Photography: Simon Whitbread
While spring cleaning usually involves decluttering and deep cleaning the home, we often forget to give our hard-working home and kitchen appliances a thorough clean.
Vacuum cleaners, microwaves, ovens, rangehood filters and dishwashers often undergo heavy and often daily use, so showing them some love will help ensure they run smoothly and help prolong their life span.
Colin Jones, Appliance Category Expert at Appliances Online, says, “Spring is a great time for cleaning the home, however many households tend to forget their home appliances in their spring cleaning routine.
“There are some simple tricks and tips to help maintain and prolong the life of your home appliances, particularly those that we use regularly.
“With the use of some everyday household items, your appliances can be cleaned to look and smell like new again, bringing them back to life and ensuring they continue to run efficiently.”
How to clean your oven
This step-by-step guide to cleaning your oven will leave it looking shiny and new again without having to use oven cleaners.
Mix ½ cup baking soda with water until it is a spreadable paste-like consistency.
Using a brush, smear the entire inside of your oven and oven door, and leave it overnight (trick: you can also use this to clean your oven racks and trays).
In a spray bottle, mix a combination of vinegar and water and spray the inside of the oven, using a damp cloth to remove the residue. Some harder to remove bits may require a scraper to remove entirely.
Don’t forget to clean the grimy oven window, while you’re at it!
How to clean your microwave
Your microwave may develop a bad food smell from overuse throughout the year and it is a good idea to include it in your spring cleaning.
To clean your microwave, place 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with some freshly squeezed lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes. Remove the bowl and use a clean cloth to wipe the surfaces down.
Don’t forget to wipe down the microwave door.
How to clean your range hood filters
Range hood filters are a key part to your range hood and should be kept clean in order for your range hood to work properly.
Remove the filters and place them in the sink with a combination of hot water, detergent and ¼ cup of baking soda.
Leave them to soak for 15-20 minutes, if they are extremely dirty you may need to scrub them with a dish brush or scourer.
Once done, place the filters into your dishwasher on the hottest temperature (this will flush out built-up grease in between the filters).
Once the cycle has finished, take the filters out and leave to dry completely before placing back into your rangehood.
(Credit: Photographer: Simon Whitbread)
How to clean your dishwasher
Clean your dishwasher filters and eliminate odours for better wash results.
Place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher, or pour directly into the dishwasher drain and run a short cycle. This will loosen trapped food particles causing the odours, giving you a fresher smell-free dishwasher.
Remove filters and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Give them a good rinse under hot running water and place back in your dishwasher. Throw ½ cup of baking soda down the drain hole as well to freshen it up.
Remove the spray arms and check there are no food particles blocking the spray jets. You can use a wire to clean out the holes of any hard deposits that can prevent them from working properly.
How to clean your vacuum cleaner
To ensure your vacuum continues to run smoothly, the filters should be cleaned regularly at least once every three months.
Open up your vacuum, remove the filter and tap it against a hard surface to shake off loose dust. Using a dry brush, gently remove the remaining dust. Ensure this is done outdoors so the dust doesn’t end up back inside!
Any fine dust remaining can be rinsed under a cold tap, hold the filter under the running water until it runs clear (be sure to check for electrical components or attachments before rinsing in water).
Leave to dry in direct sunlight, and ensure the filter is completely dry before placing it back in the vacuum.
At the same time, give your vacuum’s dust container a good rinse of any residual dust and grime, remembering to let it dry completely before reassembling.
