How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Appliances?

Your refrigerator is the heart of your kitchen, storing food and keeping everything fresh. To maintain its efficiency and prevent unpleasant odors, it's crucial to clean your fridge regularly. Here's what you should do:

• Weekly: Remove food items and wipe down shelves with warm water and soap or a disinfecting agent, particularly areas where items like raw meat are stored. Of course, any spills should be wiped up immediately.
• Monthly: Remove all the food from your refrigerator, then remove shelves, bins and drawers and thoroughly clean them with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. Clean the interior with soap and water, then rinse. Be sure to clean the rubber gaskets around the door to prevent mold and mildew growth. Wipe down the exterior with a microfiber cloth and warm water or an appropriate cleaner (you'll find this information in your owner's manual). This is also a great time to throw out expired food.

The oven is often subjected to spills, grease and baked-on food, which can affect its performance and even cause an oven fire during cooking. To keep your oven in top shape, follow these cleaning recommendations:

• After each use: After letting your oven cool, wipe down food spills or splatters on the oven interior with a damp cloth or sponge. Don't wait too long to wipe up spills—they'll harden and be much more difficult to clean. Make sure your oven is cool before cleaning to avoid injuries.
• Monthly: Deep clean the oven using an oven cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you choose. Remove the oven racks and wash them using warm, soapy water. Many ovens now feature a Steam Clean function that loosens caked-on food, making it easier to wipe away messes. Wipe down the exterior, including handles and the control panel, with a soft, damp cloth.

Whether you have a gas, induction or electric cooktop, you need to clean your cooktop regularly to remove grease and food particles that can accumulate over time. Here's how to maintain a spotless cooktop:

• After each use: Once cool, wipe down the cooking surface with a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleanser or a solution of warm water and mild detergent. This prevents food spills from hardening and becoming more challenging to remove.
• Weekly: Remove the burner caps, grates, knobs and other removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub away any residue using a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Dry them thoroughly before reassembling.

While the dishwasher keeps your dishes clean, it's crucial to remember that it needs cleaning itself. Neglecting dishwasher maintenance can lead to foul odors and reduced cleaning efficiency. Follow these steps for a clean dishwasher:

• Monthly: Remove the dishwasher filter and run it under warm water to remove food debris and buildup. Place it back in the dishwasher. Run a cycle with an empty dishwasher using a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. Finally, clean the dishwasher door with a damp microfiber cloth or, on stainless steel models, with an approved stainless steel cleaner.

With frequent use, spills and splatters in the microwave can lead to unpleasant smells and bacteria growth. Maintain a clean microwave with these simple steps:

• After each use: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any food residue or stains.
• Monthly: Create a cleaning solution by combining equal parts of water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture for a few minutes until it steams. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the interior with a cloth or sponge. Remove the turntable and wash it with warm water and dish soap, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

Regularly cleaning keeps your appliances looking and working their best, and your kitchen looking and smelling clean. By following these cleaning guidelines, your refrigerator, oven, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave will stay in excellent condition. A clean kitchen not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also promotes a healthier and more enjoyable cooking experience. If you have any questions about how to clean your appliances, reach out to our experts at 800-860-3577.