Keeping a clean and tidy house requires maintenance and a thorough cleaning effort must go beneath the surface. Homes can appear sparkling and beautiful from dusting, polishing and vacuuming however failing to clean inside appliances can cause health problems and minimise functionality.
Refrigerators, Microwaves, Dishwashers, even digital cameras need to be cleaned appropriately or their operation becomes significantly compromised. Different household appliances require specific types of cleaning products to ensure they are not damaged.
Kitchen appliances must be cleaned with products that are safe to use around food and drink. Keep in mind that after cleaning a kitchen appliance you will be storing or cooking your food in it, or in the case of a dishwasher, hoping to clean your plates in it. Fragile items like digital cameras need special cloths and cleaners or they will be permanently damaged.
Dishwashers require thorough cleaning as they tend to accumulate food particles, grease and grime in their crevices. Always scrape remaining food off your plates before loading them into the dishwasher. Bosch Dishwashers are especially popular for getting the job done however they too need to be cleaned.
What you need to clean a Dishwasher
- Hot soapy water
- An old Toothbrush
- Sponge
- Dry Cloth
- Scrub the inside of the dishwasher with hot soapy water using the toothbrush. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies including the rim around the door.
- Sponge off all loose debris that the scrubbing produced with the hot soapy water.
- Clean the drain area underneath the bottom rack with the sponge.
- Remove soap from sponge and wipe down the entire inside to remove soap residue.
- Replace racks and trays
- For dishwashers, place a small cup of white vinegar on the top rack. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the floor of the dishwasher to remove any stains.
- Close the door and run the dishwasher for a full cycle.
Bacteria and mould can still grow inside a refrigerator even at the standard temperature and this can be hazardous for the health and wellbeing of your family. Fridges have many tight places for food particles to collect. Cleaning your fridge is more manageable if done regularly; stay on top of any nastiness growing in dark corners. An easy and safe way to clean your fridge is with baking soda.
- Take everything out of the fridge and remove all trays and racks.
- Use a mix of baking soda and hot water to wipe down the interior of the fridge with a clean sponge.
- Scrub the racks and trays with an old toothbrush dipped in the baking soda solution.
- Wipe down all cleaned surfaces with a clean damp cloth, including trays and racks.
- Replace contents into your sparkling clean fridge ASAP.
- Unplug the toaster and wait until it is cool.
- Wipe down the surface and empty out the crumb tray. You should do this regularly as toasters are traps for old, rotting bread crumbs.
- Use a scouring sponge to remove baked on crumbs from the tray.
- Do not use powerful oven cleaners or steel wool on your toaster.
- Never immerse your toaster in water.
Microwaves are often wall papered with baked on splatters and food particles glued to the walls and ceiling which reduce function and threaten health.
- Add a large spoonful of white vinegar to a microwave safe bowl half filled with water.
- Place inside the microwave and heat on the high setting for 5 minutes or until the microwave becomes sufficiently steamy.
- The steam will loosen the baked on food and grime so let it steam up for a few minutes.
- Use a clean dry cloth to wipe over all the inside surfaces. This removes gunk easily and your microwave will be returned to pristine condition.
Author Bio: Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including flooring.
