Easy Ways To Maintain Your Kitchen Appliances

3.15.18

Easy Ways To Maintain Your Kitchen Appliances

You’ve invested a lot into your appliances – not just money but also time in choosing the right one for your home. With regular maintenance, you can actually enhance their performance and keep them working for even longer. Love your appliances for years to come by following these basic maintenance tips.

The Dishwasher

Your dishwasher can only clean as well as it is clean. The most common cause of dishwasher repairs is clogged drains so be sure to discard any food from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Regularly check the bottom to ensure there are no stray silverware items, utensils, or food compost that could cause damage or clog the drain. Once a month, clean your empty dishwasher by running a hot water load with a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack.

The Refrigerator

The first thing to check with your refrigerator is that the doors seal properly. Seals that are dried out or damaged are not able to keep cool air in which can cause your refrigerator to work twice as hard to keep a consistent temperature or your freezer to form a build-up of damaging frost. Clean your seals regularly with a soft cloth, mild soap, and warm water to keep them in working condition. Next, use a vacuum to suck up any dust or debris that can block the coils behind the refrigerator which can trap hot air and cause damage.

The Oven

Caring for your oven starts with prevention. Cover your dishes and lay something underneath to prevent spillage and splatters that quickly become baked-on disasters. Never lay foil directly on your oven’s bottom as this can cause damage to your oven’s lining. Once your oven has cooled down, always check for any spills and use a wet cloth to remove them immediately.

The Microwave

Always use microwave-safe containers in your microwave since the wrong plastics and metal can cause a serious fire. Similar to your oven, cover dishes to reduce spills and then wipe away any messes after each use. Remove baked-on foods with steam by microwaving a half-cup of water for 2 minutes and wiping down the inside with a wet cloth.

The Cooktop

Different cooktops require different care but in general, it’s best to regularly wipe down your cooktop with a non-abrasive cloth to wipe away any grease or spills, and use a gentle toothbrush to remove baked-on foods or debris that can cause catch on fire. Whether your cooktop is glass, painted metal, or stainless steel, always refer to your appliance’s user manual for approved cleaning products.