Why You Should Clean Your Appliances

9.21.18

Why You Should Clean Your Appliances

While you know you need to clean your appliances, how often do you actually do it? It may seem like enough just to wipe the surface until it looks presentable and move on to the next chore (or really, Netflix binge). However, not properly cleaning your appliances can actually impact both your health and your wallet. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to deep clean them every day or even every week. A thorough once a month for some appliances is usually enough to keep you and your appliances in the clear. Here is why it matters.

Improve Longevity

Just like changing your car’s oil is an essential step to keeping its engine running efficiently, so is keeping your appliance clean. Not regularly cleaning your appliance can cost you pricey repairs or even a replacement. A dirty refrigerator door seal that leaks air can force your refrigerator compressor to work overtime and fail prematurely, or trapped lint in your dryer can prevent it from operating normally and putting more wear on the motor or causing it to overheat. By keeping your appliances clean, you can help protect your pricey investment. Plus, while you clean, you can identify smaller issues that can be attended to immediately, such as rusted-through drip pans or a dried refrigerator seal, to avoid a costly repair down the road.

Save Money

Dirty appliances have to work harder, like the dirty refrigerator door seal that leaks air making it harder to keep cool or a spill on the interior of your oven making it difficult to generate heat. An appliance that works harder will lead to high-energy costs. However, regularly cleaning your appliances and keeping them free of any debris will help them run at their optimal efficiency, saving you money on your utility bills.

Those Icky Germs

Unclean appliances are prone to bacteria and germs. Obviously, you know there are germs in your refrigerator since it’s the place you store raw meats and dairy products. However, did you also know there are germs in your dishwasher? Or that your refrigerator’s handle is one of the dirtiest places in the house? Think about the raw meats you’ve defrosted in your microwave. These items can carry salmonella, mildew, and other dangerous bacterias and fungus that can become dangerous. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how and when to clean your appliance to keep it sanitized and safe to use.

Reduce Your Workload

We’re guessing of all the things you like to do in your kitchen, cleaning isn’t one of them. However, the longer you let dirt and grime accumulate, the harder your appliances are to clean. A spill in the oven or microwave that can be easily wiped away if dealt with immediately can suddenly become a caked on nightmare if left ignored. Cleaning out an entire messy, sticky refrigerator can take hours whereas wiping one shelf a week only takes a few minutes. Waiting for your appliance to become a complete mess can become an overwhelming task that takes all weekend. However, regularly cleaning your appliance requires far less time and can be done in smaller increments which are less stressful.

Click here to discover simple ways to regularly maintain your appliances!