When was the last time you cleaned out your fridge?

We often avoid cleaning appliances because we don’t have the time. It’s important to remember germs, bacteria and dust can build up on or in our appliances and keeping them clean is important to our appliances longevity and our families health. We put together some suggestion which may help extend the life of your appliance, but if all else fails, All Appliance Parts is there if you need a part to get you appliance back up to speed.

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DISHWASHERS

Once a week you should wipe the rubber seal on the inside of you dishwashers door with a mild bleach solution. Not only will this help kill and lingering bacteria, you can keep an eye on the seal and see if it needs replacing. As far as the inside, replace or clean your filter when needed and make sure your drain trap is clear. You can also use a bottle of dishwasher cleaner or place a cup of baking soda in the wrack overnight to absorb odors. In the morning, pour in a cup of vinegar in the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot cycle.  This will keep your dishwasher fresh and extend your appliances useful life.

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WASHING MACHINES

Your washing machine can actually harbor some pretty nasty bacteria. Once a week or two, run an empty cycle with a cup of bleach. Some newer washing machines have a steam or allergen cycle that can help destroy bacteria as well. Like all appliances that have a gasket, make sure it stays dry so mold does not grow in its crevasses. Wipe it down from time to time with a watered down bleach solution, just be careful not to bleach any cloths.

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DRYERS

The hot air in a dryer may not always be enough to kill bacteria. Keeping your washer as sterile as possible helps in this case. Some newer dryers have a steam cycle that can help kill bacteria. If yours does not, you can use a steam cleaner to help reduce and bacteria in your cylinder. Also make sure you clean your lint trap after every load.

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AIR CONDITIONERS

Air conditioners with a decent filter are great at controlling particulates in air. A high quality filter can remove things like dust mites and fungal spores, as well as a variety of other allergens and particles. Besides cooling your home, the removal and reduction of allergens is a main task of your AC system. So, change the filter at least once a month. Make sure to dust you air intake grate, and add a splash of bleach to your drain line from time to time to help prevent buildup.

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STOVES/RANGES

Splatters and food spills need to be cleaned up immediately or they will provide a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Stove tops should be cleaned after each use by wiping them down with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the front of the unit down once a week, which will also help remove any fingerprints on the glass. Wipe any spills inside your oven as soon as it cools. Run your oven cleaning cycle a few times a year according to your manufacturer’s specifications. If your heating elements are in bad shape and cannot be cleaned, All Appliance Parts can order new elements which will make your stove look like new.

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MICROWAVE OVENS

Almost everyday we use our microwaves, so they can get pretty dirty. After you clean the inside of the microwave, do not forget to clean the handle and the outside of your microwave. One method for cleaning the interior of your microwave involves using lemon slices in a bowl of water. Run it for 5 minutes, as the steam rises from the bowl it will help loosen any dried on grim. Then use a sponge or cloth to wipe your microwave clean.

Bonus Tip: Microwaving a damp sponge for 1-2 minutes in your microwave can sterilize the sponge. Keeping bacteria from transferring is a big part of keeping your appliances clean.

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REFRIGERATORS

Your fridge is a hot bed for bacteria, dust and mold. Spills should always be wiped up immediately and once a week you should throw out any expired food. Wipe the exterior with a cleaner your manufacturer has expressed is safe. Clean the shelves and surfaces with a mild antibacterial cleaner. Wipe around your water and ice dispenser with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold growth and replace your water filter every six months. Once a month vacuum as much dust as you can from your fridges air intake.

It may seem like a lot of work, but if you keep on top of it your appliances will serve you well for years to come. This will also keep you aware of any problems that may arise with your appliances. If they do, stop by All Appliance Parts. We can get you the parts you need to get you back in the game.