Appliance Care Tips

Kitchen upkeep is the key to happy home life. Whether it be cleaning or knowing when something needs to be replaced, these simple steps can make your life much easier. All homeowners should ensure they get the most out of their appliances. The first and easiest step is to make sure that you are on a cleaning schedule for each product. While some products will need more cleaning than others, having a cleaning schedule will keep you accountable.

Refrigerators:

When it comes to refrigerators, oftentimes homeowners can forget to clean them out. Going through all of the nooks and crannies at least once a month is something that can be very beneficial, and can remind you what you need to pick up from the store. While everything is out of your fridge, this is the perfect opportunity to wipe it down. Most cleaners will do, but for a DIY cleaner, you can mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Some other basic refrigerator upkeep is to make sure to clean off your refrigerator's condenser coils. Condenser coils help to eliminate heat in the refrigerator cleaning this will ensure your refrigerator is running properly. One last tip is to make sure that the seals on the outside of your doors are in good shape. If they begin to crack or wear, it may be time to replace them.

Dishwashers:

While dishwashers are cleaners within themselves, it is always a good idea to make sure food and any other scum is removed from the inside of your dishwasher. One very simple way to do this is to put vinegar into the soap dispenser and run the dishwasher on the longest cycle with the hottest water setting. This will fully sanitize and clean your dishwasher. Making sure the filter is cleaned out regularly is also very important to avoid it getting jammed. Another easy way to avoid this is to make sure your dishes are cleaned off before putting them into the dishwasher and making sure not to overload it.

Range Hoods:

The first thing you should do is make sure to address any issues that arise as soon as possible. This way, you avoid any more damage. Another basic maintenance tip is to make sure to wipe down the actual range hood itself. The exposed areas can get very dirty, and for aesthetic reasons, you want to make sure this is done regularly. Checking the vents and air filters is also very important. If done properly, the range hood can last for many years. Grease buildup could be a major fire hazard, so for safety purposes, it is crucial to be properly cleaned. One basic troubleshooting idea is to cut a small piece of paper and hold it up to your vent. If the paper sticks to the vent, your range hood should be fine. 

Kitchen Stove and Oven:

Any messes on your stove and oven should be cleaned immediately. This prevents permanent spots from forming that would stain the cooktop. Of course this can be done after the cooktop  has been cooled down. Usually, the mess can only sit for about 24 hours before it becomes a problem. The first thing you should do is use plenty of cleaner on the stain and let it soak. For tough stains, make sure this is the strongest cleaner that your stove top allows. Ensure the cleaner you're using is safe for your stove finish. Then, use a scraper to get rid of any leftover unwanted material. Now, the mess should be easy to wipe away. A lot of ovens are self-cleaners, so if this is the case, read your instruction manual for directions specific to your oven. Sometimes this feature can be touchy, so be sure to follow all directions step by step!

Do you have any other tips and tricks to cleaning your kitchen? Be sure to follow us on our socials to let us know!

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