Spring is here, and it’s time to clean up and clear out the accumulated clutter from the winter months. While it’s important to tackle every corner of your home during spring cleaning, one often-overlooked area is appliances. They work hard for us all year round. However, without regular cleaning, they can become inefficient, break down, or worse, become hazards. Below are some essential items for home appliance spring cleaning to keep your dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, and more in top shape all year round.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool for home appliance cleaning. You can use it to inspect hard-to-reach areas of your appliances, such as behind your refrigerator or stove. Use one to check for signs of damage, leaks, or mold growth, taking care to address issues immediately.
Flashlights with multiple brightness levels are ideal for spring cleaning, as they let you adjust the brightness according to the specific cleaning task. For example, if you are cleaning the inside of a refrigerator, you may need a lower brightness setting to avoid blinding yourself. However, if you’re cleaning a large surface area like the top of a refrigerator, you may want to use a higher brightness setting to get a better overall view of the surface.
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into your spring cleaning project, you’ll need some basic supplies: microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions, a bucket, and rubber gloves. Microfiber cloths are an essential cleaning item as they are non-abrasive, which makes them ideal for delicate surfaces like glass and stainless steel. When selecting a solution, look for one designed specifically for your appliance to avoid damaging the finish. Rubber gloves are a must-have to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and bacteria.
Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is indispensable for home appliance spring cleaning. It can clean your refrigerator’s coils and vents, which can become clogged with dirt and dust. Dusty coils and ducts can cause your refrigerator to work harder and consume more energy, resulting in higher energy bills. Use howitstart a soft vacuum cleaner brush attachment to clean the vents and coils gently to avoid damaging them.
Dish Soap and Baking Soda
Dish soap and baking soda are two household items that can be used for deep cleaning appliances. Dish soap is ideal for your dishwasher because it removes grease and grime from interior and exterior surfaces. Mix a few drops of soap with warm water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down all dishwasher surfaces. Baking soda is another versatile household item used to clean ovens and microwaves. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the interior surfaces of the oven or microwave. Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another versatile household item that’s perfect for spring cleaning. It is effective at cleaning washing machines and coffee makers. For your washing machine, add two cups of white vinegar to the drum and run a hot water cycle. This will remove soap scum buildup and detergent residue. For your coffee maker, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and run the solution through the machine. This will remove mineral deposits and improve the taste of your coffee.
Compressed Air Duster
A compressed air duster is a powerful tool that can blow out dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas of your appliances. This includes the back of your refrigerator, dryer, and air conditioning unit. Use compressed air to blow out dirt or dust accumulated in these areas. Be sure to wear eye protection to avoid getting debris in your eyes.
Thoroughly spring cleaning home appliances yields several benefits for your home and wallet. Using the above essential items and techniques ensures your appliances function optimally, extending their lifespan while avoiding the risk of hazardous malfunctions. With some elbow grease and a few helpful tips, you can rejuvenate your appliances and enjoy a clean and efficient home for the spring.
