From stove to toaster: cleaning kitchen appliances properly

For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home alongside the living room: a room where we prepare and enjoy delicious food in company. Many indispensable helpers make our work easier. In order to enjoy them for longer, we should clean our kitchen appliances regularly and take good care of them.

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Regular maintenance is worthwhile, as it keeps household appliances in good condition and ensures that they work reliably every day.

Cleaning the dishwasher

Clean the lower sieves approximately every two weeks with a dishwashing brush and hot water. Remove food residues from the spray arms once a month with a toothpick. Wipe out the interior regularly with lemon water to prevent limescale deposits.

Cleaning the extractor hood

Put some cooking oil on a paper towel and use it to remove the layer of grease. Then make it shine again with a little water, washing-up liquid and spirit. Change the mats in the filter every eight weeks, clean the metal filter with hot water.

Many new machines have a practical self-cleaning program, but other machines require special cleaning agents from specialist retailers. For gentle descaling, it is best to use natural citric acid.

Cleaning the toaster

Very important: always unplug the appliance before cleaning. Then lift it up, turn it over and carefully pour out the crumbs. Stubborn crumbs can be removed with a fine brush. Remove dirt from the outside with a damp sponge and washing-up liquid.

Cleaning the kettle

The best way to clean kettles is with vinegar. Mix vinegar essence and water in a ratio of 1:3 and boil the liquid in the appliance. Leave to stand for one minute. Thoroughly rinse out any limescale residue with clean water.

Cleaning the microwave

Place a small bowl of water and washing-up liquid inside. Run the appliance at maximum power for one minute. Keep closed for a good ten minutes. This will loosen stubborn encrustations from the walls and can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the fridge

Keep the ventilation grille free of dirt with a bottle brush, otherwise heat will build up and the appliance will consume up to 30 percent more electricity. Wipe out the interior with hot water, washing-up liquid and a microfiber cloth.