You may have already started cleaning up your house, from the interiors to the garden, from the rooms to the gutters. But, have you included your appliances?
We often forget to clean our appliances simply because we don’t have the time. It just takes too much time to clear them of all the dirt and grime that have accumulated over the past days (or weeks). But be warned: forgoing cleaning your appliances can make them breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. This, in turn, could lessen their efficiency, which means they would need to use up more energy and therefore, increase your monthly electrical bills.
To ensure the cleanliness of your home appliances, here is a schedule that you can follow.
Washing machine
Bacteria, fecal germs, and other viruses could survive in washing machines, especially if you do not use bleach when doing your laundry. To keep them away, you can create a mixture of water and a cup of bleach and run an empty cycle weekly. You can also help keep your washing machine clean and free of contaminants by opening the lid between uses to dry out the inside of the machine completely.
Dishwasher
While it seems weird to wash your dishwasher, unnoticed and discarded food laden with bacteria could wind up getting trapped inside and in turn, create foul odors that could affect the machine’s effectivity. Remove the washer’s drain and clear it of debris and any food particles, and then wipe it off. This will help prevent any clogging in the drain. Clean it once every four weeks with a mixture of water and vinegar and run it on a normal cycle to kill bacteria and germs.
Air-conditioner
Air-conditioners not only keep us comfortable by regulating air circulation, but it also reduces particles like dust mites, fungal spores, and other allergens. It is important to keep the filter clean by changing it once it is clogged. Call for an air duct cleaning service in Denver, Colorado regularly to ensure that the air you breathe is fresh.
Stove
We tend to neglect our stoves, so you may expect to see a build-up of food and splatters. These food splatters are a good medium for microbes to grow in. After every use, wipe your stove with a clean rag and all-purpose cleaner. Once a week, clean the stove front. Once a month, clean the stove’s interior to dislodge and remove burnt food.
Microwave oven
Microwave ovens tend to be one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen. Often, you may find food splatters in its interior caused by the food heating up too much. As with the stove, these splatters may have microbes growing on them. So, always wipe the interior with a clean cloth or sponge. If there is stubborn grime or grease, heat water in a microwave-safe bowl to create steam, which will help loosen the grime. Do this every week or month, depending on how frequently you use the microwave.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator is a breeding ground for germs that like the cool temperature. Once a week, the fridge must be wiped clean and sanitized. Wipe up any spills on the spot to prevent bacteria growth. Once a month, clean it out extensively to remove any expired foods, wipe down the shelves, and keep the interior clean.
Now that you have an idea of when to clean each of your home appliances, stick to this plan to ensure their efficiency. This way, you can be sure to enjoy your appliances for more years to come.