a habit of wiping spills quickly after using the oven, and you may never have to scrub it again! Most ovens are self-cleaning, but usually require a more detailed cleaning about every three months. The self-clean option doesn’t reach the gunk around door hinges and frames and the crumb-catching space around the oven. You may need to clean more often depending on how often you’re using it. Make sure to remove racks and clean them separately. Follow your manufacturer’s directions for best practices.
Dishwasher – It seems like an appliance like a dishwasher would be self-cleaning, right? But over time bacteria and leftover bits of food can create unwanted odors and make your dishwasher less effective at its job. It’s easy to clean your dishwasher about once a month by placing a dishwasher-friendly cup or bowl on the top rack filled with about two-thirds of white vinegar then run it on a normal cycle with hot water to sterilize. Afterward, use a rag or towel to wipe the edges of the door and rubber seal with white vinegar or your favorite all-purpose cleaner. Also, check the drain in the bottom of the machine for unwanted debris.
Refrigerator – Working in sections, take food out to clean away crumbs and spills inside the refrigerator. A little soapy water or a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar will clean odors and make it shine. Every now and again you should clean the area around and behind your refrigerator as well. Pull it out from the wall and mop away the gunkiness you find back there.
Coffee maker – No matter what type of coffee maker you have, they all should be cleaned regularly for both good tasting coffee and to prevent bacteria growth. All removable parts should be hand washed with warm, soapy water or placed in the top rack of the dishwasher. To remove mineral deposits that can clog your machine, pour a solution of two parts water and one part white vinegar into the water chamber, insert a coffee filter, and run the solution through the machine. Then run clear water through twice to remove any lingering vinegary taste.
Deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing can help you feel more in control and more productive. If you get in the mood to do even more deep cleaning, Zippy Shell’s portable storage units are perfect for storing items, giving you more space to clean and organize. Visit us at www.zippyshell.com for answers to any questions you may have and a free quote!