Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen, considering it cleans the grime and food off your dishware. It makes sure your dishes, glasses, silverware, and cooking accessories are sparkly clean. Keeping it clean and well-maintained will help get dishes as clean as possible and also extend the life of the appliance.
Clean the Gasket Seal Around the Dishwasher Tub
The plastic or rubber-like seal around a dishwasher tub helps to secure it and prevent any water leakage. Over time, the seal can become dirty and possibly smell. Use an eraser sponge to remove any dirt, grime or food particles from the seal. Check the racks and the silverware basket to make sure they are clean as well. Over time, dirt can build-up and food particles can become trapped, especially inside the basket. Some silverware baskets are removable and can be cleaned in the sink. An eraser sponge can also help remove dirt and grime from racks and the basket.
Remove and Clean the Dishwasher Filter
Check the bottom of the rack or consult your owner’s manual to see if there is a removable filter that should be cleaned. Many newer-models of dishwasher have a filter that can be removed and washed out in the sink. The filter traps food and other foreign objects from being sucked into the dishwasher pump and damaging or clogging it. To clean any filters, pull out the bottom rack and check for a removable filter. You may also have protective caging at the bottom of your dishwasher that is removable as well. Unsnap it and rinse it off in the sink with a sponge. Snap the caging or replace the filter back into place once it is clean.
Run a Cleaning Cycle
Many modern dishwashers have a cleaning cycle that can be run to clean the inside of the dishwasher. Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner, or else place a cup of plain white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Some blogs suggest using bleach to clean your dishwasher, however if the inside of your dishwasher is stainless steel this can lead to corrosion and damage. As ever, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to extend the life of your dishwasher and minimize maintenance.
Cleaning your home probably isn’t your favorite way to spend the weekend, but it’s important to do a deep clean of your home’s main hang-out areas, like the kitchen, at least once a month. But, a simple wipe down of the countertops won’t do it. One place that tends to get over-looked during your weekly sweep and dust is your kitchen appliances. Can you remember the last time you gave your microwave a good wipe down inside and out?
SpongeOutlet.com is here with some tips for cleaning your kitchen appliances.
No matter what type of appliances you have, new, old or stainless steel, we’ll help you get them sparkling clean in no time!
Ice Maker
Whether you have the typical ice cube trays or a more sophisticated built-in version, your ice maker needs to be cleaned about once a month. When it doesn’t get proper care, it can foster an unsanitary environment, leading to germ growth and potential health risks.
If you have a fridge and freezer with an ice machine built into the freezer door, the manufacturer probably has a cleaning solution that can be used to safely clean the icemaker. If you no longer have your owner’s manual, check online for their recommendations.
To get started, unplug your fridge and transfer any sensitive items to your secondary refrigerator. Wipe down the ice drawers with mild soap and warm water, and thoroughly dry the area with a towel before you close the door.
If your freezer and ice maker has a filter, change or wash it. Then, de-clog any chutes that may have built up excess water by using a warm, damp cloth to melt the built-up ice.
Check the filter behind your fridge, and if it needs to be dusted, take care of that before you plug it back in and slide it back where it belongs.
Fridge & Freezer
While you’re working on your ice maker, don’t forget to clean your fridge and freezer. After time, food spills and crumbs on the shelves can cause odor, mold growth, and an unpleasant look. Remove everything from the fridge and freezer, and use a warm, damp cloth with a mild soap to remove any built-up food items. Some fridges and freezers may have removable doors that you can pop in your dishwasher.
Don’t overlook the vegetable drawers: those areas tend to get messy the fastest and may need a wipe-down once a week!
Blender & Mixer
If you use your blender regularly, you know that the blades can be tricky to clean, but it’s important to clean them thoroughly—otherwise, food particles will remain there and cause mold growth. You wouldn’t want that to end up in your next smoothie or milkshake!
If your blades are machine washable, give them a scrub with a small kitchen appliance brush, and pop them in the dishwasher. Make sure you check under the blades and under the center piece to make sure all the food from this morning’s protein shake is removed.
Coffeemaker
RealSimple.com says that your coffee maker is just as important to clean regularly as your favorite mug. Follow the instructions for cleaning and rebalancing in your owner’s manual. Start by removing and washing the filter and the carafe—if you have a reusable filter, avoid using soap but rinse the filter thoroughly.
Brew a pot of 2-3 cups water, with equal parts white vinegar to clean out the innards of the coffee maker. You may need to repeat this step a few times. Turn the machine off about halfway through the cycle to let it sit, and then turn it back on.
After your vinegar brew, brew 2 pots of regular water to remove any vinegar deposits. And, don’t forget to show the outside of the coffee maker some love with a good wipe down with soap and water.
Dishwasher
First, remove the racks and drawers from your dishwasher. Clean the interior with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Run an empty cycle with the detergent cup full of vinegar or powdered lemonade mix to remove stains.
Microwave
To give your cruddy microwave a makeover, microwave a large bowl of water with slices of lemons until the water boils. Remove stains with a soft damp cloth and soapy water. Remove the tray and wash with hot water and dish soap or run it in your newly cleaned dishwasher.
Toaster
HouseLogic.com says to start by unplugging your toaster. Remove and wash the crumb catcher, making sure it’s completely dry before replacing it. Shake the machine upside down over the sink to dislodge loose crumbs.
Oven
Most ovens have a self-cleaning option: while that runs, remove the grates from the stovetop and stick them in the sink. Fill the sink with hot water and dish soap and let the grates soak to remove stubborn cooked on food. Replace drip plates that have seen better days, and clean everywhere: including under the top of the stove. You can use your vacuum cleaner to remove hard to reach crumbs.
Pick up all the supplies you need to give your kitchen appliances a deep clean at SpongeOutlet.com. Our eraser sponges can help you remove tough stains and stubborn baked-on gunk. For more cleaning tips, check out our blog often!
