Appliance Cleaning Tips

Yesterday my washing machine was leaking water out of the front door. Yes, I have a front loader and I hate it. It came with the house when we bought it. When it is time to buy a new one, it will definitely be a top loader. Anyway, this article is not about washing machines, but about deep cleaning our appliances.

Spring and Fall are great reminders to clean some of the things that we don't normally clean on a weekly or even monthly basis. I always wash my windows in the Spring and Fall. It's also a reminder to deep clean our washing machines and dishwashers and coffee pots, etc. I try to clean them at least 4 x a year, but I know life gets busy and sometimes we forget. Not sure how to deep clean a washing machine or dishwasher or oven or coffee pot? I will describe each of them below. It doesn't take long and is an easy process. These are also great things to do if you are getting ready to sell your house. 

You will need a gallon of vinegar, bleach and some baking soda. Note* - this is how I clean my appliances, but be sure to look up your brand of machine and verify their particular cleaning process.

Washing Machines 

1. Some washing machines have a "clean" cycle. If yours does, just add bleach to the fill line of your detergent tray and run the cycle. If you have a top load and put detergent directly into your washing machine, then add 1 cup of bleach to the washing machine and run the clean cycle. If you don't have a "clean" cycle, then run a heavy duty cycle or normal cycle making sure to use hot water. After the cycle is finished, clean rubber door gasket (of a front loader) with a toothbrush dipped in bleach. Remove any yuck and wipe clean. Remove detergent trays, clean, rinse and replace them.

2. Add 1/3 c baking soda to drum. Put 2 c vinegar into detergent tray or fill to max line. Run a "clean" cycle or normal wash cycle with hot water. 

3. Run a normal cycle with nothing in it to give washing machine a good rinse. 

4. Wipe down the outside of the machine. 

Dishwashers

1. First thing you need to do is clean your filter. Most dishwashers have a filter beneath the lower arm. You may have to check your owners manual to learn how to take it out and put it back. Once you've removed it, clean it with a soft toothbrush and rinse under running water. Replace filter.

2. Set a glass dishwasher safe bowl with 1 cup of vinegar in it, on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a normal (hot water) cycle.

3. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher. Run a short (hot water) cycle. 

4. With a soft damp cloth, wipe down the inside of the dishwasher and you are good to go. 

Microwaves

1. Add 1 cup of water and 2 T of white vinegar to a medium microwaveable bowl. Place in the center of the microwave on the turntable. Set for 5 minutes on high power and press start. After the 5 minutes is over, DO NOT open the door for 3-5 more minutes. Be careful to remove the bowl with a pot holder - it will be hot. Using a damp cloth, wipe down the inside of the microwave. Be sure to take the turntable out and clean it as well. 

Regular Brewing Coffee Pots

1. Wash the carafe and other removable parts with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher, if they are dishwasher safe. 

2. Add 4 cups of vinegar to the reservoir. Let sit 30 minutes and then run a brewing cycle with the vinegar. Run 2-3 more cycles using plain water. Wipe the machine down with a damp cloth. Leave the reservoir lid open to dry. 

3. Most regular brewing coffee pots have a charcoal filter. You should replace this filter every few months. Follow the directions with the filter on how to prime and replace a new filter. 

Single Serve Coffee Pots

1. Remove any parts that will come off and wash in warm soapy water. Make sure the water reservoir is empty. You can use a small toothbrush dipped in vinegar to clean where the pods go and any other hard to reach areas.

2. If you have a reservoir that holds enough water for multiple cups of coffee, add 4 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of water. Run the machine 3x, as if you were making 3 cups of coffee. Let the remaining water and vinegar sit in the reservoir for 30 minutes to an hour. Run the remaining 3 cups out, as if you were making 3 more cups of coffee.

3. Fill the reservoir with 4 cups of water and run cycles with plain water to be sure and rinse everything out. If your water is not clear (still getting coffee granules or dirt) by the 4th cup, or if you still smell vinegar, run a couple more cups through. 

4. If your machine has a single cup reservoir, fill it 2/3 of the way with vinegar and the rest of the way with water. For example, mine holds 10 oz. I fill it with vinegar up to the 6 oz mark and then with water to the 10 oz mark. Run it through a brewing cycle without using a filter. Discard the liquid.

5. Add the same amount of vinegar and water to your machine again. Turn it on and let the water heat up. Before it starts brewing, turn the machine off and let the solution sit in the reservoir for 30 minutes. Turn the machine back on and let it brew. Discard the liquid.

6. Repeat the brewing cycle 3x using only water. Wipe down the machine and all removable parts. 

Other Appliances...

Ovens - Hopefully your oven has a "cleaning" cycle. Be sure to remove anything from inside the oven before cleaning, even the wire racks. I always set mine to clean at midnight, after we have gone to bed. I hate the smell while it is cleaning. I shut our bedroom doors so we don't have to smell it. The next day, just take a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of your oven. 

Fridge - Remove everything from inside and toss any expired items. Wipe off shelves and remove drawers. Wipe under the drawers and clean drawers in warm soapy water. I found some crisper drawer liners that I love. I always put those in the bottom of the drawers. Put in a new box of baking soda and tear the top of the box off. This will help absorb any odors. It's a good idea to do this monthly and replace the box of baking soda every month as well.

Dryer  - Wipe down inside and outside of the dryer. Clean out your dryer vent! 

I hope this has helped and gives you a place to come back to often as you clean out your appliances. Please share with others who might need these tips as well. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Happy Fall Cleaning!