Appliances You Should Be Cleaning More Than You Think

7 Appliances You Should Be Cleaning Regularly

Sometimes it feels like all you ever do is clean, particularly in the kitchen. Even if you’ve ordered takeout every night for a week, there’s always something that needs cleaning!

If you’re anything like us, the idea of pulling out every item in the refrigerator is just too much hassle to deal with most of the time. As long as we’re not bombarded with bad smells when we open the door, it’s a job we’ll just keep putting off as more “important” tasks crop up.

Although it can be tempting to leave certain chores until they seem desperate, there are a few household appliances you should be cleaning more regularly than you think. From dishwashers and washing machines that clean other things to the electric kettle that never looks dirty, here are some of the most commonly neglected appliances you really should be cleaning more regularly. We’ve also included some top cleaning tips to make it a bit less of a chore! You’re welcome!

Dishwasher

Yup. The dishwasher cleans dishes, so why should you need to clean the cleaner? Well, simply put, cleaning your dishwasher regularly will reduce bacteria build-up in the machine and help it last longer without any problems. Aiming for a monthly deep clean will keep your dishwasher performing at its best and really doesn’t need to be too much hassle if you know what you’re doing!

Simply wiping down the door, sanitizing the tub, and washing the accessories once a month is really all you need to do to keep your dishwasher (and therefore dishes) sparkling and clean. You could even run the dishwasher with white vinegar and baking soda along with dishwasher tablets on the top rack for a thorough clean.

Washing Machine

Another appliance that’s job is to wash your clothes, you do need to clean your washing machine regularly if you want it to keep performing at its best and to go longer before a replacement is necessary. Little things like keeping the draw and door open after use can help the machine dry out and prevent mildew, mold, and bacteria build-up, but you should also be cleaning the rubber seal around the door regularly.

Running a ‘service wash’ around once a month will also keep your machine running smoothly as the hot water will help blast any bacteria and remove things like limescale. Add a washing machine cleaner to the service wash for even better results.

Oven

Although these days, many ovens are self-cleaning, even the top-of-the-range varieties need to be cleaned out by you from time to time. For excellent and natural results, we like to bake a tray of squeeze lemons (plus the juice) on high heat for around 20 minutes every month. The acid in the lemons will help separate any burnt-on food from the oven and allows you to wipe away grime (once the oven has cooled, of course!) with a damp cloth. You can also use chemical oven cleaners or a concoction of baking soda, vinegar, and warm soapy water to get rid of tough stains.

Microwave

The lemon trick also works well in microwaves, throw some squeezed lemons plus juice into a bowl and microwave for a few minutes to make wiping down the appliance quick and easy. Stay on top of your microwave cleaning by wiping away any spills as they happen, but a deep clean of your microwave every few weeks will keep bad odors and bacteria at bay.

Toaster

A dirty toaster isn’t just an inconvenience, but can actually be a fire hazard if you leave it too long between cleaning! Most toasters have slide-out draws designed to catch crumbs, which should be emptied into the trash regularly, so there’s no excuse for this one! Depending on how frequently you use your toaster, you should also tip it upside down to get rid of extra crumbs. We also recommend that you wash and dry the draws and any other removable components carefully every few weeks to keep the appliance safe and clean.

Coffee Maker

Everyone loves their cup of joe in the morning, and we certainly can’t function without it! But if you’re not cleaning your coffee maker regularly you could just be taking a big sip of bacteria without realizing. Coffee makers don’t always look dirty, but you should still clean the whole machine every month with water and vinegar to keep the parts clean, while you should wash key elements such as the jug daily. Check your manufacturer instructions for details on how to deep-clean your specific model as these may vary and single-serve makers (in particular) may have their own particular cleaning settings.

Electric Kettle

Similarly, electric kettles (other than limescale build-up) don’t always look dirty but can harbor unfriendly bacteria. Be sure to keep it clean by half-filling the electric kettle with a 50/50 water/white vinegar solution and boiling. Leave this to sit for around 15/20 minutes before pouring away. ‘Rinse’ the kettle by boiling a few rounds of pure water to keep your kettle at its best.

Sources:

Keep It Clean: Kitchen Appliances – UF/IFAS Extension
Oven Cleaning – AnswerLine – Iowa State University Extension