If your microwave gets a lot of use, chances are it needs a bit of a clean. And getting it a shiny as the day it came out of the box is easier than you think
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreCleaning your appliances is easier than you think(Image: Getty Images)
What state is your microwave in? How about your washing machine? We use our household appliances all the time to cook with, clean with, wash with… but one thing we often forget to do entirely is to clean THEM. “Spring cleaning is the ideal opportunity to give your home the once over and what better place to start than with the appliances that do all the heavy lifting? For the most part, all you’ll need is vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, water, soap, an old toothbrush, a microfibre cloth, appliance-friendly bowls and a lemon,” says Nick Small, AO.com’s appliance expert.
Washing machine – “Your washing machine is probably the easiest appliance to begin with. Pop two glasses of vinegar into your detergent drawer and run this on a hot setting. The cycle will deep clean your machine without you having to lift a finger. Once completed, run a hot water cycle to remove any residual vinegar from your washing machine.”
Tumble dryer – “Your tumble dryer is a bit more fiddly but still easy thanks to vinegar. Use a vinegar/ water mix to wipe clean any stains on the drum and use a microfibre cloth to wipe down any areas like the door seal, or raised ridges where lint can collect. Finally, give your vacuum a whirl to hoover up any lint from your dryer’s filter.”
Microwave – “There’s a very nifty way to clean your microwave that involves a bowl of water with a chopped-up lemon. Place this mix into your microwave and pop the appliance on for five minutes. Once this is done and the bowl of water can safely be removed, wipe down the interior for a quick and easy clean.”
Placing lemons inside a bowl of water will help clean your microwave(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Dishwasher – “Cleaning your dishwasher becomes a doddle when you add vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to the mix. Empty your dishwasher and wipe down the spray arms and racks with soapy water. Place a bowl with the vinegar/ bicarbonate mix on the top shelf and run a hot cycle to leave your appliance fresher than ever.”
Electronic devices – “Did you know, devices like your mobile phone are often overlooked yet sometimes carry the most germs? Use spring cleaning to tackle this by wiping with a microfibre cloth and leave this to air dry for about five minutes. You should also use the same method on things like your TV remote and computer mouse – other overlooked devices.” Thankfully, the very latest phones are as streamlined as they are chic, therefore easy to keep clean and hygienic – thus extending their life. Try the exceptional Google Pixel 10 Pro, from £999 or £27.75/month with 36-month financing.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Oven – “Cleaning your oven is a daunting task for many, yet very easy to do once you’re in the know. Mix bicarbonate of soda evenly with water and spread this paste on your oven’s interior. Let this sit overnight before taking a damp cloth to it the following morning. For stubborn grime you can once again turn to vinegar to help clean your oven.”
Fridge – “To give your fridge the thorough clean it deserves, begin by emptying all shelves and get rid of any food that has expired. Clean all shelves using soapy water and wipe down your fridge’s interior with either disinfectant wipes, or by mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of soda together. Be sure to dry everything thoroughly before popping any food back in.”
Vacuum cleaner – “Your vacuum cleaner deserves as much TLC as you can provide between cleans. To do so, take apart your vacuum and wipe down every nook and cranny with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the overlooked bristles and pull any hair, debris or dust free before reassembling your vacuum.” Try the Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which is currently on sale for £239 at AO. It features the very latest tech, which automatically de-tangles hair from the brush bar as you clean. Genius!
Dyson V8™ Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner at AO
Toaster – “Decrumbing your toaster should be a priority this spring and its straightforward to do. Turn your toaster upside down and shake free the loose crumbs or remove the crumb tray if this is an option. Then, you can use an old toothbrush to loosen crumbs from those hard-to-reach spots and be sure to wipe down your toaster’s exterior with a damp cloth.”
Kettle – “Descaling your kettle is another quick win to help complete the kitchen appliance spring clean. Fill your kettle halfway with an equal solution of water and vinegar. Bring this to boil and allow this to sit overnight to break down any limescale. In the morning, rinse your kettle thoroughly to remove any lingering vinegar.”
