When the temperature drops and we spend more time indoors, our kitchens and laundry rooms tend to work overtime. Between holiday cooking, extra laundry, and winter messes, appliances can easily collect grime, residue, and hidden buildup. Giving them a deep clean now keeps them running efficiently and helps your home feel fresh during the long, cold months.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your kitchen and laundry appliances sparkling clean before the season gets busy.
1. Freshen Up the Dishwasher
Start with your dishwasher since it’s the workhorse of your kitchen. Remove the bottom rack and clear away any food particles stuck around the drain area. Fill a cup with white vinegar, place it on the top rack, and run a hot cycle to break down grease and odors. Follow with a sprinkle of baking soda across the bottom and another short hot cycle for extra freshness.
Tip: Wipe the rubber seal and door edges with a microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar. These spots often trap hidden grime.
2. Degrease the Oven
Oven spills and baked-on food can leave a stubborn mess that affects both smell and performance. For a natural clean, make a paste of baking soda and water, then spread it over the interior surfaces (avoiding the heating elements). Let it sit overnight, then wipe clean with a damp sponge. For tough grease, a little vinegar spray will help it lift off easily.
If you use the self-cleaning feature, ensure proper ventilation and remove racks first. They can discolor and warp under high heat.
3. Sanitize the Fridge and Freezer
Empty out both appliances, tossing anything expired or questionable. Remove shelves and drawers to wash them in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior walls with a mix of baking soda and water to neutralize odors.
Before restocking, dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold or frost buildup. For the freezer, check for ice accumulation and defrost if needed. A clean fridge looks better and keeps your food fresher, longer.
4. Clean the Washing Machine
Washing machines collect detergent residue, lint, and even mold around the door gasket. Run an empty cycle with two cups of white vinegar on hot to disinfect and dissolve buildup. Then, add half a cup of baking soda and run another cycle.
Finish by wiping the door seal and detergent drawer. Keeping your washer clean helps your clothes smell better and extends the machine’s lifespan.
5. Refresh the Dryer
Lint buildup inside dryers is one of the leading causes of household fires, so this step is crucial. Remove the lint screen and wash it with warm, soapy water. Vacuum the lint trap area and, if possible, the vent hose behind the dryer.
Wipe down the drum with a damp cloth to remove any residue from dryer sheets. For a fresh scent, toss in a dry towel sprayed lightly with vinegar and run a short cycle.
6. Don’t Forget the Small Appliances
Toasters, coffee makers, and microwaves deserve attention too. Shake out crumbs from the toaster, wipe the exterior, and clean removable trays. For coffee makers, fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, then run a brewing cycle followed by two cycles of plain water.
Microwaves can be cleaned by heating a bowl of water and lemon slices for three minutes. The steam will loosen stains, making them easy to wipe away.
Final Touch
Once everything’s clean, wipe down surrounding countertops and floors to finish the job. A deep-cleaned kitchen and laundry space will look brighter and run more efficiently throughout the season. A little effort now can save you time, energy, and repair costs later, leaving your home warm, welcoming, and ready for winter comfort.
