It's likely that by now, you know your way around the kitchen. You've learned how to make a mean batch of cookies and can whip up a delicious meal using only a few pots and pans. But unfortunately, appliances are often the workhorses of your kitchen. They help you prepare food, and they're great for making your life easier. But as you use them, they can look a bit worse to wear. But what about the health and hygiene of those appliances? Have they been collecting dust while you focus on other kitchen areas? Well, it's time to clean up those dirty appliances!
Microwave:
In a hurry to make dinner? Don't have time to wait for the oven or stovetop to heat up? A microwave is a great way to cook food quickly, but it can get dirty quickly. Here are some convenient ways to clean your microwave:
- Clean the inside of the microwave with baking soda and water. Mix about 1/2 a cup of baking soda with two cups of water in a large bowl, then set the bowl in your microwave and run it on high for five minutes. Then wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. The steam from the heated water will loosen any stuck-on food particles and make them easier to wipe away.
- Clean the outside of an oven door with vinegar and lemon juice. Mix equal parts vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle, then spray it on an old rag or paper towel and apply it to your oven door's glass window. This mixture will cut through any grease or dirt build-up quickly and easily!
- Last but not least, the quick and easy fix for your microwave greases- TheBetterHome's pet-safe all-purpose cleaner or chemical-free dishwash liquid. It contains no harsh chemicals and deeply cleanses the dirt without ruining the texture.
Refrigerator:
There are a few things that can go wrong with your refrigerator. For example, food can get stuck in the ice maker, causing it to overflow. Whatever the reason, here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your refrigerator:
Remove Your Shelves and Drawers:
The first step toward keeping your refrigerator clean is removing all of its shelves and drawers. First, wipe down each shelf with a damp cloth or sponge, then wash them with a foamy mixture of gentle dish soap and hot water. Next, dry off each shelf with a towel before putting it into position.
Clean the Inside of Your Refrigerator:
Next, clean the inside of your refrigerator with a mix of 7 parts water and 1 part baking soda. Pour this solution onto an old rag or sponge, then wipe down every surface inside your fridge until it's clean again (including any glass doors). Again, it's best if you use a non-toxic multipurpose cleaner.
Stove cooktop:
There are two ways to clean your stovetop: the quick way and the thorough way. The quick way involves cleaning up spills and splatters as they happen, while the specific method involves regularly wiping the entire surface with hot, soapy water.
- The most effective way to clean your stovetop is by using hot, soapy water. This will loosen up burnt-on food and grease stuck on for days or even weeks. However, if you want to use a more natural method of cleaning your stovetop that also works well, try baking soda mixed with a little bit of water and dish soap.
- You can also use a soft scrubber sponge or pad to clean off any stubborn stains from your stovetop. Just remember chemical-free organic cleaners like TheBetterHome's all-purpose cleaner, which is safe for pets and babies.
Electric kettle:
Cleaning an electric kettle is easy, but you should take a few steps to ensure that your appliance stays in good shape. Here are some tips to help you keep your electric kettle clean and in good working order:
- Check for physical damage. If your appliance has bumps and dings, you should immediately take it out of use. These minor blemishes could cause problems in the future.
- Dump in boiling water after each use. This helps keep mould and bacteria from growing inside your kettle.
- Use vinegar to clean the outside of your kettle once every few months:
- 1. Dump an equal mixture of white vinegar and water into your electric kettle, and turn on the kettle. Once the liquid boils, unplug the appliance and wait for it to cool off.
- 2. Dip a clean, microfiber cloth into the vinegar concoction and clean off the outside of the kettle.
- 3. Give the kettle a good scrubbing, and rinse out the mixture.
- As a finishing touch, boil and pour out a batch of clean water.
Blender:
Cleaning your blender is a simple task, but it's essential to do it properly. In addition to keeping your blender in good working order and preventing food from getting stuck inside, proper cleaning will also help you avoid any unwanted bacteria growing on its blades or other parts. Each time you use your blender, wash it out with dish soap. Set your dirty blender on the counter and pour hot water into the blender pitcher until it's about halfway full. Then, squeeze a drop of dish soap into the hot water. Hold the blender lid in place with a clean cloth, and then power the blender on for 10 seconds or so. Once this quick cleaning cycle is finished, rinse the soapy water with more hot water.
