Your kitchen probably has electric equipment and appliances like an oven, toaster, and coffee maker that frequently get dirty. Keeping them clean is crucial to prolonging their life and maintaining their performance. Unlike other things in your kitchen, cleaning electric equipment requires special care to keep it in working order.
In this blog, let’s understand, in detail, how you can clean these appliances so they appear and function at their best.
General safety procedure during cleaning and maintenance
Safety is most important when you are dealing with equipment running on electricity. You must follow basic safety precautions before starting to ensure that you are protected from accidental shocks.
The first thing to do is to unplug the appliance before you start cleaning it. This step will prevent electric shocks or short circuits during the cleaning process. Also, if the appliance was used recently, ensure it has had the time to cool down. It is especially true when trying to clean your oven or electric stovetop.
It is equally important to follow the manufacturer’s directions when you clean any electric kitchen appliance. Using an incompatible cleaning solution can damage the appliance and cause accidents when trying to use the appliance again. For instance, stay away from harsh cleaners containing bleach, as they can damage the circuitry of the appliance.
Wearing protective gloves is a good idea when cleaning anything in the kitchen, including appliances. Also, make a point of opening your exhaust systems and windows, as you don’t want to inhale the fumes of the cleaning agents.
With this background preparation, you are now ready to take on the cleaning job.
How to clean various electric kitchen appliances?
Different appliances will require different cleaning techniques. Let’s see how you can efficiently clean some of the most common home appliances:
Cleaning electric oven
Your oven can quickly get dirty, and cleaning it will ensure that it is hygienic to cook in. Begin by removing the oven racks and soak them in soapy water for a few minutes. You can find several oven cleaners in your supermarket that are great at removing dirt and grime from your oven. Whether you use soapy water or a commercial oven cleaner, always avoid the heating elements inside. The best way is to spray the cleaner and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
After the cleaner has worked its magic, it is time to put in some elbow grease. Use a microfiber or soft cloth or a sponge to wipe down the interior carefully, avoiding excessive scrubbing. You should always avoid abrasive cleaners or cleaning tools that might scratch the surface of your oven.
Once all the debris and burnt food is removed, rinse the interior with warm water. Always dry your oven entirely before assembling the racks and firing it again.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher can gather a lot of dirt, food particles, and bacteria if you don’t clean it often. While some dishwashers do have a self-cleaning function, it is always a good idea to deep clean it every once in a while.
The first step is to unplug the dishwasher and remove all the racks and filters. If you are unsure how to get to the filters, refer to the instruction manual that came with the appliance.
Now that you have removed the filters soak them in warm, soapy water while you focus your attention on the inside of the dishwasher. Use soapy water to wipe down the interior of your dishwasher. Pay special attention to the door seals, as these areas are notorious for catching the most filth.
Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, assemble the filters and racks and run a cleaning cycle. Doing this periodically will help you prevent the buildup of grease and odors in your dishwasher and keep it functioning properly for years.
Coffee maker
You need regular descaling of your coffeemaker to ensure that the coffee you brew every day is safe to drink. While it is easy to clean a coffee maker, it is essential to do it more often to keep it running smoothly.
You can begin by unplugging the machine and removing removable parts like the carafe and the filter basket. To clean these parts, soak them in soapy water. The best way to describe your coffee machine is by using a solution of vinegar and water.
Mix one cup of white vinegar and a cup of water and fill your coffee maker reservoir. Now, run a brewing cycle as you usually do. The vinegar will remove any dirt and debris in the mechanism, cleaning it thoroughly. Now, run the brewing cycle a couple more times to remove traces of vinegar.
Finally, wipe the exterior with a soft cloth to remove coffee grounds or other debris.
Stovetop
Cleaning an electric stove top is much less complicated than cleaning a gas stove top. All you need to do is wipe the surface with a soft cloth using warm, soapy water. As most electric stovetops are made of glass, you should never use harsh, abrasive cleaners or hard scrubs to clean them.
Electric can opener
You must be thorough when cleaning your electric can opener. First and foremost, unplug the appliance and remove any detachable parts. You can wash these parts using a toothbrush and soapy water to remove debris and dirt.
Wipe down the body of your can opener, avoiding electric connections and wiring. Let all the components of the appliance air dry completely before reassembling.
Best practices for cleaning electric kitchen equipment
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your electric kitchen equipment can help extend its lifespan. Create a cleaning schedule to ensure you don’t forget to clean any appliance regularly. For instance, cleaning the interior of your oven monthly can prevent the buildup of grease and food spills.
Always rinse thoroughly after using any cleaner and allow the appliance to air dry before use. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations to use the right products and methods.
Takeaway
Proper cleaning of your home appliances is critical to keeping them in good working order. Regular and thorough cleaning prevents debris buildup, which can interfere with their operation.
Avoiding chemicals and harsh cleaning tools can also help preserve the finish and functionality of your appliances.
