This Is How To Make Your Home Appliances Last Longer

It’s simple, really. Clean your home appliances often, and they’ll keep working well for you. Don’t wait until they break down or start smelling bad. Here’s a handy guide on how often you should clean the most used appliances in your home.

Refrigerator

Clean it every three months. But, wipe down spills as they happen and clean handles and dispenser controls daily. Toss out stale food once a week to prevent mold and mildew. Empty all shelves and bins once in three months and clean them with a mild liquid soap and warm water solution. Unplug it and vacuum behind and underneath it. Clean out its coils too.

Dishwasher

Use vinegar and baking soda once a month to clean your dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and clean debris from the drain strainer and detergent dispenser. Use a soft-bristles brush for the strainer. Put a glass bowl with one cup of distilled white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water wash without the drying cycle. Then, open the dishwasher and sprinkle one cup of baking soda on its floor, followed by a short hot-water cycle.

Garbage Disposal

Turn off the disposal and pour in ½ cup baking soda, followed by ½ cup distilled white vinegar. The combination will foam up, so use the sink stopper to trap the foam inside. Flush with hot water once the fizzing stops.

Cooktop and Oven

Cooktops can be cleaned with a mild dishwashing soap and a hot water solution. Don’t use harsh cleaners or metal scrubbers. Use a plastic spatula for hardened food. Clean any metal drip pans or grids monthly. Clean ovens after big holiday seasons. Follow manufacturer instructions for self-cleaning ovens. Use a baking soda and water paste for mild stains and commercial oven cleaners for baked-on messes.

Microwave

Clean this device once a week. Take a microwave-friendly bowl and fill it with lemon slices and one cup of water. Turn it on and let the water boil. Then let it sit for five minutes. Use a dampened cloth to wipe down all surfaces. The turntable can go into the dishwasher or just be wiped down. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the handle and touchpad.