How To Clean Kitchen Appliances

Dishwasher

The dishwasher may do a pretty good job of washing dishes but needs some washing itself.  Dust and grease collect on the exteriors of the dishwasher while detergent and hardwater residues could build up in the interiors.  It is important that the dishwasher be periodically cleaned inside and out to maintain its optimum functions.

• To clean the exterior surfaces of the dishwasher, wipe down with a clean sponge damped with an all-purpose cleaner followed by water.  Be careful not to wet the controls as this could cause damage to the electrical circuitry beneath those knobs.
• To remove detergent residues on the inside door of your dishwasher, wipe it down with a sponge wet with the same dishwasher detergent.  This should remove the stain.  Alternatively, you could use white vinegar.
• For easy removal of hardwater residue build-up on the interiors of the dishwasher, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and let the machine run on empty, without putting in dishwasher detergent.  Doing this on a monthly basis prevents hardwater residue build-up.
 

Microwave Oven

The sight of a microwave after a “popcorn explosion” or a “spaghetti bomb” could be very discouraging but the microwave oven is actually one of the easiest appliances to clean. 

• Remove whatever food particles or debris you could wipe or pick up. 
• Fill a mug or bowl halfway with water and add in the juice of one lemon.  Put the mug inside the microwave oven and bring to a boil.
• After the oven has stopped, do not open the microwave door for 5 minutes.  The steam loosens food debris while lemon juice serves to deodorize the oven.
• Open the microwave  oven and carefully remove the mug of hot water.  Now you can easily wipe down the loosened food particles inside your microwave oven.
 

Coffee Maker

Failure to clean the coffee maker results in sluggish performance and a funny-tasting coffee.

• Wash the filter basket and the glass carafe in hot sudsy water.  You can also clean these parts in the dishwasher but be sure to put them on the top rack to prevent melting of the plastic parts.
• Wipe down the exteriors of the coffee maker with a clean, damp cloth.  You can also wipe down the heating plate but be sure it is already cool before doing so.
• Once a month, schedule a steam-cleaning session for your coffee maker.  Hardwater mineral deposits could clog a drip coffee maker and make it sluggish.  Instead of brewing coffee, brew a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.  Fill the coffee carafe with the mixture, pour into the reservoir, and turn on the machine.  After running several cups through the appliance, turn it off and let it sit for about an hour.  Turn the machine back on and let the cycle complete.  Throw the vinegar mixture away and let plain water run through the coffee maker a couple of times to remove all traces of vinegar.