Your kitchen appliances work hard to keep your food fresh, cook delicious meals, and make life easier. But over time, they can accumulate grime, food spills, and odors that not only look unappealing but can also affect their performance. Regularly cleaning the inside of your appliances—like your oven, microwave, and refrigerator—is essential to maintain their efficiency and hygiene. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean these key kitchen appliances and how often you should do it.
1. Cleaning the Inside of Your Oven
How Often to Clean:
- For light use: Every 3-6 months.
- For heavy use: Monthly.
How to Clean:
- Remove Racks: Take out the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water. For tough grease, add a bit of baking soda to the water and let them soak longer.
- Tackle Spills: Wipe up any loose crumbs or spills inside the oven with a damp cloth.
- Apply Cleaner: Use a commercial oven cleaner or make a DIY solution by mixing baking soda and water into a paste. Spread the paste on the oven’s interior surfaces (avoiding heating elements) and let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Scrub and Wipe: After the paste has sat, scrub the surfaces with a non-abrasive sponge or brush, then wipe away the residue with a damp cloth. For a final clean, wipe down with a vinegar-dampened cloth to remove any remaining baking soda.
- Clean the Racks: Scrub the oven racks, rinse them, and let them dry before placing them back in the oven.
Why It’s Important:
Regular oven cleaning prevents burnt food buildup, reduces smoke, and ensures that your oven heats evenly. A clean oven also eliminates lingering odors that can affect the taste of your food.
2. Cleaning the Inside of Your Microwave
How Often to Clean:
- Light use: Weekly.
- Heavy use: After every spill or splatter, plus a deep clean every month.
How to Clean:
- Steam Clean: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the water boils and steam forms. This will loosen food particles and stains.
- Wipe Down: Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. The steam should make it easy to remove any stuck-on food or grease.
- Clean the Turntable: Remove the turntable and wash it with warm, soapy water. Let it dry before placing it back inside the microwave.
- Deodorize: To remove any lingering odors, wipe the interior with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and baking soda.
Why It’s Important:
Regular microwave cleaning prevents food buildup that can lead to unpleasant odors and even potential fires. It also ensures that your food heats evenly without contamination from previous spills.
3. Cleaning the Inside of Your Refrigerator
How Often to Clean:
- Light use: Every 3-4 months.
- Heavy use: Monthly, or as needed for spills.
How to Clean:
- Empty the Refrigerator: Remove all food items and place them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold during the cleaning process.
- Remove Shelves and Drawers: Take out removable shelves and drawers and wash them with warm, soapy water. Let them dry completely before putting them back.
- Wipe Down Interior Surfaces: Use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down the walls, ceiling, and door seals of the refrigerator. For tough stains, use a paste of baking soda and water.
- Clean the Door Seals: Pay special attention to the door seals, as they can harbor mold and bacteria. Wipe them down with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
- Deodorize: To keep your fridge smelling fresh, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf. Replace it every 3 months.
Why It’s Important:
Keeping your refrigerator clean ensures that your food stays fresh longer and prevents cross-contamination. It also helps maintain the appliance’s efficiency, reducing energy consumption.
Final Thoughts
Regularly cleaning the inside of your kitchen appliances is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient home. By following these cleaning routines, you can prevent the buildup of grime and bacteria, extend the life of your appliances, and ensure that your food is prepared in a clean environment. If you need assistance with deep cleaning your kitchen or other areas of your home, Progan Cleaning is here to help.
Contact Progan Cleaning at (773) 355-4727 to schedule your next cleaning service. We’ll take care of the scrubbing and polishing so you can enjoy a sparkling clean kitchen without the hassle.
