Appliances working OT these days
Tips on caring for your products to keep them trouble-free during the pandemic
Carolyn Forte, director of home appliances and cleaning products at the Good Housekeeping Institute, shares advice on how to care for you hard-working appliances to keep them operating efficiently.
Q Since I’ve been working from home, I’ve been running the dishwasher multiple times a day. Any tips on keeping it running smoothly?
A Dishwashers are easy to clean, but they do need cleaning. Here’s what to do:
— If your filter comes out, remove it and rinse it under hot running water. Use a soft toothbrush to nudge off any stuck-on food bits.
— Always remove any food particles you see from the bottom of the dishwasher.
— While you don’t have to prerinse dishes, do run a rinse-only cycle if your dishes will be sitting in there awhile. This will keep odours down and make food easier to remove.
— Once per month, run a cleaning cycle with a product like Affresh or Cascade dishwasher cleaner. Both carry our Good Housekeeping Seal.
Q I have a top-load washing machine. There’s always residue right under the lip, where the water and detergent go. What’s the best way to remove it in the hard-to-reach spots?
A Most dispensers are removable for cleaning, so I would do that. To get under the rim, there are washing-machine cleaning wipes, like Affresh, that make it easy to clean tight spaces. Also, you can run a full-machine cleaning cycle with a cleaning tablet, powder or bleach in an empty machine using hot water.
Q I’m preparing food about four times more than usual at home. I’m using a ceramic skillet to prepare meat, eggs and whatever else is needed. Food isn’t getting stuck to it, but it’s getting some black streaks from use. How do I clean the streaks?
A If you are using metal utensils, they may be causing the black marks. To remove them, try sprinkling on some baking soda and scrubbing the pan with a delicate scrubbing sponge. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and should be able to remove these marks without damaging the pan. It may take several applications.
Q I noticed my Kitchenaid refrigerator’s auto temperature was warmer than usual the other night. I freaked out, thinking it was going to crash. I then realized it was from us opening it so much while being home. I have been remiss in vacuuming the coils but am leery to pull it out now, while it’s fully stocked, to do that cleaning.
A Refrigerator temperatures fluctuate based on when the defrost cycle kicks in. You may have opened it just at that time. I’ve done that myself and got a little worried, too. It is best to keep the door closed as much as possible and ask family not to stand in front of it with the door open while deciding what they want to eat. Vacuuming the coils is the right move. Maybe when your stock goes down a bit, you can pull it out to clean it. Keep an eye on the temperature. If it continues to rise, you may have to call for service.
Q Our front-loading washing machine is going all the time. Do we need to keep the door open when it’s not in use to prevent mould?
A We recommend keeping front-loading washer doors open or drying out at least the rubber door gasket to keep mould and odours down. Running a monthly cleaning cycle helps, too. Of course, if you have young children or pets, make sure you make this area off limits to them when you do this. New to the market and a new GH Seal holder is the GE washer with ultrafresh vent. It’s an option that comes
on at the end of a cycle to pull in fresh air to dry the drum without having to leave the door open.
Q Everybody is piling their dishes in the dishwasher and I’m not sure they’re getting cleaned well. What tips can I give my family for proper dishwasher loading?
A Remember, it won’t get clean if the water can’t reach it. Here are some tips: face the dirty sides of dishes toward the centre where the spray is strong; put forks up and knives down and spoons up and down to prevent nesting; and make sure bowls and cups are tilted, upside down and not blocking other items.
Q What cleaner should I use on my granite counters? I don’t have any Lysol or Clorox wipes or spray.
A We usually recommend cleaning granite with a product that is safe for the stone, such as Weiman granite cleaner, but I’m sure you’re looking for a way to disinfect. You can safely use a mix of 1/2 cup Clorox bleach in one gallon of water in place of wipes or spray. Apply the mixture to sealed granite with a cloth and allow it to remain wet for five minutes to disinfect and then let it air dry. Since counters can be food-contact surfaces, rinse the counter again with clear water and let it air dry again.
Q Can the coronavirus live in our refrigerators? Do I really have to wipe down every yogurt container?
A While we don’t know exactly where the virus survives, taking extra precautions isn’t a bad idea and will likely make you feel better, even though it’s unlikely you’ll get sick from touching grocery items. You can wash cans, jars, bottles and many other packages with a sudsy cloth. Rinse and then dry them with a paper towel. Just like washing your hands, this will help remove any germs and residues that may concern you.
Q I always leave the door of my front-loading washing machine wide open after every load. But the other day I noticed that there’s mould around the water nozzle at the front/top of the inside. The gasket around the door (on the machine side) also folds in. I ran a damp cloth around it the other day and it was filled with black and gunky stuff, which I assume was mould. I run a cleaner every month then run an empty load or two with hot water. Can you help?
A The gaskets, dispensers and nozzles are particularly problematic when it comes to mould in front-load washers. Cleaning cycles and products work well in the drum and internal parts, but may not reach some of these crevices. Unfortunately, it seems like with your machine the best thing to do is dry out the gasket with a cloth after you have finished doing laundry for the day. Also, wipe around the nozzle and every few weeks take out the dispenser drawer and give it a good scrubbing, too. It’s extra work, but will keep mould from forming.
Q I’ve never replaced the water filter in my fridge and it’s three years old. Should I just remove it? All it’s used for is ice and I refuse to pay those high prices for it.
A It really is important to change the filter. I’m sure you want your ice to be as pure as possible. And don’t be tempted to buy no-name or unbranded filters online, even if they are advertised as being able to work in your fridge. Counterfeit filters can be not only ineffective but may also add chemicals to the water that shouldn’t be there. Always buy your filter from your refrigerator’s manufacturer.
The Washington Post