How to Clean Kitchen Appliances Easy and Quickly

y basis. Even though a dishwasher machine can help in this situation, but not everyone has one. Also, you can’t just throw your air fryer and some appliances into it.

That’s why cleaning your kitchen equipment, as unpleasant as it is, it must be done. Especially if it has little grooves and rings that may readily conceal old food and dirt. Fret not; below, we have listed a few tricks on how to clean all of your favourite kitchen appliances.

What items do you need to clean appliances?

When it comes to cleaning kitchen appliances effectively, having the right set of tools is essential. Here are the items you’ll need to get started:

Baking soda: This versatile household ingredient acts as a powerful cleaning agent, tackling tough stains and odors. It’s particularly useful for cleaning ovens, stovetops, and refrigerators. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge to create a gentle abrasive paste for scrubbing surfaces.
Damp cloth: A damp cloth is a basic but indispensable tool for wiping down surfaces and removing loose debris. It can be used in combination with cleaning agents or alone for quick touch-ups. Make sure the cloth is wrung out well to avoid excess moisture on the appliances.
Spray bottle: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of hot water and a cleaning solution of your choice. You can create a simple and effective solution by combining water with a few drops of dish soap or a splash of vinegar. This solution is ideal for removing grease and grime from various appliances.
Clean cloth: A separate clean cloth is useful for drying and polishing surfaces after cleaning. It helps to remove any remaining moisture or residue, leaving your appliances looking shiny and streak-free.
Hot water: Hot water is an effective and natural solvent that helps dissolve grease and food residue on appliances. It can be used in conjunction with other cleaning agents or on its own for routine maintenance.
Lemon juice: This natural acid works wonders when it comes to tackling stubborn stains and eliminating unpleasant odours. Mix lemon juice with water to create a refreshing cleaning solution. It works particularly well on stainless steel surfaces like kitchen splashbacks, cutting through grease and leaving a fresh scent.
Cleaning gloves: To protect your hands from harsh chemicals and to maintain hygiene while cleaning, it’s important to wear cleaning gloves. They provide a barrier between your skin and the cleaning agents, ensuring your hands stay clean and safe throughout the cleaning process.

By gathering these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the dirt and grime that accumulate on your kitchen appliances, keeping them looking and functioning at their best. Remember to always follow manufacturer’s guidelines and test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire appliance.

How to Clean Specific Appliances

How to clean a food processor

Cleaning a food processor is a crucial step in maintaining its performance and ensuring food safety. Follow these simple steps to clean your food processor effectively:

Disassemble the food processor: Start by carefully disassembling the various components of the food processor, such as the bowl, lid, and blades. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific guidance on disassembly.

Wash with warm soapy water: Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the removable parts of the food processor in the soapy water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any food residue. Pay special attention to the areas around the blades.

Wipe clean: Once the components are clean, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. Then, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the exterior of the food processor, including the base and controls, to remove any spills or splatters.

Air dry: After washing, allow all the components of the food processor to air dry completely. Placing them on a clean dish drying rack or towel is a good way to ensure proper air circulation and drying.

Reassemble and store: Once everything is dry, reassemble the food processor, making sure all parts are securely in place. Store it in a clean and dry location, preferably covered to protect it from dust and debris.

How to clean a refrigerator

The area behind your refrigerator is maybe the dirtiest two square feet in your home. It’s a gathering area for dust, filth, and a slew of other debris left behind by this big equipment. To clean, take out the refrigerator and mop up any spills. Afterwards, vacuum the refrigerator coils behind or beneath your fridge to reduce stress on the motor and extend its life.

As for the door gaskets, you can change any faulty door gaskets by consulting your owner’s handbook for replacement part numbers. In addition, you can look for new gaskets at home improvement stores or online. The benefits of replacing loose door gaskets are that y you’ll save energy and money with a tighter seal. Additionally, wipe down gaskets with warm, soapy water once a month; rinse and dry.

You can wipe and polish the interior and exterior parts of your refrigerator using soapy water or a half-and-half solution of water and white vinegar. Clean shelves and crispers once a week or if a spill happen. A damp towel can also be used to wipe fingerprints off stainless steel exteriors.

How to clean a coffee maker

There are two methods for cleaning your coffee machine. The first one is with descaling powder, or you can opt for a vinegar solution. If you’re utilizing a descaling powder, dissolve a litre of lukewarm water in a product like the Urnex Coffee Machine Cleaning Powder. Afterwards, pour the water into the water reservoir of your coffee machine and boil the entire tank without coffee grounds.

After discarding the brewed cleaning solution, replace the water tank with new water and brew the entire tank once more. Repeat the third step twice to ensure that all of the cleaning solution has been removed.

If you choose to opt for vinegar, fill the water reservoir of your coffee maker with one part water and one part vinegar. Allow the vinegar to deep-clean your coffee maker by brewing the entire tank of water without coffee grounds. When it’s completed, drain the water and repeat the second procedure once again. If there is an odour or taste of vinegar, redo the rinse with a scoop of coffee grounds.

How to clean a stovetop and oven

Most ovens feature self-cleaning functions; hence we strongly advise leaving the cleaning job to the oven. However, the self-cleaning option does not clear the crud around door hinges and frames, as well as the crumb-catching gap between two ovens. In order to resolve this problem, you can wipe them down with vinegar or soapy water.

We suggest that a little baking soda on a sponge or a spray of professional oven cleaning will remove baked-on gunk. However, ensure that you open a window before spraying to void choking on the fumes. If you make a habit of promptly cleaning spills after using the oven, it will make your job easier since you may never have to scrape it again.

The steps to cleaning your cooktop are as follows. First, fill your sink with hot, soapy water; soak burners, knobs, and hood vents (if applicable) for a couple of hours before scrubbing. If necessary, repeat. Second, replace the discoloured metal drip plates if steel wool is no longer effective. On top of that, crumbs that have fallen between the stovetop and the counter should be vacuumed thoroughly. And you’re good to go!

How to clean a microwave

Because splatters are prevalent, enabling the microwave to clean itself is the most efficient way to go. To start, half-fill a microwave-safe container with water. Next, when the water hits a roiling boil, switch off the microwave and secure the door for at least 15 minutes. The heat and steam will soften food debris, causing them to be conveniently wiped clean without the need for scraping.

To finish the job, wipe out all internal surfaces with a soft cloth dipped in one part distilled white vinegar and one-part warm water. Hand wash or put the glass turntable in the dishwasher if you have one. To eradicate germs, sanitize the outer handles and keyboard using a disinfectant wipe.

If you have a microwave and range hood vent positioned over your stovetop, remember to clean the hood and filter on a regular basis to eliminate greasy build-up.

How to clean a air fryer

Air fryers are difficult to clean due to their multiple nooks and crannies. If you have a dishwasher and your air fryer is dishwasher-friendly, simply place it in there and let the dishwasher handle the rest. If you don’t have one, or if your model isn’t dishwasher safe (read the instructions!), you’ll have to do it by hand.

To clean your air fryer, apple cider vinegar might be everything it needs. You can start pouring some apple cider vinegar into the basket (the main one, not the insert) just after making a meal. Scrub it with a dish brush, and it’s as clean as the first time you would use it. An extra plus is also the fact that it smells nice! Additionally, you may also keep it simple by scrubbing it with soap and water.

How to clean a grill, panini press, or waffle maker

The non-stick surface of a waffle maker, BBQ grill, or panini press is part of the appeal when it comes to these appliances. So, thoroughly cleaning it will not only avoid cross-contamination from food bacteria but will also protect the coating for years to come. Remember to unplug the equipment immediately after use. Then, wet multiple paper towels and hold them with metal tongs while wiping down the hot grill or pressing to loosen food particles.

When the device is totally cooled down, dampen a clean, soft cloth with one cup of warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. Wipe off the whole cooking surface as well as any exterior surfaces with the cloth. If there is a lot of oil, go into the crevices with a clean, soft toothbrush. On a non-stick surface, NEVER use a scrubbing pad or a sharp object. Rinse with another towel dipped in plain water, then dry with a delicate cloth afterwards.

How to clean stainless steel kitchen appliances

Cleaning stainless steel kitchen appliances is important to maintain their sleek and shiny appearance. Here are some steps to effectively clean stainless steel surfaces:

Gather your supplies: Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, mild dish soap, white vinegar or stainless steel cleaner, and a clean, dry cloth for polishing.
Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a commercial stainless steel cleaner or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes that can scratch the stainless steel surface.
Wipe down the appliance: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain. This helps to remove any dirt, fingerprints, or smudges. Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to buildup, such as handles and control panels.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and wipe down the appliance to remove any soap residue. Then, use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the stainless steel surface. This step is crucial to prevent water spots or streaks.
Polish for a shiny finish: For an extra shine, you can apply a small amount of stainless steel cleaner or a few drops of white vinegar on a clean cloth. Gently rub the surface in the direction of the grain to restore the stainless steel’s luster.
Maintain regularly: To keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best, perform regular maintenance by wiping them down with a damp cloth and drying them thoroughly. This helps prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.

How to clean grease off kitchen appliances

Grease can accumulate on kitchen appliances over time, leaving behind stubborn stains and a greasy residue. Follow these steps to effectively clean grease off your kitchen appliances:

Prepare the cleaning solution: Start by preparing a cleaning solution that can cut through the grease. One effective option is to mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of dish soap for added grease-cutting power.
Apply the cleaning solution: Spray the cleaning solution onto the greasy areas of the appliance, ensuring full coverage. Allow the solution to sit on the surface for a few minutes to penetrate the grease. If you have a particularly greasy oven door a vinegar mixture with baking soda can be the most effective solution here.
Scrub the surface: Use a sponge, soft cloth, or non-abrasive scrub brush to scrub the greasy areas. Apply gentle pressure and work in circular motions to lift the grease. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy grease build-up, such as range hoods, stovetops, and oven doors.
Rinse and dry: Once you’ve scrubbed the surface, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and loosened grease. Wipe the appliance dry with a clean cloth or towel to prevent water spots or streaks.
Repeat if necessary: For tough or stubborn grease stains, you may need to repeat the process. Apply the cleaning solution again, let it sit, and scrub as needed until the grease is fully removed.
Clean hard-to-reach areas: Don’t forget to clean the often-overlooked and hard-to-reach areas, such as crevices, knobs, and handles. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution to get into tight spaces and remove grease.

Final thoughts

When kitchen equipment is cleaned on a regular basis, they last longer and are more sanitary. Hence, we hope that this guide will assist you in cleaning your kitchen appliances the proper way and make the job easier with these smart tricks.

One last thing we’d mention is optimising your kitchen space and layout can make cleaning so much easier and quicker; if you’d like to learn how to optimise your kitchen appliance layout click here.