The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms to maintain at home because of all the various surfaces you have to clean. It's no wonder that many people today prefer booking a home cleaning service to handle the work for them.
Even so, it's always a good idea to know how to clean your kitchen. This extends to your appliances as well. With how busy this space might be, it's important that the equipment you use there also receives some proper care.
Let's walk through the basics of cleaning your kitchen appliances and when to call the professionals for help.
Why Regular Cleaning is Essential for Your Appliances
- Boost Their Efficiency - Dirt often hinders an appliance's performance. A clean refrigerator keeps your foodstuff cold and fresh for longer, while a spotless hob heats up your pots and pans faster. They won't work harder and consume more energy fulfilling their purpose.
- Prolong Their Lifespan - Dirty appliances wear out faster than clean ones, but you can avoid costly emergency repairs or last-minute replacements with regular maintenance.
- Improve Your Kitchen Hygiene - Appliances can also be breeding grounds for bacteria if neglected. If you want a hygienic kitchen, don't forget to clean the equipment too.
Basic Care and Cleaning Tips for Kitchen Appliances
Before anything else, make sure to unplug the appliances before you start cleaning them to avoid accidentally getting electrocuted. You should also avoid using abrasive tools like metal brushes and harsh chemicals such as bleach. These could damage the surfaces instead. It's best to stick to gentler tools like sponges and microfibre cloths and milder cleaning solutions like baking soda.
Let's look at the simple ways we can keep our appliances clean:
Refrigerator
- If you find any spills inside, wipe them immediately with a cloth and mild detergent.
- Always check the fridge for expired or spoiled food and discard them to prevent mould and odours.
- You should also wipe the door handles and rubber door seals at least once a week.
Microwave
- Heat a bowl of water with some lemon juice for around 2-3 minutes to steam-clean the microwave from the inside.
- If your microwave model has a turntable, wash it in warm, soapy water weekly.
Hobs
- Frequently wipe down the hob's surfaces to avoid any buildup.
- For gas hobs, clean the burner grates with soap and water every week.
Oven
- Don't forget to wipe your oven after using it. This will prevent any grease and splatters from hardening.
- Do take out the racks when cleaning the oven. Let them soak in a tub of soapy water and scrub with a sponge.
Dishwasher
- Get rid of any food particles in the dishwasher before putting in a new load.
- You can occasionally run an empty cycle with only some white vinegar inside to remove grease and grime.
When Do Your Appliances Need a Professional Deep Clean?
Here are some signs that it's to have your home cleaning service check on your kitchen appliances:
- The unpleasant odours linger on even if you put more effort into cleaning.
- You need help with certain parts that you aren't confident handling on your own, such as the refrigerator coils.
- The appliances aren't working as efficiently anymore, which can mean the internal components need cleaning as well.
It's better to book a professional cleaner's services if you simply don't have the time to care for the appliances. They already have the cleaning supplies to get the job done safely, thoroughly, and faster than if you do it yourself.
Let's Give Your Kitchen the Care It Deserves
A consistent cleaning routine keeps your kitchen and its appliances in good working order. Even small tasks like promptly wiping spills in the fridge or scrubbing oven racks can help them last longer and work effectively.
And don't forget that you can always hire a trusted home cleaning service to deal with the work that you can't do yourself. A little investment can go a long way to providing your kitchen with the care it needs to last for years to come.