How Often Should Household Appliances Be Cleaned?

Living in an apartment often means making the most of smaller spaces, and that includes ensuring that your appliances are clean and functional. 

Regular cleaning of household appliances not only helps to extend their lifespan but also keeps them running efficiently and safely. You might be surprised how much grime can build up from everyday use, and skipping a few cleanings can lead to both hygiene issues and less-than-optimal performance. 

Let’s walk through the major appliances in your apartment, how often they should be cleaned, why it’s important, and some simple ways to get it done.

Cleaning your household appliances with natural cleaners

Fridge/freezer

Your fridge and freezer are hardworking appliances, quietly keeping your food fresh and safe to eat. However, they also harbor spills, odors and expired items that can lead to bacteria growth if left unattended. 

It’s best to give your fridge a thorough cleaning once a month. Remove all the food, discard anything old or expired and wipe down the shelves and drawers with a mixture of water, vinegar and a bit of baking soda. The vinegar helps kill bacteria while the baking soda cuts through grime and absorbs lingering odors. Don’t forget to tackle the door seals, as crumbs and debris often get stuck there, too. 

The freezer can be cleaned less frequently — about every three to six months. Defrost it if there’s ice build-up, then wipe down the interior with the same vinegar solution.

Microwave

Microwaves tend to accumulate splatters of food, grease and odors, especially if they’re used often. 

Cleaning your microwave weekly will prevent build-up and ensure it operates efficiently. The simplest trick is to heat a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon for about three minutes. The steam will loosen any stuck-on grime, and the lemon provides a natural deodorizer. Afterward, simply wipe down the inside with a damp cloth or sponge. This method eliminates the need for harsh chemicals while giving your microwave a fresh citrus scent.

Oven

Ovens are often neglected until they start smoking from built-up grease and food spills. 

To keep your oven in good shape and avoid those smoky incidents, aim to clean it every three months or whenever you notice heavy build-up. For a natural cleaning solution, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and spread it over the oven’s interior. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. For more stubborn spots, spritz a little vinegar on the baking soda residue and you’ll see it fizz away the grime (remember baking soda volcanoes in fifth grade?).

Cleaning your oven regularly not only helps it run efficiently but also prevents potential fire hazards!

Tea kettle

Whether you have an electric or stovetop kettle, limescale build-up can occur over time, especially if you live in an area with hard water. 

Descaling your tea kettle once a month ensures you get clean, fresh-tasting water and keeps the appliance functioning smoothly. To clean it, fill the kettle with equal parts water and white vinegar, bring it to a boil, and then let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This method naturally breaks down mineral deposits, leaving your kettle sparkling clean without the use of harsh chemicals.

Dishwasher

Even though dishwashers clean your dishes, they still need to be cleaned themselves. Food particles, grease and soap scum can accumulate in the filters and sprayers, leading to unpleasant odors and less effective washing. 

Ideally, give your dishwasher a deep clean once a month. Start by removing the filter at the bottom and cleaning it with warm, soapy water. Then, place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle without any dishes inside. After that, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle. This combo of vinegar and baking soda will leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and running smoothly.

Washer

Laundry machines can develop mold, mildew and soap residue, especially if they’re not cleaned regularly. 

Giving your washing machine a deep clean once a month prevents bad odors and ensures your clothes come out fresh. For a DIY cleaning solution, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. Vinegar helps break down soap scum and kills bacteria. You can also add a half cup of baking soda in the second rinse cycle to further deodorize the washer. Don’t forget to wipe down the rubber seals and the detergent drawer where mold loves to hide!

Dryer

Your dryer, like your washer, benefits from regular cleaning to keep it running safely and efficiently. 

The lint trap should be cleaned after every load to prevent lint build-up, which can be a fire hazard and prevent your clothes from drying efficiently. Once a month, give your dryer a deeper clean by vacuuming out the lint trap area and any accessible vents. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the drum. This will help your dryer dry clothes more effectively and reduce the risk of overheating.

Sink

The kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used fixtures in any home, and can accumulate food particles, grease and even harmful bacteria. It’s crucial to clean it daily and give it a deeper clean weekly. 

To clean your sink naturally, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and scrub with a sponge, then rinse it all with water. For extra shine and disinfection, you can spray the sink with vinegar afterward. Don’t forget to clean the faucet and handles, as they’re high-touch areas that can harbor germs. You can also pour boiling water or ¼ cup of white vinegar down the drain to kill any bacteria and deodorize the drain pipes. 

All of this keeps your sink looking great and helps to prevent clogs and unpleasant smells from developing.

By sticking to a regular cleaning routine for each of your appliances, you can ensure that your home stays clean, your appliances work efficiently, and you avoid major breakdowns. Using natural and DIY cleaning methods also helps you avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought products, keeping your home healthier and more eco-friendly. 

Happy cleaning!

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Featured photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash