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Proper kitchen appliance maintenance is important for your well-being. Every small appliance has a control panel or handle that gets touched frequently, accumulating body oils and bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, mould, and yeast. Inside the appliances, where food and drinks are made, these organisms can also thrive and cause digestive problems or worse. So, tell me are your kitchen appliances truly clean and free of bacteria?
Here’s what ourvillas has to say about kitchen appliance maintenance and how you can clean them.
What is Kitchen Appliance Maintenance?
Kitchen appliance maintenance is the most important part of any household chore; (which is often overlooked.) It saves maintaining clean kitchen appliances from wear and tears plus it helps them to perform better. From cleaning your refrigerator to the dishwasher it is important to have regular maintenance to make sure they are working properly. A lot of people tend to forget that a lot of grease collects overtime which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.
Different Types of Kitchen Appliances
There are many different types of kitchen appliances that we use on a daily basis. But, when was the last time you cleaned it? I’m not necessarily talking about the fridge or the dishwasher but the small kitchen appliance maintenance is needed for machines we use everyday. Here are a few you’ve probably overlooked this week:
Coffee Machine
Don’t we all love a good fresh pot of coffee in the morning? Whether you are using a drip coffee machine, french press or an espresso machine it should definitely be cleaned regularly for coffee to taste fresh and also to prevent bacteria growth. Because coffee machines use moisture and warmth it can often be the best place for mould to grow in.
How to Clean Your Coffee Machine?
- Remove all parts of the coffee maker to clean away coffee grounds and oils.
- Hand wash the parts with warm, soapy water.
- Empty water reservoirs and drip trays.
- Wipe down the outside of the coffee maker and warm plates with a damp cloth.
- Leave the reservoir lid open to let the area dry thoroughly between uses.
- Fill the reservoir with equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water.
- Let the solution sit in the coffee maker for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Run a brewing cycle with the vinegar solution.
- Run two full brewing cycles with plain distilled water.
- Your coffee maker will be clean and ready to brew great coffee.
Blender, Food Processor or Juicer
Clean small kitchen appliance maintenance like the Nutribullet Pro, the Black+Decker 8-cup food processor, or a juicer, you know that food and liquid can splatter everywhere, especially if you forget the lid. Luckily, these kitchen appliance maintenance are easy to clean because they can do most of the work for you.
How to Clean Your Blender, Food Processor or Juicer?
- After each use, rinse the blender or juicer cup with plain water.
- Fill the cup halfway with warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid.
- Blend the soapy water for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Pour the solution over the lid as you empty the cup in the sink.
- Disassemble the blades and lid parts.
- Rinse them well with hot water and let them air dry completely before reassembling.
- Unplug the machine and wipe down the outside of the base with a clean cloth.
- For hard-to-reach spaces between buttons or knobs, use a clean, soft toothbrush dipped in warm water with a drop of dishwashing liquid to remove particles.
- Wipe down with a clean cloth dipped in plain water and allow to air-dry.
Grill, Panini Press, or Waffle Maker
The nonstick surface is a key feature of waffle makers, electric grills, and panini presses. Clean small kitchen appliance maintenance prevents cross-contamination from food bacteria and preserves the nonstick finish for years.
How to Clean the Grill, Panini Press, or Waffle Maker?
- Unplug the appliance immediately after use.
- Wet several paper towels and use metal tongs to wipe down the hot grill or press.
- When the appliance is completely cool, mix one cup of warm water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid.
- Dampen a clean, soft cloth with soapy water and wipe the entire cooking surface and any outside surfaces.
- Use a clean soft toothbrush to clean crevices if there’s excessive grease buildup.
- NEVER use a scrubbing pad or sharp tool on a nonstick surface.
- Rinse with another cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.
- For kitchen appliance maintenance with removable plates and drip trays, wash them in hot, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher
Microwave
If you have a combination microwave and range hood vent mounted over your stovetop, don’t forget to clean the hood and filter kitchen appliance maintenance to remove greasy residue. Splatters happen. The easiest way to clean the inside of a microwave is to let it do the work.
How to Clean the Microwave?
- Fill a microwave-safe container with at least one cup of water.
- Heat the water until it boils, then turn off the microwave.
- Keep the door closed for at least 15 minutes.
- The steam will loosen food particles, making them easy to wipe away without scrubbing.
Stand or Portable Mixer
A portable or stand mixer is nearly essential if you prepare food often. The danger comes if food particles get caught in the blades or beaters.
How to Clean the Stand or Portable Mixer?
- Ourvillas recommend you to fill a bowl with warm water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid, then run the mixer for 15 seconds to loosen the food.
- For the safest cleaning, disassemble and hand wash non-electrical parts in hot soapy water, or place them in the dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Unplug the kitchen appliance maintenance outside with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water.
- Rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean between buttons or crevices.
- Check and clean the motor ventilation slots to prevent overheating.
Toaster Oven or Toaster
Crumbs and built-up grease can cause fires; so it’s important to clean toaster ovens and slice toasters frequently.
How to Clean the Toaster Oven or Toaster?
- After each use, unplug the appliance and open the trap doors or shake it upside down over the sink or trash can to remove loose crumbs.
- For toaster ovens, wash the removable tray or toasting rack in hot soapy water, rinse, and let them air dry after each use.
- At least once a week, unplug the appliance and wipe down the interior and exterior with a soft cloth dipped in hot, soapy water, avoiding the heating elements.
- Use a clean, soft toothbrush to reach any tight crevices.
- Rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water and allow to air dry for at least 10 minutes before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my coffee maker?
It’s good to clean your coffee maker after every use. This helps remove coffee oils and keeps it tasting fresh.
What’s the best way to clean a blender or juicer?
After using, rinse the cup with water, then fill halfway with warm, soapy water and blend for a few seconds. Rinse well and let parts air dry before reassembling.
How do I clean a nonstick waffle maker or grill?
Right after using, unplug it and wipe with wet paper towels. When cool, wipe with a damp cloth and soapy water. Avoid using scrubbing pads on the nonstick surface.
Can I put my appliance parts in the dishwasher?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some parts, like plates and trays, can be washed in the dishwasher, but others may need hand washing. Always follow the guidelines to keep your appliance in good shape.