Kitchen appliances are essential tools that help you with everyday tasks. However, they can only perform well if they are kept clean from dust, grease, and pet hair. While you may be diligent about cleaning your major appliances, there are many small appliances that often get overlooked, especially in the food prep area. Hidden spots and areas that you may not know need cleaning can have a big impact on the efficiency of your appliances. For example, dusty condenser coils can affect the cooling of your refrigerator, and a dirty hood filter can impact your kitchen’s odor. Cleaning these appliances properly and regularly will help maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan.
To get started, here’s a guide to cleaning some commonly overlooked kitchen appliances:
Vacuum your fridge’s dirty condenser coils every six months
If your fridge is not keeping your food fresh, it may be due to dusty condenser coils. Vacuuming the coils every six months can help improve the efficiency of your refrigerator and prevent compressor problems.
Greasy range hood filters must be cleaned or replaced every three months
Cleaning or replacing range hood filters every three months is essential to maintain good air quality in your kitchen and prevent fire hazards.
Clean your dishwasher’s innermost parts every month to maintain its performance
Regularly cleaning the filter, spray arms, gasket, and drains of your dishwasher can prevent buildup and ensure it functions properly. Sanitizing these parts monthly is recommended.
Garbage disposals must be cleaned weekly to minimize odors
Cleaning your garbage disposal weekly can prevent food particles from accumulating and causing odors. It also helps prevent blockages and damage to the blades.
Scrub your microwave’s grease filter monthly and replace the charcoal filter semi-annually
Cleaning the grease filter monthly and replacing the charcoal filter every six months is important to maintain the efficiency of your microwave and prevent odors.
A toaster’s crumb tray and racks demand weekly or bi-monthly cleanup
Cleaning the crumb tray and racks of your toaster regularly can prevent burnt or stale-tasting bread. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use the toaster.
The blender gasket must be washed after each use to minimize cross-contamination risks
Washing the blender gasket after each use is important to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination. Cleaning the gasket thoroughly will help maintain the quality and flavor of your blends.
Refrigerator door seals must be wiped once every two weeks
Wiping the refrigerator door seals every two weeks is crucial to prevent mold growth and maintain the seals’ effectiveness in keeping cool air inside.
Cleanse your fridge’s water dispenser mechanism every two months
Regularly cleaning the water dispenser mechanism of your fridge every two months can prevent mineral buildup and ensure clean, good-tasting water.
