Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Blog

You are here: Home / Archives for oven cleaning

Spring Cleaning Your Household Appliances

By

Spring is the perfect time to catch up on all of those cleaning projects that only get done once or twice a year, like cleaning baseboards, blinds and ceiling fans. For a guide on deep cleaning your kitchen, you can refer to this previous post from January.

There are some areas of the home that obviously need cleaning, but what about the less obvious, like cleaning your household appliances? You spend a lot of money buying high-quality appliances and you want them to last, to perform at their full capacity, and also be energy efficient.

cleaning appliances

Guide to Cleaning Your Household Appliances

  1. Cleaning the Dishwasher
    • Dip a damp cloth in some baking soda and clean smudges off of the door. Use a scouring pad to remove stubborn spots.
    • Run a wash load using powdered lemonade mix or Tang (remove all dishes first!) to remove hard water stains and deodorize the interior. The acid in the powder helps the cleaning action.
  2. Cleaning the Microwave
    • Use mild dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or glass cleaner to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Wash the glass tray in the dishwasher or in the sink in soapy water.
    • Never use commercial oven cleaner inside the microwave oven.
    • For really stubborn stains, place a glass measuring cup filled with 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup vinegar inside the oven and boil for 3 minutes. The stains will come off much easier.
    • To remove lingering odors, place a dish of vinegar inside the oven and let it sit overnight.
  3. Cleaning Range Hoods
    • On a regular basis, wipe down the exterior and interior of the range hood with a damp cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, use a solution of hot water, dishwashing liquid and ammonia. Be sure to wear protective gloves.
    • Remove the filter cover and wash it in hot, soapy water. Wipe the blades of the fan with the same solution listed above.
    • Clean metal mesh filters and replace the filters on non-vented range hoods every 6-9 months or according to the manufacturer recommendations (refer to your owner’s manual.)
    • Do not wash charcoal filters.
  4. Cleaning Ovens
    • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your oven. The self-cleaning cycle, while effective, also shortens the life of the unit due to the extremely high temperatures. Commercial cleaners are also dangerous when they come in contact with your skin or eyes. Be sure to wear protective eye wear and gloves when cleaning your oven.
  5. Cleaning Refrigerators
    • Defrost the freezer section of your refrigerator when the frost gets to be about 1/2″ thick. Remove all of the food and place it in an ice chest to keep it cool. It’s good to do this when your supply gets low! It’s also a great time to toss any expired items or those with freezer burn- it happens to the best of us! Remove all shelves, racks and trays and wash them hot, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
    • Use a hair dryer to help melt the ice.
    • Wipe down the entire interior with a mild spray cleaner. Dry thoroughly before returning the shelves, racks and food.
    • Vacuum the dust behind the bottom grill every 6 months.
    • Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb odors. (Or try one of these– Arm & Hammer’s monthly replaceable filters!)
    • To clean the outside, use a damp cloth dipped in baking soda. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

If you regularly keep up with these tasks, they won’t be too overwhelming and you can extend the life of your appliances!

The New Year is here and you are motivated; get started with our Complete Checklist Guide to Deep Clean Your Kitchen!

By

The holidays are over, the company has gone home, the decorations are put away, and you look around and find that not only do you need to find space for all of your newly acquired gifts, but the kitchen is in need of some serious deep cleaning. Between the baking, roasting the turkey, mixing up the gravy, and making candy, surfaces are left a little sticky, cabinets need to be organized and wiped down, and the oven needs a serious scrub-down.

It happens to everyone. You clean as you go and wipe down after every meal, but there isn’t time during the holiday rush to thoroughly clean and what better time than the new year to tackle the kitchen? Start the year off right – with a clean and organized kitchen!

Now, you’re asking yourself, where do I even begin? Don’t worry; we’ve put together a complete checklist for your reference!

spruce up the kitchen

The Complete Checklist Guide to deep clean your kitchen:

  • Remove all items from kitchen cabinets and kitchen drawers. Wipe down the inside of each drawer and cabinet. Take this opportunity to make a donation pile for items that are never used, or duplicates that you’ve acquired over the years. Donate to a local women’s shelter or your favorite charitable organization.
  • Wipe down the front of all cabinets and disinfect the handles. Don’t forget to dust the tops if there is a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards
  • Sharpen knives
  • Clean and organize pantry. Discard all expired items.
  • Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Remove all items and discard of all expired items. Wipe down all shelves and inside and outside of doors. Defrost the freezer if necessary and don’t forget to clean the ice trays.
  • Clean oven.
  • Clean stove top.
  • Clean under and above the fridge and stove.
  • Vacuum refrigerator coils.
  • Clean crumbs out of the toaster.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the microwave oven.
  • Clean and descale coffee maker.
  • Wash and shine sink and faucet.
  • Wash windows and window sills.
  • Wash and disinfect switch plates.
  • Wash doors and doorknobs.
  • Reseal countertops and/or grout lines if necessary.

Next, make yourself a cup of hot tea, put your feet up and admire a job well done. It always feels good to start the New Year off feeling accomplished and maybe you’ll be motivated to tackle the bathrooms next!

For great tips and advice on making your home beautiful, refinishing fixtures, decorating tips and more, subscribe to our blog!

Photo Book

Recent Posts