Most people dislike cleaning, regardless of the season. It is especially true when it comes to the maintenance of home appliances. You haven't emptied your refrigerator in months. Same here. Has your washing machine been cleaned? I had no idea it was even conceivable. Even though it may seem overwhelming, we've outlined which appliances you should constantly clean and how to do it.

Regular cleaning of appliances not only keeps them in good working condition but also helps to extend their lifespan. However, the frequency of cleaning needed for each appliance can vary.

Here are some general guidelines for cleaning common household appliances.

Refrigerator

So how often should you clean your refrigerator? Your kitchen refrigerator may be the most crucial appliance. Maintain it in good condition by cleaning it frequently. Aim for weekly exterior and interior cleanings, followed by a thorough cleaning once a month. Concentrate on preventative actions to make the work simpler. Do not store gummy, leaky, or messy containers in your refrigerator. Produce, and raw meat should be wrapped in plastic. And use a box of baking soda to reduce odor.

Wipe down every week; deep clean the interior and exterior of the refrigerator every 3-4 months. This includes wiping down the shelves, removing mold or mildew, and cleaning the gasket (the rubber seal around the door). Not only does it keep your food fresh and safe to eat, but it also helps your appliance run more efficiently. Here are some tips for cleaning your refrigerator:

Before you begin, take everything out of your refrigerator and place it on the counter. This will make reaching every nook and cranny easier and allow you to check expiration dates and toss any spoiled food.
Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down the interior of your refrigerator. Be sure to get into all the corners and crevices. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water for tough stains. Rinse the interior thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
Remove all the shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash them.
Wipe down the exterior of your refrigerator with a damp cloth. Be sure to clean the handles and door seals.
The coils on the back of your refrigerator can get dirty, which can cause the appliance to work harder and use more energy. Use a coil brush or a long-handled brush to clean the coils.

Stove

So how often should you clean your stove? It's simple to overlook the spills and splatters of cooking on the cooktop and the accumulation of food particles within the oven. Still, this carelessness over time can result in the growth of unwelcome germs. Here are some steps to help you clean your stove effectively:

Begin by removing all the burners, grates, and other removable parts from the stove. Please place them in a sink or basin filled with warm, soapy water. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any food or grease.
While the removable parts are soaking, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the stove's surface. Be sure to remove any food or debris that may have accumulated on the stovetop.
Use a stove cleaner or paste from baking soda and water to scrub the burners and grates. Use a stiff brush or scouring pad to help remove any tough stains. Be sure to rinse the parts thoroughly once you've finished cleaning them.

Oven

Nothing is worse than turning on the oven to prepare supper only to discover burned-on food among the fumes and smoke. By routinely cleaning your oven, you may avoid this unpleasant predicament. After each usage:

Check the oven's bottom, sides, and grates for food crumbs.
Always use a baking sheet, and take extra care when preparing meals like pies prone to drips.
Use heat to dislodge the particles to clean your oven thoroughly.
Use baking soda, vinegar, and soapy water to target the leftovers.
Wipe up spills as they happen; deep clean the oven's interior every 3-4 months or as needed.
Run the self-cleaning cycle as directed in the owner's manual for self-cleaning ovens.
For non-self-cleaning ovens, use a commercial oven cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Dishwasher

So how often should you clean your dishwasher? Even though a dishwasher is made to clean other things, it must be cleaned periodically. Intend to clean the door, sanitize the tub, and wash any accessories monthly. Dishwasher maintenance is necessary to maintain the appliance working properly and hygienically. Your dishwasher's effectiveness might be affected by a buildup of food particles, rust stains, and other dirt. Clean the interior of the dishwasher every month. This includes removing any buildup of food particles, wiping down the interior, and cleaning the filters. Here are some tips for cleaning your dishwasher:

Start removing debris or large food particles from the dishwasher. Check the filter, the spray arms, and the interior for any debris.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the dishwasher's interior, including the door seal and the interior walls. Be sure to remove any food particles or stains.
Most dishwashers have a removable filter that should be cleaned regularly. Remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
Run the dishwasher on an empty cycle using a cleaner or white vinegar to help clean and deodorize the interior.
Wipe the dishwasher's exterior with a damp cloth. Be sure to clean the control panel and the door.
The spray arms are responsible for cleaning the dishes and can become clogged with debris over time. Remove the arms and clean them thoroughly with a brush and warm soapy water.

Washer

The washing machine is one of those home appliances you never have to bother about cleaning. Wrong. Although washing your washing machine might sound a little foolish, studies have shown that germs from clothing can breed in and accumulate in your machine over time. So how often should you clean your washer? Depending on how frequently you use the washer, you should run a cleaning cycle once or twice a week. It is advised to give it a thorough cleaning (inside and out) once a month if you don't use it as frequently. This includes running an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar to remove any buildup of detergent or mildew. Here are some tips for cleaning your washing machine:

Run an empty cycle using hot water and a washing machine cleaner or white vinegar to help remove any buildup of detergent, dirt, or mildew.
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine with a damp cloth. Be sure to clean the control panel and the door.
Remove the detergent dispenser and clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water. Be sure to remove any buildup of detergent.
Use a cloth or sponge to clean the washing machine's drum, and remove any stains or mildew.
Check the hoses for any kinks or leaks and ensure they are properly connected.
If your washing machine has a lint trap, clean it regularly. Lint can cause your washing machine to work harder and use more energy.

Dryers

Since dryers don't use water, emptying the lint filter after EVERY load of laundry is essential to keeping them functioning at their best. Use a little isopropyl alcohol to clean the moisture sensor within the dryer drum once a month if you use dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners. A film can slow down drying periods that fabric softener and dryer sheets might leave on the sensor. Most dryers and vent systems need to be cleaned once to three times a year to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. However, the quantity of laundry dried each week affects how frequently you should clean your dryer.

Clean the lint screen: The lint screen should be cleaned after every use to remove any lint or debris that has been collected. This will help improve your dryer's efficiency and prevent a fire hazard.
Clean the vent and the exhaust duct that runs from the back of the dryer to the outside of your home. Lint can build up in these areas and restrict the airflow, which can cause your dryer to work harder and use more energy.
Make sure that there are no blockages in the vent or the duct. Blockages can cause your dryer to overheat and be a fire hazard.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the dryer's interior, including the drum. Be sure to remove any stains or mildew.
Wipe down the exterior of the dryer with a damp cloth. Be sure to clean the control panel and the door.
Check the hoses for any kinks or leaks and ensure they are properly connected.

It's also important to regularly check and maintain your appliances as per the manufacturer's instruction manual. This includes checking and cleaning water filters and hoses for leaks and ensuring proper ventilation. By following these guidelines and keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance, you can help ensure that your appliances continue to run smoothly for years to come.

It could be time to schedule expert repairs if your appliances still give you difficulty after cleaning the dishwasher filter and dusting the refrigerator coils. You can save money and have time to shop and prepare for a replacement by using an appliance for even a few more years.

Home Alliance is available to assist because it isn't always clear when an appliance needs to be replaced or serviced. The skilled technician will identify your problems and assist you in choosing the best plan of action. You can rest easy knowing that a reputable appliance repair service has your back whether you decide to repair or replace. Book a schedule today and be a member of our home service company.

How Often Should You Clean Your Home Appliances?