When Should You Clean Your Home Appliances?

Have you ever stepped into the kitchen, just to be taken aback by the sight of all your appliances? The toaster oven was covered in last week’s crumbs, the coffee maker stained with yesterday’s brew, and refrigerator humming ominously under a veil of dust.

That’s when you start to wonder – how often should these things be cleaned?

It’s not just a matter of aesthetics either, it can actually affect the performance of your appliances.

How often should you clean everything? What products should you use to keep everything in tip top shape? For the answers, keep reading!

Importance of Regularly Cleaning Home Appliances

Keeping your appliances clean is important for a number of reasons, some of which we’ll be discussing below.

It will Extend the Lifespan of the Appliance

Chances are, your appliance will last much longer if kept tidy and well-maintained. For example, a buildup of burnt crumbs in the toaster can lead to early failure due to overheating components.

It’ll be Better For Your Health

Keeping our living spaces pristine will help promote better well-being by reducing exposure to contaminant-covered surfaces.

Establishing a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Ideally, you want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to cleaning your kitchen appliances on a regular basis.

When to Clean Appliances – Determining the Frequency

Different factors play into how often you should clean your appliances, usage frequency is one of them.

Generally speaking, the more you use an appliance, the more frequently you should clean it. For instance, if you use your toaster oven daily, you may need to wipe it down weekly, as opposed to if you were only using it once a month.

The type of appliance also matters. Washing machines require monthly deep cleans to remove buildup while refrigerators might only need thorough cleaning every few months.

As for food spills and messes, they call for immediate cleanup regardless of any set schedule.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

The washing machine may clean your clothes but it also needs some TLC every now and then to keep things running smoothly.

The Best Way to Clean Your Washer

To start, empty the washer completely. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar directly into the drum.

Next, run your machine on the hottest cycle – that will allow the mixture to thoroughly penetrate any grime or buildup that may be present inside your washing machine.

If it’s been a while since you last cleaned the washer, you may need something stronger. We recommend ACTIVE Washing Machine Tablets – they’re specifically designed to remove detergent residue and will leave your washer fresh and clean.

Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Cleaning your dishwasher may seem redundant, but it’s essential if you want it to keep running smoothly.

Maintaining an Odor-Free Dishwasher

It’s best to clean the interior every now and then with equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. That will make a cleaning solution that you can use for the inside walls and racks.

And if you can, remove the spray arms (according to the manufact urer’s directions). Over time, food debris and other gunk can get trapped in the openings and that can affect its performance.

For those stubborn stains or lingering smells on rubber seals around the door, you can use baking soda. Make a paste by mixing it with water and leave it to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing gently with an old toothbrush; rinse well afterward.

Tip: ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets are great if you need to deep clean your dishwasher. Just pop one into the detergent dispenser tray and you’re good to go.

Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Keeping your refrigerator clean will not only keep it smelling fresh but will also extends its lifespan.

Preventing Food Spills in the Fridge

Keep all foods in sealed containers or zip-lock bags to avoid leaks. Using shelf liners can also make cleanup easier if there are any mishaps.

Cleaning the Inside of the Fridge

Start by removing everything from the fridge. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle and spray the interior surfaces – this includes the walls, shelves (including removable ones), and drawers.

After spraying, wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth until they’re squeaky clean.

Deep Cleaning Your Oven

Cleaning your oven may seem tedious, but with the right techniques and some elbow grease, it’s achievable.

To start, empty the oven completely. Take out all removable parts including the racks. You might find some burnt food bits hiding beneath them.

Next, mix baking soda and warm water in a bowl to create a paste.

Scoop up the mixture with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water and apply it liberally onto the different surfaces.

Wait for several hours before wiping it all off with a clean towel.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

The disposal unit works hard to chew up kitchen scraps, but sometimes it needs a little love too.

Cleaning with Ice Cubes

Start by tossing a handful of ice cubes into the unit. Turn it on and let the blades crush them down. That will help dislodge any food particles that are stuck.

Deodorizing with Lemon Juice

Slice up one fresh lemon and drop each piece into the drain while running hot water. This will help eliminate odors naturally without harmful chemicals.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

Mix equal parts of baking soda and warm water to make a paste and add it directly into the disposal unit.

Leave it on the surface for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Using ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner

ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablets will prevent clogs and keep your kitchen smelling nice and clean. Just drop one tablet into the draiin once a month and it’ll get rid of any dirt or grime that’s lingering inside the unit.

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Keeping your air conditioner running smoothly is simpler than you may think.

Cleaning the Air Filters for Better Air Quality

Dusty or clogged filters can hinder airflow, which will not only reduce its efficiency but can also compromise the indoor air quality.

To clean the filter, you want to first remove it from the enclosure. If it’s a reusable filter, you can use warm soapy water to clean it. If it’s a disposable filter, it’s best to replace it altogether.

When Should You Clean Home Appliances – FAQs

When should I clean my kitchen appliances?

The frequency will vary based on usage and type of appliance. Having said that, you want to clean small spills immediately and try to do a deep clean every three to six months.

How should you clean appliances?

Different appliances need to be cleaned differently. Always use manufacturer-approved cleaners or DIY solutions like baking soda and vinegar.

What should you always do before cleaning appliances?

Safety first. Make sure all devices are turned off and unplugged from power sources prior to beginning your cleanup task.

How often do you need to clean the inside of a dishwasher?

A monthly scrub-down will help maintain its performance. For one thing, it will prevent food debris from accumulating. To do this, you can use a commercial dishwasher cleaner such as ACTIVE Dishwasher cleaning tablets.