How to clean household appliances

Homeowners have been offered a guide on the best methods to keep household appliances squeaky clean.

Experts from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have compiled their top tips for cleaning everything from the tumble dryer to the fridge.

Ensuring filters are kept clean and unblocked in the washing machine, dish washer and tumble dryer will ensure the appliances do their jobs properly. White wine vinegar should be a go-to liquid when cleaning due to the odour neutralising properties it has.

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “It’s easy to think that appliances such as a dish washer, whose job it is to clean dishes, will also stay clean themselves. But this isn’t the case, so it’s important to keep on top of the maintenance and cleaning of the appliances. These tasks shouldn’t take too long, and if you have the right tools for the job should be even easier – not to mention incredibly satisfying.”

These are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s tips for cleaning household appliances:

1. Washing Machine

Clean the detergent drawer and filter to ensure that there’s nothing blocking either of them. The drum can then be cleaned by placing soda crystals or dishwasher tablets inside, and putting it on a hot wash. This will help remove odours and dirt from the hard to reach places. Ensure you leave the door open between washes to let air circulate, which will eliminate any musty smells.

2. Dish washer

Although you think your dishwasher will always be clean – its job is to wash dishes, after all – it still needs a deep clean to remove any build up dirt. The most important thing is to check the filter and ensure it’s clean. Run it under hot water and scrub it using a soft toothbrush to ensure it is as clean as possible.

3. Tumble dryer

Again, the filter is the important thing that needs to be cleaned regularly. You should be able to pick as much of the lint off as possible, and then use a vacuum cleaner to hoover up the smaller particles. Spray some old towels with white vinegar and run a drying cycle. This will remove any remaining odours.

4. Oven

Specialist oven cleaners are available which will be the best way to clean the inside of the oven. They often require you to place the inside shelves into bags as it soaks off the dirt. Spray on oven-cleaner, or a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water should then be used to clean the inside of the oven door. To keep it clean make sure spillages are wiped up as soon as possible.

5. Fridge

Remove the contents of the fridge and take the shelves out. Clean these with hot soapy water or disinfectant and allow to dry. Wipe down the inside of the fridge, paying special attention to the nooks and crannies where dirt will collect. Make sure it’s then dried down to stop the temperature of the fridge increasing.

6. Freezer

Freezers need regular defrosting and cleaning. You should do this when the ice reaches a thickness of around 3cm. Place the contents of the freezer into freezer bags or boxes, then turn the freezer off. Place tea towels on the bottom of the freezer to soak up the water and add bowls of hot water to speed up the defrosting process. When fully defrosted, the insides should all be wiped down, then the freezer can be turned back on.