CHECKLIST

Kitchen lingo

Our kitchen appliances do not require much from us for them to keep running smoothly. There is one major thing to keep in mind when you are caring for these appliances and want them to last for years to come.

The refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, dishwasher and microwave are the well-known appliances that occupy most kitchens. Most of these appliances can be kept running well for years and years as long as they are cared for properly. First and foremost, you must keep them clean. Simple regular cleaning of your appliances will keep them in tip-top condition and help them to perform for a lifetime. Oftentimes, if your refrigerator is running warmer, or your stove won’t engage it is likely due to food build-up and after a good cleaning these appliances will run like new again.

Keep refrigerator coils clean. This makes the refrigerator cool more efficiently and can save money on utility bills. You can clean the coils by vacuuming them a couple of times a year, especially if you have pets. Rubber gaskets on doors of refrigerators and freezers should also be cleaned of food build-up and unclean surfaces to ensure proper seals are met and the appliance closes properly.

According to the HomeDepot. com, “Your refrigerator houses both raw and cooked foods, as well as drinks and other items. It’s important to keep it hygienic. The easiest way to give it a thorough cleaning is to begin by removing all the food, the shelves and the drawers. Soak the drawers and shelves in water and dish soap while you wipe down the interior from the top down. Soap and water works best when cleaning the interior. Never use disinfectant cleaners like bleach, which can taint your food.”

Stoves also get dirty from food build-up. “Stove tops are hot spots for food spills and drips, so clean it often to make sure your cooking area remains sanitary. Remove the burner grates and soak them in dish soap and water. Clean loose food off the stove top and wipe down the back panel, stove top and burner knobs with a sponge or towel. Wipe down with a one-to-one mix of vinegar and water, or use dish soap and water if there’s built-up grease.”

You must also observe the behavior of your appliances and see if they start behaving differently and if they can be set back to normal after a good cleaning. You will know the way the appliance operates after a short time and you will recognize when it starts to behave differently. p