Washing machines, fridge freezers, ovens and microwaves are designed to make life easier. They work hard so we don’t have to – so don’t you think they deserve a little TLC?
If we want to get the best out of our trusty kitchen companions, we need to spend a bit of time keeping them in tip top condition. There’s not much use in a freezer that’s iced up, or a washing machine that leaves clothes smelling funky. Better grab those rubber gloves – here’s our guide to a kitchen spring clean!
How to clean the washing machine
Your washing machine is probably one of the hardest working appliances you own, so it needs some looking after. For example, if you’re diehard powder detergent user, you’ll want to keep an eye on that dispenser drawer. It can get clogged up with soap residue, so needs to be taken out and cleaned regularly.
Running a maintenance wash every month or so is another way to keep your washing machine rumbling happily away. If the inside of the drum is starting to pong, running your machine on a 60 º programme with a biological detergent should do just the trick.
How to clean the oven
Some might shudder at the thought of cleaning the oven. But not you, you selfless hero. After all those perfectly cooked Sunday roasts, you’re willing to give your oven the clean it deserves.
The best way to tackle the task is to set aside some time to give the oven your undivided attention. Then arm yourself with a bowl of hot soapy water, a sponge, cleaning cloths and rubber gloves and get stuck in. And if you’re looking for a new oven, remember there are plenty out there with assisted cleaning features to make the task even easier.
Quick tip: An old toothbrush works wonders when removing baked-on grime from nooks and crannies. And admit it, it was probably time to swap out your old toothbrush anyway…
To avoid the choking fumes associated with chemical oven cleaners, you can clean your oven with just a few household staples. It’s cheaper, and a little more environmentally friendly, too.
A tried and tested method is to use a mixture of baking soda and salt. Set aside a time when you can leave the oven cleaning overnight, then get scrubbing with these easy steps:
Remove the shelves and leave them to soak in hot soapy water.
Mix one cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of table salt and make it into a paste with some water.
Spread the paste on the glass door and bottom of your oven (and the walls if they're not self-cleaning). Leave overnight.
Wipe off the baking powder mixture and grime with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently.
Dry with a soft cloth.
Lemon juice and salt is also great at removing stubborn grease and grime from your oven, while vinegar is excellent for cleaning glass surfaces.
How to clean the fridge
Your fridge salad drawer tends to make a nice cosy home for bacteria – as much as 750 times the level considered safe. Yikes. But don’t panic – there are a few ways to keep nasties like e-coli, salmonella and listeria from making their way into your lunch.
The best way to rid your fridge of germs is to make sure the temperature is set correctly (between 5°C to 3°C) and to regularly clean the interior, including all the storage areas, drawers and shelves. Here's how:
How to clean stainless steel
Stainless steel has a special coating on it that protects it from rust, scratches and stains (after all, its not called stainmore steel). If this protective coating wears away, the plain steel layer beneath is exposed to damage.
Stainless steel is a popular finish for appliances, but it can be tricky to keep looking pristine. It's important not to use harsh chemicals or bleaching agents as they can eat away at the coating. Follow these steps for easy stainless steel cleaning:
Use a gentle antibacterial spray that’s suitable for stainless steel. Make sure you check the label!
If you’ve got tough food or grease deposits, spray the antibacterial spray onto it and leave for a few minutes.
Once the deposits have broken down, re-apply the antibacterial spray.
Wipe the surface with a soft microfibre cloth in the direction of the steel grain. Avoid using circular motions!
Follow the directions on the bottle to clean up any spray residue.
Important tip: Avoid wiping in circular motions. This will scrub away the protective film and spread stain residues across the stainless steel surface.
If you’ve got olive oil in your kitchen cupboards, it makes a good gentle stainless steel cleanser. It removes surface stains by diluting them and doesn't break down that protective coating. Out of olive oil? You can also use baby oil.
Dab a small amount of olive oil onto a clean, dry cloth.
Wipe the oil over the stainless steel surface and leave for a few minutes.
Remove the oily residue with a kitchen towel.
Don’t forget to remove your cooker hood filters and give them a clean too! Regular filter cleaning keeps the air in your kitchen as fresh as the cooker hood itself. Here’s how to do it:
How to clean the microwave
Just like your oven, your microwave needs a thorough cleaning from time to time. Food and liquid tend to splatter up the sides and top, creating loads of baked-on mess. You might need to put in a bit of elbow grease for this one!
Wipe away any loose crumbs with a damp cloth.
Partially fill a bowel with plain water and half a lemon. Place it in the microwave and set it to high for about 2 minutes.
Once the timer's pinged, remove the bowl from the microwave. Take care – the water will be very hot, so you may need to wait for it to cool.
Dampen a clean cloth in the water and use it to wipe away grime from the interior of the microwave. It should come away easily.
If you're left with any stubborn marks, add a bit of plain white vinegar to your cloth to rub them away.
Leave the door of the microwave open for a few minutes to air.
Never use harsh chemicals or bleach to clean your microwave.
Found what you need?
If you have – great. If not – don’t worry. You can always chat to an expert in-store or via video call on ShopLive. They’ll be able to give you the lowdown on loads of great appliances.
