It’s easy to forget about your appliances. They plug along keeping your food fresh, your dishes clean, and your clothing stain-free! You might think there’s no need to give them any attention if they’re working properly, but these monthly and seasonal cleaning tips can help keep your appliances running for years to come without issue. A little bit of cleaning can help you avoid service calls, keep them working as efficiently as possible, and can even help extend their life. Follow Hallock’s’ maintenance checklist to keep your kitchen and laundry appliances in their best shape!
Monthly
While some maintenance can be pushed out to a seasonal schedule, there are some things that should be completed every month to ensure that your appliances continue to work efficiently. With just an hour or two every month, these maintenance tips can help keep your appliances running smoothly:
- Refrigerator & Freezer:
- If you notice a lot of dust built up on your condenser coils, gently brush it off to allow for better airflow.
- Wipe down the door gaskets with warm, soapy water. T0his helps maintain a tight seal, which in turn keeps your food cold and energy bill down.
- Dishwasher:
- Clear out bottom filter to prevent odors.
- Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner (or cleaning vinegar) to help alleviate any hard water buildup.
- Wipe any debris from the seal around the door.
- Range:
- For an electric range: Use a cooktop cleaner to remove any stubborn, cooked-on messes.
- For an electric range with coils: Check burners and drip-pans for residue.
- For a gas range: Ensure burner ports are not clogged.
- Microwave:
- Clean the interior with a damp sponge and gentle soap, ensuring to remove the plate at the bottom for any mess that spilled over.
- Alternatively, if your microwave has a steam cycle, follow the instructions detailed in your owner’s manual to get an easy mess-free clean.
- Washing Machine:
- Run an empty hot-water cycle with washing machine cleaner (or cleaning vinegar) to help eliminate buildup or musty odors.
- Clean detergent drawer (if applicable) and place for fabric softener.
- For front load washers: Wipe down the door gasket with warm water and gentle soap to prevent mildew forming.
- Dryer:
- Remove lint trap and clear out any excess lint that has gotten stuck.
- If you can, check to make sure there are no blockages in the dryer vent.
Fall
Fall marks the beginning of our descent into the coldest months of the year. Make sure you’re preparing your appliances for the increased workload they’re about to endure throughout the Fall holidays!
- Refrigerator & Freezer:
- Check the seal on your gaskets. Make sure the cold weather hasn’t dried them out or caused them to crack.
- Range:
- If you’re hosting more for the holidays, check that your oven’s ready! Use the self-cleaning feature on your range to really get a deep clean.
- Dishwasher:
- Check the door seal. Check spray arm and filters for any debris build up.
- Run a cleaning cycle before holiday meal-prep begins.
- Washing Machine:
- Now that the Summer’s over, run a cleaning cycle on your washer with bleach (or washing machine cleaner) to kill any bacteria that love to thrive in the warm, damp conditions.
- Tighten any loose connections to prevent any mishaps while running bulkier loads.
- Dryer:
- I know that Spring cleaning called for cleaning out the lint trap and dryer duct, but check it again in the Fall. Lint filled ducts reduce airflow and could add to the drying time, especially with bulkier sweaters and blankets.
- Check your dryer-cord to ensure it is in good condition.
Winter
The cold weather probably means that you aren’t going out as much, which in turn leads to heavier usage of your kitchen appliances. Your washing machine and dryer, on the other hand, are busy with bulky loads of blankets, sweaters, and winter coats! Make sure to check out the tasks below to keep your appliances as efficient as possible.
- Refrigerator & Freezer:
- If you have pets, it’s probably beneficial to make sure the coils are clear of dust and pet hair. While their winter coats are great for keeping them warm, it’s less great for the air circulation around those coils.
- Take another look at the gaskets to make sure no cracks formed as the weather got colder; if you notice any cracking, give your local trusted technician a call and have an expert come out and take a look.
- Range:
- If you have a gas range, make sure the gas line doesn't have any loose fittings or odor coming from it.
- Over-the-Range Microwave (OTR) / Vent Hood:
- Ensure you’re keeping the filter clean on the bottom of your OTR or vent hood since grease can build up.
- Washing Machine:
- If your laundry room is in an unheated area (like a garage or basement), make sure to insulate the water hoses to prevent freezing.
- Dryer:
- Notice your clothing taking a bit longer to dry? Recheck the ducts and lint screens.
Spring
Most people have a Spring cleaning weekend, but not many people think to include their appliances. Spring cleaning is more than just emptying out your closets! Make sure to add the below to your list to keep your appliances in tip-top shape:
- Refrigerator & Freezer:
- Throw out any old, expired food that got lost in the back of your refrigerator or freezer.
- Time for a deep clean! Remove all shelving and bins, wash them with mild soap and warm water. While the refrigerator and freezer are empty, be sure to wipe down the walls and floor.
- Make sure the coils are free of any dust.
- Check the air and water filters. Replace if necessary.
- Range Hood / Over the Range Microwave:
- Remove and soak filters in hot, soapy water to remove stubborn grease buildup.
- Make sure you’re wiping down the fan blades and vent cover.
- Washing Machine:
- Check for cracks or leaks where washer hoses connect to your machine.
- If you have rubber hoses, reach out to your appliance dealer about getting them replaced with stainless steel.
- Dryer:
- Disconnect the duct hose and vacuum it out. This is one of the most overlooked Spring cleaning tasks!
- Check to make sure the machine is level.
Summer
The heat and humidity put extra strain on your appliances over the summer, so the below list mostly focuses on air circulation and moisture control to keep your appliances cool and working to their full potential.
- Refrigerator & Freezer:
- Check refrigerator and freezer temperatures; keep your refrigerator around 37-40°F, and your freezer around 0°F. Keep in mind, the hot air from frequent openings can overwork the compressor.
- If you have a chest freezer with a manual defrost, it might be time to think about turning it off and letting it thaw out. If you notice the frost getting thick, it’s time. This improves cooling, and helps save energy.
- Clean behind your appliances to ensure all appliances have good, proper airflow.
- Washing Machine and Dryer:
- If you notice extra dampness in the air over the summer near your washer and dryer, think about adding a dehumidifier to prevent any mold or mildew growth.
- If you have a front load washing machine, make sure to keep that door propped open to ensure proper airflow throughout your machine and to prevent musty odor.
- Take a moment to check your outdoor dryer vent flap and clear out any lint that may have gotten stuck.
In Review
Taking the time to care for your kitchen and laundry appliances throughout the year truly pays off. Just a couple of hours each month can keep everything running smoothly and help you spot small issues before they become costly repairs. With a little monthly attention, and a bit of extra care when the seasons change, you can keep your appliances performing at their best all year long.