How to show your appliances some extra love

This past year we've all made a few changes to our daily lives, but one thing has remained constant— your appliances. It's easy to forget these machines are working hard in the background, but they're always helping to keep your household running smoothly. In the spirit of spring cleaning, let’s give some extra love to our dedicated appliances, so they can keep performing at their best. Here are spring cleaning must- dos from Maytag appliance experts.

• Refrigerators will benefit from regular cleaning every three months, inside and out. This helps maximize storage while maintaining a fresh environment for your groceries. Wipe down all surfaces and skip the harsh chemicals. Try white vinegar and baking soda to keep out chemical smells.

• A dirty oven not only looks bad but can cause unpleasant smells in the kitchen. Clean every part of your oven by removing all racks and soaking in hot, soapy water to remove any leftover food and grease. Next create a spreadable paste of baking soda and water and cover the entire inside cavity. After 20 minutes, spray with lemon juice or vinegar and wipe with a damp cloth until clean. Maytag cleaning experts actually advise against chemical oven cleaners, as these products contain harsh chemicals and release fumes that can linger in your oven long after cleaning is done.

• Clean clothes require having a clean washer. FClean the tub, clean the dispensers, clean in and around the door and lastly clean the outside.

• Dryers produce a lot of lint, and without proper cleaning can become a fire hazard due to reduced airflow and overheating. Clean the lint screen after every use and the vent screen at least every two years.