The saying goes, 'you can't pour from an empty cup'. As it turns out, you also can't get the best from the workhorse appliances in your home unless you give them some TLC every now and then too.
We often underestimate the amount of joy that comes from appliances just reliably working every time we need them. If you've ever had your washing machine spontaneously stop working on wash day when you have not a single sock left, and your only option is to cancel your Sunday plans to walk in a huff down to the somewhat archaic and fluorescently lit laundromat. Well, you know just how devastating it is.
To save you from getting hung out to dry on wash day or starting a fire when you're the one on Sunday dinner, we've made a helpful list to remind you of the things you should be cleaning often (but maybe aren't.)
Cue the spring cleaning montage.
1. The fridge
Why?
It's the one appliance that prevents hanger. So show it the respect it deserves. Consistent upkeep can help curb food wastage and prevent spilled sauces and forgotten leftovers from taking on a mouldy life of their own.
How?
Take everything out, remove the drawers and shelves and wash them down with hot soapy water.
How often?
Every 3-4 months.
2. The oven
Why?
Two words: Fire. Hazard. Dirty ovens and leftover grease can ignite if not taken care of. Not to mention smoking grease can impart an unwanted taste into anything you make.
How?
One of the favourite new ways we've heard is using water and lemons:
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Grab a pan, fill it with water and add the juice of two lemons.
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Add the lemon halves into the pan and put the pan into a hot oven (180 degrees)
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You want the water in the pan to boil. The steam loosens the grime and grease, making it easy to wipe down (once the oven has cooled!)
How often?
Every 3 months.
3. The washing machine
Why?
Clean machines clean things better. And washing machines, especially front loaders, are prone to bacteria and limescale buildup. This buildup can give your machine that gross, damp washing smell, as well as clog and erode the inner parts of your machine.
How?
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Add either a pre-made machine wash like our fabulous Machine Drum Wash, or your favourite natural grime fighter (like vinegar) into the drawer of your machine or directly in the tub.
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Run a hot cycle, or a tub clean cycle if your machine is extra fancy.
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Empty the filter of your machine, which is usually found on the front of your washer, by the floor.
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Clean the outside parts of your machine with warm soapy water. This is the door, door seal, the tub and the detergent drawer.
How often?
Every month.
4. The dryer
Why?
Dirty dryers are a serious hazard. You need to keep it lint-free to prevent fires, and to keep the internal components clean so they work efficiently.
How?
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Unplug the machine and clean the exterior including knobs and buttons, with a lint-free cloth and soapy water.
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Remove the lint trap, empty it and wash it with warm, soapy water. An old toothbrush works really well to dislodge any stubborn grime.
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Clean the drum by removing anything wedged in the fins (a known hiding place for hairballs). Remove any scuffs or sticky residue with a paste of baking soda and water.
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Wipe the drum down with soapy water.
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Clean the vent hose using a lint brush or vacuum.
How often?
Clean with lint screen after every load. Deep clean it every 6 months.
5. The dishwasher
Why?
To keep the germs at bay and maintain the efficiency of the machine. A dirty dishwasher is like trying to wash the dishes in a food fight.
How?
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Clean the dishwasher filter.
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Pour white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup
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Place the cup upright on an empty dishwashers top rach.
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Run a full, hot cycle.
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Next, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the tub and run a half-cycle with hot water to deodorise it.
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Leave the dishwasher open for a few hours to air out completely.
How often?
Every month.