Now that we’ve made it past the coldest parts of winter and are on to warmer days, you’re probably thinking about starting your spring cleaning. And while it’s easy to remember the basics (washing your curtains, cleaning out that closet you haven’t thought about in years), most people overlook their appliances when it comes to seasonal cleanings. It’s important not to skip over the machines that work tirelessly day and night for you. Adding your appliances into your spring cleaning rotation can help improve their efficiency, extend their lifespan, and keep your home smelling fresh. From shining up stainless steel to cleaning hidden filters, here are a few easy appliance cleaning tips to add to your routine!
Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are, by far, the most popular on the market. There’s just one drawback: the fingerprints, smudges, and streaks. Thankfully keeping your stainless appliances sparkling doesn’t require any sort of harsh chemical. Start with a soft microfiber cloth and warm water, which is often enough to remove everyday smudges. For tougher marks, you can add a mild dish soap to help break down stubborn grease without damaging the finish. One trick that I didn’t learn until much later, which I now swear by, is to wipe in the direction of the grain. Just like wood, stainless steel has a subtle grain pattern, and cleaning in the direction of the grain helps prevent streaking and keeps the surface looking smoothed and polished. After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface and remove excess moisture. This step, which takes a couple of seconds, makes a huge difference as it prevents water spots on the stainless, and helps restore the stainless steel's signature shine.
Have a stubborn mark that won’t seem to go away no matter how much it’s wiped at? Grab a specialty stainless steel cleaner from your local Hallock’s dealer, and put it to work! Keep in mind, though, that many manufacturers recommend using these specialty cleaners sparingly so as to not ruin the integrity of the stainless steel over time. Personally, I like the wipes - I keep them under my sink and just grab one as needed.
Check the Back & Sides
It is always easy to focus on the parts of your appliances you see every day, but you can’t forget the backs and sides. Some of the most important maintenance happens in the places you don’t normally look. Dust, grease, and debris often build up behind or underneath your appliance, which can affect performance overtime.
The most important thing to keep an eye on are probably your refrigerator coils. These coils release heat from the cooling system, and when they’re covered in dust or pet hair, your refrigerator needs to work harder to stay cold. Cleaning these coils once or twice a year can help to improve efficiency and reduce strain on the compressor. Most coils can typically be cleaned with a vacuum attachment or coil-cleaning brush.
Grease and dust can also accumulate on the side of appliances - especially near cooking areas. We recently repainted our kitchen, and when the range was pulled out and away from the wall, I was shocked to see how much grease and grime were on the sides. Thankfully, it was solved by a gentle cleaner and a whole lot of paper towels. It’s never hard to clean, it’s just the matter of remembering to do it, because these spots are known for collecting residue from cooking vapors.
If you have a microwave or range hood above your stove, you may notice that these also collect quite a bite of grease and dust. Make sure to wipe down the top, sides, and underside. Don’t forget the area around the fan! Even if you don’t use your hood or microwave often, it is still important to keep an eye out for any grease buildup.
Don’t Forget the Filters
Many modern household appliances rely on filters to keep air and water circulating properly. Over time, those filters can become clogged with debris, which can reduce efficiency and performance. During your spring cleaning, it’s smart to take a look at these filters, and see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Dishwasher Filters: Many modern dishwashers have removable filters that trap and collect food particles so they don’t go into the pump. If you never clean this out, it eventually gets clogged. This means your dishes aren’t going to come out the cleanest, and it could lead to a pretty terrible smell. Cleaning this filter is easy, and it usually does not require a replacement. Rinse the filter under warm water, and gently scrub it with a soft brush to remove buildup.
- Washing Machine Filters:Â Some washing machines contain filters designed to catch lint and debris. These should be checked periodically to prevent any drainage issues and ensure proper washing performance.
- Dryer Lint Filters:Â While most people remember to empty the lint trap before drying a new load, did you know you were actually meant to clean it periodically? When you think of it, wash the lint screen with warm water and mild soap to help remove any fabric softener or dryer sheet residue.
- Air Conditioner Filters:Â If you have a window or portable air conditioner, it's important to remember to clean or replace the filters before the hot season begins. Since these appliances sit dormant for a few months between uses, you want to ensure the air is clean when you go to use it again.
- Range Hood and Over the Range Microwave Filters:Â Filters in your range hood or microwave capture create particles from cooking. Over time, they can become coated with residue which reduces the airflow. Most of these metal filters can be cleaned by soaking them in hot, soapy water. Some manufacturers even make these filters dishwasher safe, which means you can throw them in with your dirty dishes without worry.
- Refrigerator Filters:Â Thankfully, most modern refrigerators have lights on their front display that alerts you when your air and/or water filter needs to be replaced. Replacing these filters on time, helps to maintain the water quality, and also helps reduce odors inside the fridge.
Self Clean with Affresh
Sometimes, your appliances may need a bit more attention. When surface cleaning isn’t doing it, it may be time to look into specialty cleaning products. Affresh offers a variety of cleaning products, designed specifically for major appliances. When it comes to their dishwasher and washing machine tablets - they are designed to dissolve inside the appliance during a cycle.
Hallock’s favorites are below:
- Washing machine cleaner tablets help remove detergent residue and odor-causing buildup from inside the drum
- Dishwasher cleaner tablets break down grease and limescale that accumulate in the spray arms and internal components
- Their cooktop cleaning kit is great for getting up stubborn, baked on messes while restoring shine to the ceramic or glass cooktop
Our appliances work hard for us every day, and a little routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping them running smoothly. Simple steps like wiping down stainless steel, cleaning hidden coils, replacing filters, and using appliance cleaners can improve efficiency and help to extend the lifespan of your appliances. In my opinion, spring is the perfect time to give your appliances the attention they deserve. These tasks don’t take long to complete, and by adding them to your spring-cleaning checklist you can keep your kitchen and laundry appliances looking better, lasting longer, and working better.