It’s almost time for the biggest clean of the year! But, as you’re digging out your marigolds and dusting off your cleaning supplies, don’t forget about your kitchen appliances!

Gathering dust and dirt can mean your appliances work harder to perform, costing you money and risking an early breakdown. A regular clean will keep them in top condition for a whole lot longer. Not sure where to start? Use these tips to tackle your appliance cleaning like a pro!

Dishwasher

To ensure your dishwasher continues to produce sparkling dishes, you’ll need to give it a good clean! Here are some things you need to do:

• Remove the racks and give your dishwasher a good clean with a cloth and warm water
• Once a month, run an empty cycle using a specialty cleaner and descaler to remove any built-up detergent and limescale.
• Clean the filter to ensure it continues to work to its best.
• Remove any build up of grease or mould from the door and door seals.

For some handy tips and advice on how to keep your dishwasher clean and odour free, take a look at our video below:

Fridge

Food past its expiry date and leftovers that are passed their best can cause bad odours in your fridge. Make sure you perform these tasks regularly to remove bad smells and keep it working as efficiently as possible.

• Clear out your fridge of any expired items which could be making it smell.
• Wipe down the shelves and insides with warm soapy water and leave it to dry.
• Remove dust from the coils at the back of your fridge using a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to keep it working efficiently.
• Neutralise odours and keep your fridge smelling fresh with a fridge deodoriser.

For more tips and advice on how to keep your fridge clean, take a look at our video below:

Washing Machine

Not cleaning your washing machine regularly can mean that dirt and germs can build up leaving bad smells and dirty washing! Make sure you give your washing machine a good clean using these tips:

• Disinfect your washing machine and remove limescale and detergent build-up by running an empty hot water cycle with a specialty cleaner around once a month.
• Wipe down the inside and outside of the machine as well as the door and door seals.
• Clean the soap and detergent drawer to prevent build-up.
• Leave your washing machine door open between cycles to enable it to dry fully.

For tips on how to remove bad smells and give your washing machine a thorough clean, check out our video below:

Oven

If you smell something burning when turning your oven on, it might be time for a thorough clean. Follow our tips below to make sure your oven is clean and working to its best.

• Vacuum any debris before heating the oven slightly to soften the grime.
• Use a specialised oven cleaner and give the inside a good scrub.
• Wipe down the hobs, racks, and shelves and ensure any exhaust or extractor fan is clean.
• Remove any grease and grime from your oven door as well as any that has got trapped between the door glass.

For some top tips on how to get your oven sparkling clean without using too much elbow grease, check out our video below:

Cooker Hood

When cleaning your oven, don’t forget about the cooker hood! As they collect fat and grease, they need to be cleaned regularly to keep them working to their best.

• Replace or clean the filter when needed.
• Apply an oven cleaner or degreaser to the cooker hood and wipe down with a damp cloth.
• Use a toothbrush to remove any sticky residue.
• If you have a stainless steel cooker hood, be sure to wipe the surface with a specialist cleaner.

Vacuum Cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner should be cleaned out regularly to keep it working in top condition. If the parts become clogged with dust and dirt, your vacuum cleaner’s performance will decline. Perform the tasks below to keep it working to its best.

• Ensure your filters are regularly cleaned and changed when needed.
• Change the bag regularly.
• If you have a bag-free model, remove the canister and clean with a damp sponge.
• Check for blockages in the brushroll, wand, bin and attachments.
• Use a vacuum air freshener to keep your vacuum and your home smelling fresh.

If your vacuum is giving off bad smells, take a look at our video below to help you remove odours and keep your appliance working to its best.

Steam Mop

We recommend giving your steam mop a good clean after every use. This will help keep your floors clean and your steam mop working to its best. Don’t worry, it’s super quick and simple to do:

• Unplug your steam mop and leave it to fully cool.
• Empty any unused water as this could damage your machine or lead to corrosion.
• Clean the water tank using a damp cloth and leave it to fully dry.
• Clean the nozzles to prevent them from getting clogged.
• Change or wash the mop pads.
• Give the machine a wipe over.

Microwave

Your time-saving microwave will also need a good scrub every now again! Lots of different foods can cause spills, dirt and bad odours, so be sure to give it a good clean.

• Microwave a cup of water and a few slices of lemon for 3 minutes. This will help to soften any grease or grime build-up.
• Leave it for a few minutes then wipe down the inside and outside with a cloth and soapy water or a specific microwave cleaner.
• Clean the wheels and turntable with regular washing up liquid.

Television

If you turn off your television and are shocked by the amount of dust it’s gathering, it’s time for a clean! Here’s how to do it:

• Ensure your TV is switched off and clear away the dust with a microfibre cloth.
• For an extra clear screen and to keep dust and dirt at bay, wipe your screen with anti-static screen wipes.

Iron

If the base of your iron has lots of residue build up, it won’t be able to perform correctly and could even damage your clothes. Here’s how to give it a good clean.

• Use a specialist iron cleaner  and apply it to your iron when the soleplate is still hot. Take care and use gloves so not to burn your hands.
• Leave this for a few minutes, then squeeze some of the paste onto a cloth and gently rub the surface until it is clean.

Kettle

We rely on our kettles on a daily basis, so it’s no secret that they need cleaning regularly. Follow the tips below to remove limescale and keep your kettle clean and your cuppa tasting great!

• Wipe the outside of your kettle on a regular basis with a multi-purpose cleaner (or if it’s stainless steel a specialist cleaner).
• Whenever you notice limescale deposits, which could be every couple of months in hard water areas, deep clean your kettle using a specialist liquid appliance descaler mixed with water.
• Boil this in the kettle and leave to soak, then rinse with cold water.

Coffee Maker

Your coffee machine should also be cleaned once a month to prevent it from slowing down the brew time and affecting the flavour of your beloved coffee!

• Remove both the filter and carafe and use a descaler to remove any remaining water deposits.
• Wipe down the outside and dry with a cloth.
• Run two cycles of plain water through the system before brewing a fresh cup.

Blenders and Food Processors

As lots of food enters your blenders and food processors, food particles and grime can get stuck in hidden places. Be sure to give it a good clean as well as washing after every use.

• Remove all blades and other removable parts and clean them individually.
• Scour the blades and dry thoroughly.
• For the base, use a damp cloth and scrub away any dirt or leftover ingredients.

Bin

Once you’ve finished your spring clean, your rubbish bin would have taken a lot of dust and dirt, so make sure you don’t leave it out!

• Wipe over the lid a couple of times a week with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
• Apply a multi-purpose disinfectant to the inside and scrub with a broom or toilet brush.

So there you have it, the ultimate guide to spring cleaning your household appliances. The next spring clean to tackle is the garden! Check out our top tips on how to spruce up your outdoor appliances ready for gardening season!

Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the spring weather to arrive!

Happy cleaning!

Tags: Appliance Cleaning, Spring Clean