How to Deep Clean Common Kitchen Appliances
Having clean appliances is essential in keeping your kitchen looking and smelling as pristine as possible. Not
only is it important for food hygiene and overall cleanliness, but it is also crucial to the performance and life span
of each appliance.
As a greater number of consumers become more willing to replace smaller appliances with shorter lifespans to
newer models, more and more is being spent in this particular market segment, which Statista reports is currently
valued at R340 billion.
However, there are also ways to avoid spending unnecessarily on more appliances by extending the working
longevity of your current ones, such as deep cleaning and proper maintenance. Here are ways you can deep
clean common kitchen appliances to ensure they perform well and last as long as possible:
Microwave
If you open your microwave only to be greeted with a persistent and unusual smell, then it’s a sure sign that it’s
time for a deep clean. Start by cleaning the outside of your microwave using a good degreaser, which you can
also make using a mixture of water and baking soda. Use a damp sponge to scrub the surface of the microwave
before wiping down with a clean cloth.
To clean the inside, combine a cup of water with some fresh lemon juice or vinegar and microwave on high until it
starts to boil. Wait until the microwave window steams up before turning off the microwave. Let it cool for five
minutes, remove the bowl, and wipe down the inside of the appliance with a sponge or a paper towel.
Rice Cooker/ Air Fryer
Cleaning your rice cooker (or the increasingly popular air fryer) is crucial especially if you use it regularly. Modern
appliances will usually sport a digital interface so these models should receive extra care, but for most kitchen
appliances, the process for cleaning them is the same.
Start by washing each individual component. Remove the inner pot/basket and soak it before using a rubber
spatula to dislodge anything stuck to the surface. Carefully remove any lids and wash it with warm soapy water.
Otherwise, use a damp sponge to wipe down the outside of the appliance, taking extra care to remove stains and
residue. Use a wet washcloth to clean off any soap before using a small towel to wipe it dry.
Refrigerator & Freezer
Cleaning the refrigerator can easily slip your mind because of how often it’s used. However, it’s best not to wait
before food becomes forgotten or ice builds up in your freezer. To deep clean your fridge, start by removing all of
the food and discarding anything that has expired. Pull out all drawers and detachable shelves and, using a
washcloth or sponge, wipe with warm soapy water. Then, use a cleaner of your choice to wipe down the inside of
the refrigerator from top to bottom.
To clean your freezer, unplug your refrigeration unit and place rags along its perimeter and containers inside to
catch water as the ice melts. Pointing an electric fan on full power at the freezer will help speed up the defrosting
process. Afterwards, wipe down your freezer before placing the drawers, shelves, and food back inside.
Aside from your kitchen, giving all home appliances a deep clean is important in keeping your house spick and
span. Make it a habit to do a general cleaning every month to stay hygienic. Not only will you stay clean, but you
will also stay safe!