As we start to pack up the house for our renovation, I am realizing how dirty some of my kitchen appliances are!  Don’t get me wrong, I totally clean them, but when I actually look at some of my appliances, I cannot believe some areas I have missed cleaning!

So, I am excited to have Tidy Maids house cleaning service here to share some of the best ways to clean kitchen appliances!

Beverly Jenkins is proud of her staff at The Tidy Maids house cleaning service in Raleigh, NC.  She has 24 years of experience in house cleaning, customer service, and business operations.  She knows all the tips and tricks and do-it-yourself hacks when it comes to cleaning and her clients’ homes are the best proof for that.

There are various reasons you should consider a thorough cleaning of your kitchen appliances.  For one, it leaves your kitchen dapper; who doesn’t want that?!?!  But most importantly, you get rid of bacteria which breeds within these appliances if food crumbs are trapped in different places and remain there for long.

At the same time, removing dirt in certain parts such as fridge coil and fan plates may lengthen your appliances’ lifespan.  Here are some kitchen appliances cleaning tips and tricks you can use to leave everything in this important room sparkling.

Required Cleaning Tools and Supplies

•    A couple of microfiber cloths
•    Clean Sponges
•    Steel wool
•    Dishwashing liquid
•    Vinegar/lemon juice
•    Nylon brush or Toothbrush

Disconnect the appliances you want to clean from the electricity power source before you start cleaning!

1.  The Food Processor, Blender, and Mixer

• Dismantle the blades and other detachable components of the appliance.
• Immerse them in a sink full of a solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent.
• Allow a few minutes for dirt to loosen.
• Scrub them with a nylon brush.  This will plunge out every particle encrusted on the blades.
• In the warm water and dish cleaning solution, use a clean sponge to hand-wash the food processor bowl and mixer-decanter.
• Another option is to place them on the upper rack of your dishwasher and run it.
• Make sure to dry all the pieces meticulously.  Rust can build up on the blades if not kept dry.  Use a clean microfiber cloth to absorb all moisture without leaving lint.
• Wipe off their bases using a moist cloth. You can dampen it with the warm soapy water. Do not immerse these parts of the appliances in water as it can ruin their mechanism.

2.  Toaster Oven

• Glide the crumb tray and oven racks out.
• Upend the crumb tray in the trash bin to get rid of any food remains.
• Dip them in warm water mixed with dishwashing liquid.  Add the knobs in here as well.  You can use a sponge or brush to scour off any burnt food.
• To clean the interiors, dip your microfiber cloth in soapy water and wring it thoroughly.  Swipe it over the interior surfaces.
• If there are still sticky foods, take a toothbrush and rub these parts gently.
• When cleaning the outer surfaces, concentrate on the door hinges, knobs, and levers.  Make sure to scrub around these areas keenly.  You could use a toothbrush to remove dirt in the notorious nooks and crannies of this appliance.
• Use a wet cloth and soap on the outer surfaces.  However, in case you are dealing with a rusty chrome material, clean it by rubbing the shiny side of an aluminum foil against the area.  You can roll the foil into a ball with this side facing outside for easy rubbing.
• Dry all the components and assemble your equipment ready for use.

3.  Electric Can Opener

• Dispense a generous amount of dishwashing liquid in the sink and add warm water.
• Detach the lid cover and cutting wheel then throw them in this sink.
• Use your nylon brush or toothbrush for scrubbing any grit stuck on the cutting blades.  In the case of stubborn marks on the blades, use some baking soda.
• Next, dip them in clean water to rinse.  Make sure to dry the metallic parts thoroughly to keep off rusting.
• Dampen a clean cloth with soapy water to wipe the base.  Do not soak this part in water.  This could ruin its electrical circuit.

4.  The Coffee Maker

• Dismantle the carafe and filter and soak them in a sink full of a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid.
• Scour these parts with a sponge, rinse with clean water, and dry them.
• Next, de-scale the water chamber by filling it with a solution of water and white vinegar in equal portions to the recommended brewing level, and running the machine.  Run half a cycle and stop the machine, then leave the solution and wait for about an hour.  Switch the machine on and run the rest of the cycle.  Pour out the “brew.”
• Rinse the machine thoroughly by running two brew cycles of clean water.  This step removes out any vinegar remains and other dirt.
• Swipe a wet soapy cloth on the outer surfaces.
• Finally, you can touch up with a dry clean microfiber cloth and restore any remaining components to their rightful positions.

That was super helpful tips for getting some of your kitchen appliances clean!  I might have to start descaling my coffee maker and soaking my blender before I get everything packed up!  And, if you live in the Raleigh, NC area, contact The Tidy Maids!