Now that we have tackled the major appliances, it is time to take a look at some of the small appliances most of us commonly use. Again, the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning them should always take precedent over anything I suggest. Most manuals are available online at their websites if you do not have quick access to yours.
Make sure to unplug the appliances to clean them unless otherwise suggested!
Cleaning the Coffee Maker
I LOVE coffee. Did you know that your coffee maker can ruin the taste of your coffee? Water deposits can build up in the tank and tubing. To remove them, fill your pot 1/4 full of white vinegar then top off with water. Run it though a cycle once. Yes, it is going to smell. (You could try lemon juice as Kendra suggested below for the disposal. I just have never tried it.) When it is done, run two cycles of water to rinse. There are commercial cleaners that you can use instead of the vinegar. If you use one, make sure to follow all of the directions on the packet.
If you have stains on the pot and filter cup, use baking soda as a mild abrasive. Prevention is easier than later scrubbing. Always make sure to dump the filter and used grounds as soon as possible after the pot is made and rinse the filter cup. The dark, warm, wet condition of the grounds are a mold haven. To reduce future stains in the pot, rinse it out after pouring the last mug of coffee instead of just setting it in the sink.
Clean the Garbage Disposal
Kendra from My First Kitchen left a great comment yesterday with good instructions for cleaning the garbage disposal
Also, while people are working on their appliances, it might be good to add a little garbage disposal cleaning to the mix! Run hot water down the drain. Run a good handful of ice to grab all of the bits. Then cut the lemon from the microwave into wedges, and run those through the disposal.
She recommended using lemons instead of vinegar for cleaning the microwave. Great Tip! Just remember to watch those fingers!
Cleaning the Trash Compactor
If you have a trash compactor, they can get pretty nasty. Most have an off switch since they are not easily unplugged. Make sure it is set to ‘off’ and be very careful. I want you to end the kitchen challenge with all of your digits intact!
Pick out all of the bigger debris. Then wipe out as much as possible with a dry rag. Adding water would just make a mud that is even harder to clean. Get a can of compressed air (that can is getting quite a workout today!) to try to remove more loose stuff from the crevices then wipe it out. Now take a damp rag and wipe down the interior. I would add a little bleach to the water for this job.
I do not know what you call the part that does the crunching, but make sure not to forget to clean it (carefully) when cleaning out the bin.
Cleaning the Toaster
You never want to submerge appliances such as toasters, but there are ways to clean them. The bottom of most toasters are trap doors. Open the door to let all of the crumbs fall out into the garbage. Using a can of compressed air, available at most office supply stores, you can hit it with two quick blasts to remove even more crumbs.
Cleaning A Toaster Oven
Remove the crumb tray and rack to wash in the sink or dishwasher. Wipe out any loose crumbs. Most of the heating elements are much more fragile than those in your big oven. If they become damaged, the toaster oven may still work, but it becomes a big fire hazard. If the elements are coils, I suggest a using a can of compressed air to remove debris. Other than that, try to leave the elements alone.
Wipe out the interior of the oven using a well rung rag of soap and water. You can add a little vinegar or lemon juice instead of using a chemical degreaser. If you need to, add a little baking soda as a mild abrasive for tougher stains.
Break Down Appliances
Many of your appliances including some of the ones above come with parts that can be broken down to wash in the sink or dishwasher and some sort of base that can be wiped down and lightly scrubbed. This would include blenders, food processors, electric mixers, etc. Just make sure you know how to break them down AND put them back together before tossing the manuals.
The bases can be wiped down with a soapy rag. You can usually add vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda as needed to really make them shine. If you have stainless steel, make sure to follow the directions on the specialty cleaning/polish packets and rub with the grain.
For Bread Machines, Ice Cream Makers and Crock Pots, the pans and bowls can be washed in the sink or dishwasher in most cases. You can clean them as the other break down appliances, just make sure to be careful with the elements and any exposed motors.
Ice maker
Ice tasting funny? From time to time, dump the ice and let your ice maker start a new batch. Wash out the bin and dry it thoroughly before putting it back in the freezer. If it still tastes funny, consider installing a water filter to the water line coming to your refrigerator.
Water Filters
Speaking of water filters, some of the newer appliances all around your home come with built in water filters that need to be changed on occasion. Don’t forget them. Check your refrigerator, coffee maker, pitchers, humidifiers, and evaporators as well as any on the sinks and water lines.
Any More?
I know I’m leaving some out. I have never invested in or needed to clean an espresso maker or some other small appliances. If you can think of some I have left out, please let us know and give your cleaning suggestions in the comments.
If you have a different method for cleaning any of these than what I suggested, leave them in the comments, too, to help out other readers. There is seldom one correct way to accomplish something.
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