Tips for Keeping Appliances Clean

This is a sponsored post written by me for Mr. Appliance. All opinions are mine alone.

Many of us probably take our household appliances for granted, but these multi-tasking workhorses need regular attention in order to continue operating at peak performance. Every day, we clean our plates in the dishwasher and we launder our clothing in the washing machine. However, are these household appliances actually sanitary themselves? Today I’m sharing some practical, easy-to-follow tips to keep your appliances clean & free of mold/mildew. 

While these tips are a good starting point for the maintenance of your appliances, some jobs are best left to the pros. If you are in need of appliance repair, be sure to check out Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. Mr. Appliance has been servicing residential appliances throughout the United States and Canada since 1996. With their upfront pricing, flexible schedule and warrantied workmanship, Mr. Appliance is a brand I know I can trust! 

Before I get into the details of how to clean specific appliances, I think it’s a good idea to assemble a little cleaning caddy. With everything contained in one basket, it’s much easier to make quick work of cleaning those appliances.

What do you need inside your cleaning caddy? Here are some essential items: sponge, microfiber cloth, toothbrush, bleach, hydrogen peroxide and dishwasher cleaner tabs.

Let’s get right to my list of tips to clean those appliances.

1. Front Load Washers

We currently have a front load washing machine in our laundry room and I love how well it cleans our clothes. However, did you know that moisture is trapped inside the door’s seal every time the door is opened/closed? Another common location for moisture to be trapped is the detergent drawer. To combat this moisture build-up and to prevent mold from forming, it’s a good idea to leave the washer door and detergent drawer open for a few hours after every single load. Furthermore, make it a habit to clean the door’s seal on a regular basis. Simply use an even mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.

For the exterior and door of the machine, I simply wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth and a diluted vinegar solution. If you notice lingering odors that don’t fade or if you’re having any other issues with your machine, see how Mr. Appliance can get your washer back in order in no time.

2. Top Load Washers

In our last residence, we had a top load washer. In these types of washing machines, mold can actually grow right in the drum and along the interior walls of the machine. This is more likely to occur if laundry is left to linger in the machine for an extended period of time. If you notice any foul odors emanating from your top load washer, run a vinegar cycle. Simply select the hottest setting on your machine and pour 2 cups of white vinegar right into the drum. 

3. Refrigerator

We trust our refrigerator to keep our food cold, fresh and safe to consume. However, mold can grow inside the refrigerator if it’s not properly maintained and cleaned regularly. Each time the refrigerator door is opened or closed, warm air (from outside) and cold air (from inside) are combined. This mixing of air at different temperatures, combined with a lack of air circulation, can cause mold to grow along the door seals. Wipe these seals regularly with a vinegar solution. If there are any spills on the inside of the refrigerator, wipe them away quickly to prevent mold. For the exterior of the appliance, a little hydrogen peroxide on a microfiber cloth is adequate. Notice any hard-to-reach spots along the door seals or on the interior of the machine? Use a toothbrush to tackle all those nooks & crannies.

4. Dishwasher

Unsurprisingly, the dishwasher is one of the biggest sources of mold among all household appliances. The warm, damp environment makes it very easy for mold to thrive. To combat the build-up of mold in your dishwasher, regularly run an empty dry-heat cycle to flush out the interior of the unit. Don’t forget to include the silverware basket, filter, panels and any other accessories that came with your dishwasher. If you do find any mold in your dishwasher, wipe away with a diluted bleach solution. Rinse the area thoroughly before your next cycle. Also, every week or two, wipe down the door seals to prevent mold growth.

For the exterior of the appliance, a microfiber cloth with hydrogen peroxide is enough to clean & disinfect.

I hope these tips have inspired you to keep your appliances as sanitary as possible. If you’re dealing with an appliance that isn’t working properly, be sure to check out Mr. Appliance. With qualified experts, hundreds of locations throughout the United States, and same-day service, Mr. Appliance can help with your appliance repair needs. To stay up-to-date on the latest  news & offers from the company, be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter. 

Don’t forget to find a Mr. Appliance location near you. How do you keep your appliances operating at peak performance? Do you make sure to clean them regularly? 

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