Regular cleaning is something we must all do to keep a healthy and functioning home. But often, we forget about all the appliances we have and how to give them a bit of a deep clean to help them really sparkle. Here are five appliances that you can make sparkle with some simple cleaning tips.
Coffee Makers
Using 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar, your coffee maker will be refreshed and no longer carry the residue from pots of coffee made throughout the last several months. By taking this water and vinegar mixture and running it through your coffee pot like you are brewing a fresh pot of coffee, you will experience a cleaner tasting coffee the next time you are ready to brew your coffee. After running the mixture, clean the coffee pot carafes and filters like normal and you will be ready for a fresh pot of coffee.
Dishwasher
Many people forget about the dishwasher thinking that running dishes to clean will automatically clean the dishwasher. Unfortunately, your dishwasher can get clogged and still need a refresher rinse similar to that of your coffee pot. Using white vinegar by pouring about 1/2 – 1 cup in the bottom of your dishwasher, you can run a wash cycle and the the vinegar do its magic. You can also use a dishwasher cleaning tablet like Affresh. This tablet is also placed in the bottom of your dishwasher and with a wash cycle will also clean your dishwasher. Use a sponge to wipe down your doors and the sided of the dishwasher for any excess dirt.
Microwave
Mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water, place it in a microwave safe bowl or cup and turn on your microwave for 2 – 5 minutes. The microwave will create a steam bath for the vinegar water mixture and this mixture will reduce any food accidentally left in your microwave. This mixture will also reduce food odors that have formed from the microwave food products. After performing this step, then use the mixture … be careful, it will be hot … and a sponge and wipe down the rest of the inside of the microwave and wallah … you have a sparkling clean microwave.
Oven
If you have a self cleaning oven, you can run this program and then using a damp sponge or rag wipe down the excess ash that cleaned away the food drippings. If you do not have a self cleaning oven, using oven clean or a baking soda paste (made with baking soda and water), spray or wipe the cleaner or paste on the the inside of the oven and let it sit overnight. Be sure to remove any racks and clean them separately. The next day, wipe down the inside of the oven and then if need be use a little vinegar and water with a couple drops of dishwashing detergent to wipe down any excess. Now you have a clean oven with no food odors ready for all your new dishes to share.
Washing Machine
You can naturally clean your washing machine with once again vinegar and baking soda. Using 1/2 – 1 cup of vinegar to run inside your machine for the first few minutes. Then you can add about 1/2 cup of baking soda and wipe down the inside of the machine in a temporary pause phase of your cycle. Then run the cycle completely without clothes in the machine. The rinse cycle will naturally rinse away the vinegar and baking soda. You will also need some cleaning solution to clean the areas of your machine that hold your softener or bleach. This can be done by wiping down the area or using a small brush to clean the area. You can also use a tablet formula to clean the inside of your washer if you want to make it easier for you. Tide makes a great product as does the Affresh organization.
With all this cleaning of major appliances, you will have fresh and clean food, dishes and laundry to eat, use and wear.
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