Spring Cleaning: How To Clean Large Kitchen Appliances

Even those who routinely clean their kitchen may slack when it comes to appliances. No judgment here! Large appliances are usually one of the last things homeowners think about, which is why tackling them as part of spring cleaning is so important. Here are the easiest ways to clean your dishwasher, refrigerator, oven and microwave.  

Cleaning Your Dishwasher

Cleaning something that’s job is to clean may sound counterproductive, but we promise you it’s not. The inside of your dishwasher needs a refreshing from time to time, and if this is news to you, then now really is the perfect time to clean this appliance. Why do we clean a dishwasher, you may wonder? Debris can build up on the bottom of the tub, and grime (from food, soap and water) is a usual culprit on the interior surfaces of dishwashers. Your first step is to use a paper towel to grab up anything that is stuck in the drain or along the bottom of the tub. You’ll then want to deodorize and disinfect by running an empty cycle with a sole cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. Once the cycle is finished and your unit has cooled, use a dry paper towel to wipe down the interior and reveal your refreshed and renewed dishwasher.
 

Clean Dishwasher

Cleaning Your Refrigerator

You wouldn’t eat your food off a dirty floor so why would you store it in a dirty refrigerator? Take advantage of this reminder and add cleaning your refrigerator to your spring list. By making a simple solution of one-part baking soda and seven parts water you can get the interior of your fridge in top shape in no time. Dip a cloth into your mixture and wipe down the walls, shelves and drawers. For a deeper clean, take out any removable shelves and drawers and clean those outside of the refrigerator. A toothbrush dunked in your baking soda solution can also help you reach into far cracks and tiny spaces.  

 

Cleaning Your Oven

Using warm water and dishwashing soap is the easiest way to wipe down the interior of your oven. Just soak a sponge and rub down the surfaces from top to bottom. If you have some seriously stubborn spots you can do this easy overnight hack: create a paste with baking soda and warm water, and apply to any areas where food is really baked on. Then put some vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz over those same spots. You’ll see the mixture begin to fizz up — this is a good sign! Leave it overnight (multi-task and let your racks soak in hot, soapy water as well). The next day use a non-scratch wool pad to remove stains and scrub racks.  

 

Clean Microwave
Cleaning Your Microwave 

Steam-clean your microwave by pouring equal parts water and vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl and adding a toothpick (this is a just-to-be-safe move to prevent the unlikely possibility of the bowl exploding). Heat for five minutes if your microwave is a little dirty, ten minutes if it is really dirty. When the timer goes off, leave for an additional few minutes to cool slightly, and then remove the bowl carefully using protective mitts.  You can wipe away any debris left in the microwave by dipping a sponge in the solution and scrubbing the interior down.

 

Welcome spring with a clean and sparkling kitchen, and don’t forget the appliances!

 

At TheRTAStore we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) cabinets, Pre-Assembled cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let one of our friendly kitchen designers help make your kitchen dreams come true!