home cleaning

Homeowners Blog: Home Cleaning Tips: Appliance Care

HOME CLEANING WEEK

Maintain Appliances: Keep Your Home’s Appliances in Good Condition with Regular Home Cleaning

 

As a home inspector, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of regular cleaning and maintenance on the lifespan and value of your home’s appliances. By taking care of your appliances and keeping them clean through consistent home cleaning routines, you not only increase their longevity but also enhance their appeal to potential buyers in the future. It’s fascinating to discover that many appliances actually have self-cleaning features built-in, which can save you time and effort when it comes to deep cleaning.

 

Let’s explore some common appliances and their self-cleaning capabilities:

 

Self-Cleaning Ovens:

Many modern ovens come equipped with a self-cleaning function that uses high temperatures to burn off food residue and grease. During the self-cleaning cycle, which typically lasts several hours, the oven locks automatically to ensure safety. However, it’s still important to perform regular home cleaning by wiping down the exterior surfaces and removing any spills or splatters to maintain the overall cleanliness.

 

Self-Cleaning Dishwashers:

Some dishwashers feature a self-cleaning cycle that utilizes hot water and specialized cleaning agents to eliminate buildup and residue inside the machine. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to run a citric-acid based dishwasher cleaner periodically to disinfect, remove mineral buildup, and improve overall dishwasher function. Additionally, remember to check and clean the food trap regularly as part of your home cleaning routine to ensure efficient operation.

 

Self-Cleaning Refrigerators:

Certain refrigerators offer a self-cleaning feature designed to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria inside the fridge. This feature often utilizes UV-C light or other disinfecting technology to maintain a hygienic environment. However, for most of us, regular home cleaning by wiping down shelves, drawers, and seals with mild detergent and water is necessary to keep the refrigerator fresh and clean.

 

Self-Cleaning Washing Machines:

Many washing machines have a self-cleaning cycle that employs hot water and cleaning agents to remove dirt and buildup from the machine. This is especially beneficial for front-loading washers, as they are prone to developing mold and mildew. Utilizing the self-cleaning feature regularly as part of your home cleaning routine helps to maintain a clean and odor-free washing machine. Additionally, remember to clean the detergent dispenser and perform regular maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer.

 

While self-cleaning features can be incredibly helpful, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each appliance. Additionally, incorporating regular home cleaning practices is important to ensure their continued functionality and efficiency.

home cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens may have a manual lock like this one.

 

For appliances without self-cleaning features, here are a few general home cleaning tips:

 

Ovens: Regularly wipe down the interior surfaces, remove spills promptly, and clean the oven racks separately using warm soapy water as part of your home cleaning routine.

 

Dishwashers: Clean the filter regularly and check for any debris or residue in the spray arms. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces to remove any buildup during your home cleaning sessions. Don’t be afraid to use a dishwasher cleaner like Lemi-Shine

 

Refrigerators: Empty and clean the fridge regularly, discarding expired items and wiping down shelves, drawers, and seals with a mild detergent and water solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the surfaces during your home cleaning routine. 

 

Washing Machines: Leave the door open after each use to allow for air circulation and prevent mold growth. Clean the detergent dispenser and run a cycle on HOT with a washer cleaner or bleach to remove any residue as part of your home cleaning routine.

 

By incorporating these home cleaning practices into your routine, you can ensure that your appliances remain in optimal condition, both for your own enjoyment and for potential buyers in the future. A well-maintained and clean set of appliances can significantly enhance the overall value and appeal of your home. 

Again, please remember that it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using self-cleaning features on your appliances. 

Find manuals for your specific appliance here: http://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/

 

www.bakerpropertyinspections.com

Plainwell Kalamazoo Benton Harbor Coloma

#friendlyexperiencedthorough #homeinspection #homemaintentance

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *