Gunky To Gleaming: How To Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances can accumulate grime over time which can cause them to develop an unpleasant smell, stop working efficiently and even become a health hazard. Below are some tips on how to keep 7 of the most common kitchen appliances clean.

Refrigerator

Keeping your fridge fresh and clean is essential for preventing food contamination. Every few weeks, empty the contents of your fridge and wipe down the shelves and inside walls to get rid of any spillages or crumbs. Make sure to also clean the seals as gunk can build up here too. Warm water and baking soda makes an excellent DIY cleaning solution, while vinegar can be used to get rid of tough stains. 

Oven

Ovens are notoriously hard to clean – they’re awkward to get into and burnt grease can often become hardened over time, making it hard to shift. While baking soda and water can be used to get rid of most residue, you may need to buy a commercial cleaner to hit those tough spots. Alternatively, hire a professional company like Oven Rescue to come round every so often and give your oven a deep clean. 

Dishwasher

Your dishwasher requires its own cleaning cycle. In fact, cleaning this appliance regularly can extend its life. A popular way to remove the buildup from a dishwasher is to run it on empty with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short hot cycle for deodorising your appliance. Removing and cleaning the filter on a monthly basis is also recommended.  

Washing machine

If your washing machine is starting to smell, it’s due a deep clean. How do you clean a washing machine? Run a hot cycle with two cups of vinegar to help break down soap scum. Then use a cloth to wipe down the detergent drawer, the door and the seal. To prevent mould building up in your washer, always leave the door open after use.

Tumble dryer

Thoroughly cleaning your tumble dryer is essential for preventing fires. You should ideally clean out the lint trap after every use. If your dryer has an exhaust vent, this needs to be cleaned out too with a brush kit every so often (there are professionals that can do this for you). If your dryer is giving off odors, try running a cycle with damp towels and vinegar to neutralise it.

Microwave

Does the inside of your microwave look like a Jackson Pollock painting? A popular trick to get rid of hardened splattered food is to heat a bowl full of water with lemon slices for 5 minutes. After this, wipe the interior with a sponge – you should find that much of the gunk comes straight off. The turntable can meanwhile be washed by hand or cleaned in the dishwasher.

Kettle

Finally, let’s discuss how to descale that kettle. Limescale is a very stubborn beast, however it can often be shifted by filling the kettle with water and vinegar, boiling it and then letting it sit for 30 minutes (check out this guide at Good Food). To prevent future mineral build-up, empty and dry your kettle after each use. 

Extra Kitchen Appliance Cleaning Tips

• Clean little and often rather than waiting for heavy build-up. A quick weekly wipe-down can prevent deep cleans later.

• Always unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards.

• Check manufacturer guidelines before using harsh cleaners, especially on non-stick or stainless steel surfaces.

• Wipe appliance exteriors regularly, as handles and buttons often collect grease and bacteria from hands.

• Use microfibre cloths for streak-free cleaning on stainless steel and glass surfaces.

• Avoid overusing detergent in washing machines and dishwashers — excess soap leads to residue and odours.

• Ventilate your kitchen well during and after cooking to reduce grease settling on appliances.

• Schedule seasonal deep cleans (every 3–6 months) for appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and fridges.

• Keep natural cleaners on hand (vinegar, baking soda, lemon) for quick, safe cleaning solutions.

• Replace filters when needed, especially in appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and extractor fans.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.