Clean sweep
How often should we clean household appliances? Sam Wylie-harris gets advice from the experts
Cleaning isn’t exactly fun, but grime and bacteria can build really up inside your appliances.
“The most important tip is to make sure you check your operating manual, as advice may vary depending on the make and model,” says Rosie Clarke, product training manager at Miele gb (miele.co.uk).
To get you started, here are some expert-recommended guidelines...
Dishwashers
“For dishwashers, the filter should be checked after every use to remove food deposits, pips or bone fragments, and rinsed if it looks clogged or dirty. A dishwasher cleaning product should be run through on a hot wash once every few months to clear fat build-up in the pipes,” advises Rosie.
Also once a month, check the spray arms. “If you spot any gunk clinging to the rubber nozzles, wipe it away with an old toothbrush and vinegar, while also giving the arms a good wipe to remove any residue,” adds Richard Howarth, large appliance expert at Ao.com
Washing machines
Rosie recommends regularly running a hot wash – above 60 degrees – to avoid oils building up. “Use biological washing powder in an empty machine once a month unless you regularly run hot washes for things like towels,” she suggests.
“The door seal should also be cleaned and wiped down after every wash, and the drain filter checked and cleaned once a month.”
Tumble dryers
“The filters should be cleared of visible fluff after every cycle, and washed regularly in warm water to remove additional build-up. The regularity depends on the level of use, but many dryers will have indior cator lights to show when filters need cleaning,” notes Rosie.
Ovens
Ovens should be cleaned once a month – or more regularly if you’re an avid cooker, says Richard. “Take out oven shelves and soak in warm water and a dedicated oven cleaner, making sure to follow the instructions. You can always pop your oven racks in a dishwasher if they’ll fit.
“Similarly, using an oven cleaner, wipe down the inside of the oven. The door can be easily cleaned using bicarbonate of soda and water mixed into a paste. Rub onto the door and leave for 20 minutes, before wiping off with a damp cloth. Modern ovens feature pyrolytic selfcleaning functions, so it’s something to look out for if you hate cleaning the oven!”
Fridge freezers
“If you like lots of fresh, unpackaged foods, it might be more suitable to deep clean your fridge every month. However, if you’ve lots of bottled or packaged foods, it might not require a deep clean for three to six months,” says Richard.
“First, take out the salad drawers and shelves, and allow to warm up to room temperature – especially important if you have glass drawers shelves. Clean them with washing-up liquid and leave to dry, or pop them in the dishwasher if they fit.
“Using baking soda and vinegar, or warm water and lemon, wipe down the inside of the fridge and all shelves in the door too. Then, get a damp cotton bud to clean where the shelves rest and the corners of the door shelves, to get into those hardto-reach places. Dry fully with a tea towel or kitchen roll, before putting everything back inside.”
Microwaves
Richard says we should be deep cleaning our microwaves once a month. A good way is to fill a microwavable bowl half full with water and a couple of tablespoons of baking soda.
“Pop the microwave on for three minutes, allow to cool for a minute and wipe the inside with a clean cloth,” he says.
“To freshen up and remove odours, it’s a similar process: [get] a bowl of water, a good squeeze of lemon and a small amount of white wine vinegar, and pop the microwave on for a minute. Wipe the residue away or leave to air dry fully before closing the door. Use a dedicated stainless steel or all-purpose cleaner for the outside, to keep the handle and buttons clean.”