Extend the Lifespan of Your Home Appliances with these Simple Cleaning Tips
From your morning toast to your afternoon load of washing, your home appliances are some of your biggest allies. When life gets busy, the last thing you’ll want to be doing is calling the fridge repairman, and one easy way to prevent that is through appliance maintenance. Proper care and cleaning will not only extend the lifespan of your appliances – but also reduce your energy costs.
We’ve shared some of our best tips and tricks with home warranty provider American Home Shield, so you can get the most of your appliances.
Tips for Cleaning Your Home Appliances
Cleaning your appliances may seem straightforward, but if you’re not careful, you could end up doing more harm than good. A common mistake people make when cleaning appliances is using abrasive cleaning tools and harsh chemicals that damage the appliance’s surface and create noxious fumes.
Here are a few ways to clean your home appliances with simple and safe cleaning products you can find in your pantry.
How to clean your microwave
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your microwave, the evidence is probably staring at you in the form of food residue and stains stuck to inside walls and the glass microwave plate. Add 1/3 cup of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon into a bowl and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside thoroughly.
How to clean your refrigerator
Your refrigerator and freezers can be deep cleaned once every three months if you’re in the weekly habit of ensuring there are no food spills inside. Use a gentle cleaner like baking soda and warm water to remove odors and soak any removable shelves in hot/warm soapy water. Get every nook and cranny of your refrigerator inside and out, including the rubber seals.
How to clean your washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine is effortless and only needs to be done once a month. Set your washing machine to the hottest water cycle, add 1/2 cup of baking soda, and let it run as usual (without clothes). Baking soda will deodorize and neutralize any odors, as well as clean your washing machine for improved functioning.
How to clean your dryer
To clean your dryer, use a microfiber cloth or damp sponge with baking soda to wipe down the inside and let it air dry. Limit using dryer sheets and fabric softeners as they can leave residue on your dryer’s walls and clog the lint trap.
How to clean your dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher will not only extend its lifespan but also help it to wash your dishes more effectively. After each dishwashing cycle, make it a habit to pull out the bottom rack and look for any small bits of food. You don’t want stuck-on food molding and causing an unsanitary environment inside your dishwasher.
Keep your appliances happy longer
Preserving your appliances doesn’t have to be hard work. With a little bit of hot water, gentle cleaning agents and elbow grease, your appliances should operate smoothly and perform efficiently, saving you money on energy as well as premature repairs and replacement.
