With spring around the corner, the time for spring cleaning is approaching quickly. Deep cleaning the kitchen is one major job on the long list of things to do on your checklist, and while it may be one of the last things you will want to tackle, here's why you should consider at least cleaning your kitchen appliances, including your oven and stovetop, refrigerator, and your dishwasher.
The appliance responsible for keeping dishes and silverware clean will build up residue over time. This residue consists of soap scum, food particles, grease, and other remnants and can cause your dishwasher to work less efficiently. When cleaning your dishwasher, it's important to remove the racks to access the bottom of your dishwasher's interior and to use a scrub brush with warm water, soap or a vinegar mixture to remove odors and stains.
Once you've manually cleaned the inside, you can clean the racks and return them inside the dishwasher, then run the appliance through a finishing clean cycle with a cup of vinegar placed in the top rack.
Stovetops are an appliance that take a beating in the kitchen. Between food being cooked on the stovetop and in the oven, this appliance sees a considerable amount of grease and oils, spills from overflowing pots, and the occasional stray piece of food that falls between the grates. All of these common occurrences can lead to rusted parts, clogs, and damage to coils and burners.
Consistent cleaning, with the regularly scheduled deep clean, can help prevent your stove from needing repairs. For gas stoves, use a toothbrush to clean the burner ports and make sure they are clear of any debris. For electric stovetops, you can create a baking soda and water paste to apply, letting it sit for about 15 minutes, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
The same baking soda paste method can be used inside your oven as well, which helps to remove stains from the glass and clear out residual grease on the sides and bottom. It's important to remove the grates inside your oven, and scrub them with hot water and dish soap, too!
Refrigerators can be one of the most time-consuming appliances to clean, as you have to start by first removing everything from the fridge. Once all the food is cleared out, you want to start by removing all the shelves and drawers and wash them with warm soapy water. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior and the door seal, as this area is prone to trapping dirt and grime.
With the interior cleaned, you will want to move onto cleaning the back of the fridge. By vacuuming and wiping down the back of your refrigerator, you help the appliance to run efficiently and prevent the safety risk of creating a fire hazard due to dust and debris collecting the wires and coils.
Even with proper cleaning and maintenance, appliances break down. National Appliance Service provides appliance repair services for dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, and more, throughout Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, Amherst, NY, and beyond. We also provide appliance parts! For more information, contact us today!