subject: 5 Useful Tips for Cleaning Small Kitchen Appliances [print this page] 5 Useful Tips for Cleaning Small Kitchen Appliances
The best way to get longer life from yourhome appliances is to keep them clean and well maintained. The more regularly you wipe things over the less time spent scrubbing for hours on end. For those small kitchen appliances make it part of your washing up routine after every meal.
Toasters
Wipe the outside of the unit with a cloth dipped in detergent and warm water. Clear the crumbs from the bottom tray. The more often you do this the less time it will take.
Coffee machines
Change the filter before it becomes due otherwise it is easily overlooked and forgotten down the track. Mark the date on your calendar so you know ahead of time when you are supposed to replace it. The outside can be kept looking as good as new with a simple wipe over every time you use the unit.
For drip filters and espresso machines alike the benefits of running an empty cycle can be found in the taste of the next coffee you brew. Try and avoid harsh water and calcium build up by using filtered or spring water whenever possible.
Electric kettles and jugs
If you have a kettle or jug that has a removable lid scrub the element. Otherwise boil five parts water and one part vinegar at least once a week. This will clean the element and remove any calcium build up. Run at least three loads of fresh water, bring to the boil and toss the water each time.
Electric frypans
It is important to prevent build up on inside and outside surfaces of electric frypans. Not only will this extend the life of the pan but it will also give you better tasting food.
Sandwich makers, griddles
Getting in to the nitty gritty of those ridged units is not pleasant if this hasn't been done in a while. It is so much easier to wipe over after every single use. Melted cheese can be particularly time consuming to remove if left too long. Reheat the griddle first so it is easier to wipe up the stains.
No one wants the ghastly task of cleaning an appliance that has built up gunk, grime and fat. Take a few moments every time you make a sandwich or boil a kettle and the job becomes insignificant with a simple wipe over.
While smallerkitchen appliances have dramatically reduced in cost over the years it is not advisable to have to replace a unit on a regular basis because it has got to the point of being impossible to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals especially on outer surfaces by using a dilution of vinegar and water. For those harder to clean spots a paste of bicarbonate soda and water dabbed on to the surface and left for half an hour will make the job easier.
