Clean out the old and the bad to make way for the shiny and the new. While your kitchen floors, dishes, and countertops may receive regular cleaning, it’s often easy to forget about cleaning the appliances that are always there for us when we need them. Here are some helpful tips for your spring cleaning endeavor.
*Most appliance user manuals specify how to properly clean the model. You can find manual online. Read manual first, and follow instructions before proceeding.
Refrigerator
- Remove food items first, chilling what needs to be kept refrigerated and frozen in a separate cooler. Toss out all expired food items.
- Remove shelves and bins and soak in warm soapy water. Some refrigerator models have dishwasher-safe shelves that you can wash in the dishwasher.
- Scrub the inside of the refrigerator with specialty cleaner, and wipe clean.
- Remove any liquid from base of refrigerator and wipe with bleach to remove mold.
- Use your vacuum’s crevice attachment tool to clean condenser coil located at the back of the refrigerator.
- Wipe exterior with soap and water, specialty cleaner, or commercial stainless-steel spray for stainless steel models. Dry thoroughly to prevent streaking.
Microwave
- Place a bowl or mug filled with water and several freshly cut slices of lemon in the center of the microwave and turn the microwave on high for at least three minutes.
- Leave the door closed for several more minutes to let steam penetrate and soften food spills, as well as remove odors.
- Open door, remove mug or bowl and wipe interior clean with a paper towel or wash cloth.
Dishwasher
- Remove racks and utensil holders and soak in warm soapy water, or vinegar and warm water mixture.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner solution or white vinegar and fill detergent cup. Run a heavy clean cycle to let machine breakdown any residue and disinfect.
- Wipe interior with warm wash cloth.
- Lightly was exterior with soapy warm water and dry thoroughly.
Happy cleaning!
