Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

Kitchen Refrigerator Maintenance

Refrigerators take a lot of use and abuse. One of the first areas to inspect on a refrigerator when getting ready to perform some kitchen appliance maintenance is the rubberized gasket seals around the doors and drawers. Often they start to peel away or crack. When this happens the refrigerator ends up working overtime and thus reduces its life. If the gasket seals are cracked replace them as soon as possible. Also, clean the gasket seals regularly. Often food products end up on them making them sticky which can help lead to them breaking.

Use a mild household detergent and cloth to clean them. Finally, pull the refrigerator out and vacuum around and underneath it. Also vacuum the refrigerant coils to remove any dust from them. Dust that collects on them causes the refrigerator to work harder and thus reduces the life of your refrigerator. Stove and Oven Maintenance Make sure to wipe down the top of your stove with a mild dish detergent and cloth after every use. If your oven has a self cleaning function use it regularly to remove any baked on food from it.

If the oven does not have a self cleaning mechanism than place a shallow pan of ammonia in the oven over night and then clean the oven the next morning. The ammonia will help break down the baked on food and grime. Use mineral oil and a damp cloth to clean and shine the glass and windows on the stove/oven.

Dishwasher Maintenance To maintain the dishwasher make sure to always rinse your dishes prior to putting them into the dishwasher. Also inspect and clean the gaskets regularly looking for any leaks or damage to them. Finally, at least monthly use a lemon based dishwasher cleaner to keep the inside of your dishwasher sparkling. Garbage Disposal Maintenance Make sure to use your garbage disposal regularly, including turning it on every time you put food debris in it. Also, periodically run a lemon through the garbage disposal. The acidic lemon juice will help clean and sharpen the garbage disposal blades.

Microwave Maintenance

Every time you use your microwave inspect that it is still clean. If you see any food debris in it wipe it down with a mild dish detergent and damp cloth. Make sure to remove the tray periodically and clean it and the bottom of the microwave. Also, boil a water/lemon mixture occasionally in the microwave to help clean and make the inside of your microwave sparkle. The lemon will also help to break down any stuck on food so that you can more easily wipe it away.