Challenge #5: Spring Cleaning Our Kitchen Appliances

We are going to "pamper" those hard working appliances that make life so much easier in the kitchen. - Cindy

This is a long list! DON'T try and do it all on the same day! EEKS! Print out the list and hang it on the fridge. Take the rest of the week to work on this. Cross off each item as it gets done.

This list is broken down by appliance. Ask your spouse, partner or older kids to choose an appliance and help out. Put your kids in charge of choosing some great spring-cleaning music. Please don't redo any of the work that they do. It may not have been done as well as you would have liked, but it was done and they helped. Next time, they will do it better. We all get a chance to learn. When my kids were really little, their job was to go through the cupboard with the plastic containers and match the containers with the lids. By the time they were done playing, making music, sorting, and matching, I was usually done what I wanted to finish in the kitchen. Congratulate your kids on "helping" you out and put the matched plastic-ware back into the cupboard.

We have all paid a lot of money for the large and small appliances in our kitchens. We expect that they should last a long time. When we use them, we are SHOPPING at home FIRST, and we are saving money.

With a little bit of "pampering," not only do they look good, they should work better and more efficiently (which keeps more money in our jeans!).

If you happen to come across an unused, unloved appliance or other kitchen gadget-gidget that was one of those "what was I thinking" IMPULSE buys, then feel free to get it out of your cupboards and out of your kitchen. Make room for the tools that you really use. Get rid of the ones that are just taking up room. Add them to your garage sale or donation pile.

Once you rediscover the things that you do love in your kitchen, you will start using them again! SHOP at home FIRST!

Time to start this challenge: Fill your sink up with hot soapy water. Dig out a couple dishclothes, some window cleaner, an old toothbrush, and a couple rags (we are going to make our appliances shine!).

The Oven:

"Oh no, not the oven! Please, not the oven!" My apologies LOL, but if your oven hasn't been tackled since before Thanksgiving (or earlier), then now is as good a time as any. Besides, Easter is coming up. Wouldn't it be nice to put your Easter dinner into an oven that shines?

There are two kinds of ovens: Self-Cleaning and "self" cleaning. I have owned both. Our original "self" clean belonged to my parents for 25 years and then to my husband and me for another 15. This 40-year old brute of a machine cooked many pots of porridge and many holiday turkeys. After having its elements replaced several times, it finally died a couple years ago. THIS was the original "SELF" clean oven. I had to clean it MYSELF! I have to admit, this was done very reluctantly (usually the day before my parents or my in-laws were coming for supper – and then supper always smelled suspiciously like oven cleaner…)

So, if you have the original "SELF" clean oven, dig out the stinky oven cleaner and spray it in. Close the door. Open the kitchen windows. Let it sit for as long as the instructions on the bottle say.

If you have the newer SELF-clean oven, turn on the switch and let it do its thing. While our ovens are cooking, let's move onto the other appliances….

The Exhaust Fan Over the Stove

Have you noticed that your exhaust fan isn't pulling out the kitchen cooking smells as well as you would like it to? You may have a grease buildup on the filters. Before you read any further, take a look at your exhaust fan. I was shocked to see what ours looked like! Blech! If you are unsure how to clean the filters, read the instruction manual. Oh quit laughing LOL! If you can't find the instruction manual, check online for the model. If that doesn't work, call up your local appliance fix-it store. They may be able to tell you how to wash the filters.

1. The filter: My filter comes out very easily and I simply wash it in hot soapy water. It looks as good as new and only takes a couple minutes. Once it is dry, I put it back. If the filter is so disgusting that no amount of cleaning will make it functional again, add "filter" to your shopping list. What's the point of using an exhaust fan if the fumes can't make it past the filter?
   
   
2. The shell: Use hot soapy water and wash the outside shell of the exhaust fan. Look for a grease buildup in the cracks and crevices. Remember to wipe off the lights as well (ensure the bulb is cool first). This will brighten up your stove area! Are the bulbs burned out in your exhaust fan? Add them to your shopping list.
   
   
3. Let it shine! Use your window cleaner and shine up the outsides of your exhaust fan.

My exhaust filter before ICK!	My exhaust filter two minutes later (after an encounter with some hot soapy water)

The Stove Top:

Did you notice how we did the exhaust fan ABOVE the stove top before we did the stove top? Let's keep going. All of us have different stoves. Even my dark brown 40-year-old stove looked great after it was cleaned and shined.

Quick note before we start: My old stove was an electric stove with coil burners and a drip pan under each burner. My new stove is a glass top stove with the burners built in. I have no experience with gas stoves. So, if you have a gas stove, please clean it following the manufacturer's instructions.

1. The knobs, burners, and those plates under the burners: take these all off and dump them into the hot soapy water in your sink. Let them soak for a while.
   
   
2. The area around the knobs: use your hot soapy water and wash away all the tomato splatters and cooking juices. You may need to use your toothbrush to get into the cracks and crevices. I usually don't talk about special cleaners, but I have found that Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser ™ does a great job getting rid of greasy buildup. Even my forty-year old stove sparkled after I used this product (and no, I am not associated with the company).
   
   
3. The surface of the stove: wash down the top and the front of the stove. If the oven door is too hot to clean (because it is still being cleaned inside), save this step for later.
   
   
4. Go back to the knobs, burners, and drip pans: scrub them and get them clean. Dry them off and put them back onto the stove.
   
   
5. Use your window cleaner and wipe down the stove. Let it shine!
   
   
6. Quick note to those of you with a glass top: our manufacturer recommended a special cleaner to remove those cooked-on stains and yes, this special cleaner really does work. So, if your glass top is starting to look a little yucky, then call up the manufacturer and find out what they recommend to clean the top. Ours is a couple years old and still looks as good as new.

Microwave:

Put a cup of water into the microwave. If you have an orange or lemon that no one wants to eat, cut it into quarters and add it to the water. This will freshen up the smell inside. Turn the microwave on high for a couple of minutes to bring the water to a boil. Leave it alone for about ten minutes (go onto the next appliance). Don't open the door. Just let that hot water sit in the microwave and cool down. The hot water vapor is going to loosen up all those bits and pieces that are clinging on the walls. (Quick safety note: very clean, pure water can sometimes become "superheated" which means that it is slightly above boiling temperature. If you move the cup, it can boil over and cause burns. If you leave the cup alone and let it cool for about 10 minutes, this won't happen.)

Dishwasher:

This poor appliance gets the worst of our worst LOL! Every night we expect it to work miracles on our dirty supper dishes, pots, and pans. We expect it to "gently" wash our fine china and "scrub" our casserole dishes all at the same time. Today, we are going to return the favor and "pamper" our dishwasher. You may have to do a little bit of investigating to figure out how to do this…

1. Does your dishwasher have a filter or food trap? If yes, then figure out how to pull it out and clean it. Mine is at the bottom of the dishwasher. It collects all the noodles, the rice, the beans, and the other chunks that didn't get scraped off the dishes. Under the food trap, I have a second fine-mesh filter to remove the sludge (I have to remove the bottom spray bar to get at the second filter). When this filter is dirty, nothing comes clean in my dishwasher! It takes just a couple minutes to wash both the food trap and the filter in the hot soapy water. I have to use the toothbrush on the fine-mesh filter. If you can't figure out whether or not your dishwasher has a filter or how to remove the filter (and you can't find the instruction manual), call up your local appliance fix-it store. Tell them what you are trying to do and they should be able to give you instructions over the phone. Another idea is to do a search on the Internet for your dishwasher. You may be able to find online instructions. (Remember to reassemble ALL the pieces back into the dishwasher – please don't ask me how I know this. Big sigh….)
   
   
2. Rinse Agent: I haven't noticed that the rinse agent makes much difference in my dishwasher. So we don't use it. But, if rinse agents are important in your dishwasher, fill up the compartment.
   
   
3. The door and the seal. Use your hot soapy water and wash around the sides, top, and bottom of the door and the seal. Crunchies and spills seem to collect here.
   
   
4. Take a look inside your dishwasher: are the walls discolored? Do they need a wash as well? When our fine mesh filter is plugged, the walls get a thin brown film on them that has to be washed with hot soapy water (our dishwasher can't seem to clean this film off on its own).
   
   
5. The outside: Let's shine the outside. First, use the hot soapy water and wipe down the front of the door, the area around the knobs. You might need the toothbrush to get into some of the crevices. Remember to wipe down the piece at the bottom of the door. Then, use your window cleaner and make it shine!

Coffee Maker:

This is another one of those appliances that work hard for us every morning.

1. Unplug the coffee maker.
   
   
2. Hand-wash the coffee pot, the lid, and the filter. Use your hot soapy water and dishcloth to wash the coffee maker itself. It is amazing how much coffee film builds up on a coffee maker (look at the area where the water comes out). Remember to wipe down the counter UNDER the coffee maker.
   
   
3. Use your window cleaner and make it shine! (Here's a hint: when I am shining up my appliances, I do NOT spray window cleaner directly on the appliance. I don't want it to get into my food or drink. I spray it onto a clean rag and then use the rag to shine up the appliance)
   
   
4. Put back the coffee pot, lid, and filter. Now you are ready for a "fresh" pot of coffee!

Back to the Microwave:

1. By now, ten minutes should have passed. Remove the cup.
   
   
2. Put the glass tray into your sink with hot soapy water and let it soak.
   
   
3. Use your hot soapy water and dishcloth and wash out the inside of the microwave. Those chunks should just "slide" off. Rinse out your dishcloth with clean water and wipe out the microwave one more time. Does it shine?
   
   
4. Wash the glass tray, dry it off, and put it back into the microwave.
   
   
5. Now for the interesting part – dust bunny hunting!! Get someone to help you lift up the microwave. YIKES! Gather up all the marbles, puzzle pieces, and bread bag tags that have wandered underneath. Use your dishcloth and wipe up all the dust bunnies that are munching on the breadcrumbs!
   
   
6. Lastly, wipe off the top of the microwave, the sides, and the front. We try very hard to keep nothing on the top of our microwave. Unfortunately, it is a very handy landing spot for lunch bags, bread bags, important school papers, and clarinet reeds (what was that doing there?!). Get rid of the stuff on the top. We are pampering our appliances!
   
   
7. Use your window cleaner and make the outside shine!

The Oven:

Before we go any further, quickly check your oven. Is your "self" clean ready to be wiped out? If yes, then get it done. Please remember to keep a window open while doing this. Also run your exhaust fan over the stove. When I had to do this, I would only scrub a small section of the oven, then I would move away and get some fresh air. When you are done, take a break! You deserve it!! Congratulations. Cleaning a "self" clean stove is a major project.

The Refrigerator:

Don't run away now! Hee hee. I promise, we are only going to pamper the "outside" of the fridge (we'll save the inside for SHOPPING at home FIRST). Check the water in your sink – it is starting to look a little grimy and slimy? If yes, drain it out and start with some fresh hot soapy water. I usually dig out a clean dishcloth too. You are going to need your vacuum cleaner for this one!

1. Get everything off the top of the fridge and the front of the fridge. Yes, even the kid's artwork, the magnetic business cards, and last month's shopping list.
   
   
2. Now, pull the fridge out away from the wall. You may need a partner or neighbor to help you with this (we don't want any fridges tipping over – keep the kids away). Watch those dust bunnies dive for cover LOL!
   
   
3. Use your vacuum and suck up as many of the dust bunny families as you can. Don't be surprised to find the missing mailbox key and couple dog biscuits in the corner.
   
   
4. Take a peek at the coils at the back of your fridge. Are they covered in a layer of greasy dust? Use your vacuum and remove as much as possible. You may have to also use some hot soapy water. Your fridge is going to breathe a huge sigh of relief. It is hard work keeping your food cool when the coils are covered with yuck. The fridge will run more efficiently (and cheaper) now that it is clean. My fridge does not have coils at the back. I have to ensure that the bottom is free of dust bunnies and dog hair.
   
   
5. How does the floor look where the fridge was? Quit laughing, you are not alone! Grab a rag and quickly wash the floor. Check the sides of the fridge and any cabinets that are beside the fridge. Give them a quick wash too. It is amazing how many drips and dribbles find their way down the crack between the fridge, the cabinets and the walls.
   
   
6. All that's left is the top and the front. Quickly wash them down. Pay special attention to the handles. They collect a lot of "jammy fingerprints." The top may need a couple washes. Push the fridge back (do a quick double check to ensure it is still plugged in. Again, please don't ask me how I know this. Another big sigh!)
   
   
7. Use your window cleaner and give your fridge a shine! It deserves it!
   
   
8. As for all those magnets? Put back as few as possible. Your kitchen looks much larger and brighter when the fridge door isn't covered with a pile of stuff.

The Window Over the Kitchen Sink

I know the window isn't a kitchen appliance, but I love looking out my window when I am working in the kitchen. However, when the window is covered in sink splatters it is not pleasant. Time to let the spring sunshine in!

1. Take everything off the windowsill (even the watch battery, the dead plant, the screw from the unknown object, the rock from last month's hike, and the penny sitting in a blue-green vinegar solution? - sheesk!)
   
   
2. Remove the screen (if you have one). Take it to the bathtub and wash it off. I use an OLD rag since it tends to turn black from the screen. When I am done, I toss the rag into the trash.
   
   
3. Use your window cleaner and wash off all the splatters. Remember to wipe down the window frame and windowsill as well.
   
   
4. Put back the screen. Then put back the things you love onto the windowsill. I usually only try to keep my favorite water mug on the windowsill. It reminds me to grab a glass of water when I am in the kitchen (the penny and vinegar experiment is officially over LOL).
   
   
5. Here's a bonus if you have time: remove any curtains you have in the kitchen and toss them into the wash machine. They also get a greasy buildup during the winter. Look for dust bunnies that are hanging out on the curtain rods. When they are done, quickly iron them (my husband is going to laugh his head off when he reads this because he knows how little I like ironing LOL) and hang them up again.

Last but not least:

We have "pampered" all the appliances we keep in the open in our kitchen. We keep very little on our countertops – I need big space when I cook! Let's take one more quick peek in our kitchen for any remaining items to spring clean:

1. Do you have a ceiling fan in your kitchen? Wipe down the blades and get rid of any high-flying dust bunnies that have spun webs up there.
   
   
2. Are there any light fixtures in your kitchen? Give them a wash as well (remember to ensure the bulbs are cool). If you can, remove the "globe," wash it in the hot soapy water. Dry it off completely before you try to hang it up again. You don't want it to slip out of your hands (been there, done that).
   
   
3. Do you have any mats on the floor? Toss them into the wash and get them fresh for spring. Are the mats a little threadbare? Perhaps put a new mat on your shopping list. Find a cute one on sale.
   
   
4. How do the doors and handles on your cupboards look? If they are a little splattered, use some hot water and give them a quick wash. I usually get the kids to do the lower cabinet doors.
   
   
5. Do you have other items or knick-knacks on your kitchen counters. First off, see if you can get rid of any of them. Your kitchen is going to look much larger (and as a bonus, it is going to be much easier to keep clean!). Then wipe off the things that stay. Lift them up and wipe up any dust bunnies that are hiding underneath.
   
   
6. Wipe down the counters. Clean out the sink. Use some window cleaner and shine up the faucets and taps. Put the dish clothes and cleaning rags into the laundry. Put away any other cleaning supplies and you are done!
   
   
7. We have a white board and bulletin board with our family calendar on it next to the telephone. We also keep school newsletters and other papers on our bulletin board. This is a great time to go through the papers, update the calendar, and wipe down the white board and telephone.
   
   
8. Sweep the floors and give them a quick mop.
   
   
9. Whew! Done! Hot bubble bath, here I come! Enjoy a treat just for you. If your family helped out, go for a family treat. Perhaps a walk outside or a game of cards after supper.

WOW! How does your kitchen look? Does it shine? Take a picture of it now, because in just a couple hours it will be time to cook the next meal and you will feel like the spring- cleaning never happened. Your kitchen is not alone! We are supposed to make a mess in our kitchens. We are supposed to cook in our kitchens. We are supposed to let our kids make a mess in the kitchen (so one day they will cook in our kitchens LOL). After the meal, do the dishes, wipe off the table, the stove, and the countertops and your kitchen will look just as bright as it did a few hours ago.

Take care of you,
Cindy

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