How to Clean Small Kitchen Appliances
The average home or furnished apartment contains more than 100 different types of bacteria, and more than half of those are found in the kitchen. Small appliances, including blenders and mixers, are great for all kinds of kitchen tasks until they get dirty with food particles and build-up from greasy ingredients.
It’s easy to clean the outside of a small appliance in your kitchen, but it’s the inside that counts for sanitizing. We’ll show you how to clean and sanitize common small appliances like blenders, juicers, and coffee makers with some helpful tips below.
1. Coffee or Espresso Maker
No matter what variety of coffee makers you use, you should always be sure to clean them regularly. Since coffee makers are prone to moisture, they can quickly form bacteria and mold and attract pests.
You can start by removing all parts of your coffee maker to ensure thorough and proper cleaning. Handwash each part using warm and soapy water, or place them in your dishwasher.
Ensure that water reservoirs and drip trays are empty, and wipe the outside of your coffee maker using a damp cloth. It’s also vital to clean coffee makers with vinegar from time to time.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills germs as well as removes hard water stains and mineral deposits in your coffee maker. To clean your machine using vinegar, first fill up the water reservoir with a half-vinegar-and-half-water mixture.
Then turn on your coffee maker, and let it run halfway through the brewing cycle before turning it off again. After that, let it sit for an hour before resuming the brewing cycle until complete.
Discard all vinegar solution in the pot, and then brew a pot of fresh water afterward to remove any residual taste of vinegar in the machine.
2. Blender, Food Processor, or Juicer
Your blender, food processor, and juicer probably get more use than your other small kitchen appliances. That’s a good thing; it means you’re healthy.
But it also means these machines get gunked up with food residue quickly.
Not only is this unattractive, but it can also interfere with the performance of your appliance and make cleaning more difficult. Blenders, food processors, and juicers tend to splatter substances and liquids everywhere, making them more crucial to clean regularly.
Fortunately, it’s easy to clean these appliances.
The easiest way to clean them is by rinsing out your blender with water. Afterward, fill it with warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or soap.
Whirl it for at least 15 to 30 seconds before emptying the blender or processor. It’s also best to disassemble the appliance blades and lip parts to ensure thorough cleaning.
Rinse them in hot water, and air dry them first before assembling again. You may use a toothbrush dipped in warm water and liquid for hard-to-reach parts.
3. Microwave
If you have a microwave at home, you know it can quickly become grimy and messy. Like blenders and processors, microwaves are easy to clean, as they can clean themselves.
Just fill a microwave-safe container with a cup of water and keep the door closed for approximately 15 minutes. The steam will cause food particles to loosen and make them easier to wipe away without scrubbing.
You can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing vinegar with water or baking soda with water to remove any stubborn stains. You should clean microwaves approximately once a week or every time a spill or splatter occurs.
4. Toaster Oven or Toaster
Toasters are a common household appliance, but they can pose a fire risk if they’re not cleaned and maintained properly. Crumbs and built-up grease can catch fire, so cleaning toaster ovens and slice toasters is essential.
After usage, always unplug appliances, and use a damp and gentle cloth dipped in hot and soapy water for both interior and exterior parts. You may use a clean toothbrush to reach tight crevices.
Allow your toaster to air dry for approximately 10 minutes before using it.
If you don’t have time for a full cleaning but still want your toaster or toaster oven to look fresh, buy an all-purpose cleaner on your next payday and spray it. Immediately unplug it and wipe it down, and you can give it a thorough cleaning later.
If you find that you don’t have the time to clean your appliances yourself, you can always take advantage of cleaning services. These professionals help you get the job done.
For more home maintenance tips, feel free to visit this page.
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