Don't forget to clean your household appliances!
Appliances keep your household running like a well-oiled machine. But often, homeowners don't keep up with their maintenance or cleaning them regularly. Many of these appliances can be quite expensive to replace and neglecting to take care of them can have adverse effects on your health or require you to replace them sooner than you'd wish.
Cleaning your household appliances regularly will help extend their lifespan, improve their performance, and ensure that they remain safe to use. Here are some common household appliances you should clean regularly:
14 Common Appliances to Clean in Your House
1. Refrigerator
- Exterior: Wipe down once a week.
- Interior: Deep clean every month or so; check for expired foods weekly.
- Coils: Vacuum every few months to keep the refrigerator running efficiently.
2. Oven & Stove
- Stovetop: Clean after every use.
- Oven: Depending on use, clean every 3-6 months or when you notice buildup.
3. Microwave
- Exterior: Wipe down weekly.
- Interior: Clean after spills or at least once a week.
4. Dishwasher
- Trap: Check and clean monthly.
- Seal & Door: Wipe down monthly.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Every 1-2 months with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar.
5. Washing Machine
- Detergent Drawers: Clean monthly.
- Drum: Run a cleaning cycle monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Dryer
- Lint Filter: Empty after every use.
- Exhaust Vent: Check and clean every year.
- Drum: Wipe down as needed.
7. Coffee Maker
- Carafe: Clean after every use.
- Interior: Descale with a mixture of water and vinegar every few months or as needed.
8. Blender & Food Processor
- Blades & Bowl: Clean after every use.
- Base: Wipe down after use.
9. Toaster & Toaster Oven
- Crumb Tray: Empty weekly or after every use.
- Exterior & Interior: Clean monthly or when there's visible buildup.
10. Vacuum Cleaner
- Dustbin: Empty after every use or when full.
- Filters: Clean or replace as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Brush rolls: Clean from tangled hairs and debris regularly.
11. Air Purifiers and Humidifiers
- Filters: Clean or replace as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Water tank (for humidifiers): Clean weekly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
12. Garbage Disposal
- Run with cold water and a bit of dish soap after use.
- For deep cleaning, consider using ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon peels to scrub and freshen.
13. Ceiling Fans
- Blades: Dust monthly or as needed.
14. Air Conditioners
- Filters: Clean or replace as per manufacturer's instructions, usually every month or so for frequent usage.
Regular cleaning not only ensures the efficient operation of these appliances but also prolongs their lifespan and prevents potential health hazards, such as mold growth in humidifiers or bacterial buildup in kitchen appliances. Always refer to the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations for specific guidance.
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