How to Deep Clean Common Kitchen Appliances
Having clean appliances is essential in keeping your kitchen looking and smelling as pristine as possible. Not only is it important for food hygiene and overall cleanliness, but it is also crucial to the performance and life span of each appliance that is why we've put together some tips on how to deep clean common kitchen appliances.
As a greater number of consumers become more willing to replace smaller appliances with shorter lifespans to newer models, more and more is being spent in this particular market segment, which Statista reports is currently valued at R340 billion (www.statista.com).
However, there are also ways to avoid spending unnecessarily on more appliances by extending the working longevity of your current ones, such as deep cleaning and proper maintenance. Here are ways you can deep clean common kitchen appliances to ensure they perform well and last as long as possible:
Microwave
If you open your microwave only to be greeted with a persistent and unusual smell, then it’s a sure sign that it’s time for a deep clean. Start by cleaning the outside of your microwave using a good de-greaser, which you can make using a mixture of water and baking soda. Use a damp sponge to scrub the surface of the microwave before wiping down with a clean cloth.
To clean the inside, combine a cup of water with some fresh lemon juice or vinegar and microwave on high until it starts to boil. Wait until the microwave window steams up before turning off the microwave. Let it cool for five minutes, remove the bowl, and wipe down the inside of the appliance with a sponge or a paper towel.
Rice Cooker
Cleaning your rice cooker regularly is crucial, especially if you use it daily. Leaving any food particles on the hot plate the next time you use your cooker can cause burns that will damage the different components of the appliance and affect its performance. Modern rice cookers often come in different shapes and sizes, and will usually sport a digital interface (www.weknowrice.com). These models should receive extra care, but for most rice cookers, the process for cleaning them is the same.
To thoroughly clean your rice cooker, you must wash each individual component. Start by removing the inner pot and soaking it before using a rubber spatula to dislodge rice sticking to the surface. Repeat the process for the steam basket and other utensils used to cook the rice. If your model has a detachable lid, then carefully remove it and wash it with warm soapy water. Otherwise, use a damp sponge to wipe down the lid, taking extra care to remove stains and residue. Use a wet washcloth to clean off any soap before using a small towel to wipe it dry.
Refrigerator & Freezer
Cleaning the refrigerator can easily slip your mind because of how often it’s used. However, it’s best not to wait before food becomes forgotten or ice builds up in your freezer. To deep clean your fridge, start by removing all of the food and discarding anything that has expired. Pull out all drawers and detachable shelves and, using a washcloth or sponge, wipe with warm soapy water. Then, use a cleaner of your choice to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator from top to bottom.
To clean your freezer, unplug your refrigeration unit and place rags along its perimeter and containers inside to catch water as the ice melts. Pointing an electric fan on full power at the freezer will help speed up the defrosting process (home.onehowto.com). Afterward, wipe down your freezer before placing the drawers, shelves, and food back inside.
Aside from your kitchen, giving all home appliances a deep clean is important in keeping your house spick and span. Make it a habit to do a general cleaning every month to stay hygienic, especially during the pandemic. Not only will you stay clean, but you will also stay safe!