5 Kitchen Appliances You Are Cleaning Way Too Little

5 Kitchen Appliances You Are Cleaning Way Too Little

If there is no obvious dirt or stain, then why do we have to clean our appliances all the time? After all, they look pretty clean... Or do they? Did you know that not cleaning your kitchen appliances enough can lead to germs, viruses and bacteria spreading throughout your household? Read on to find out how to get rid of them! 

1. Microwave

Green microwave on a counter

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The most problematic part of your microwave is the door handle. Use an antibacterial wet wipe to clean the surface of the handle and the microwave door every time you use the microwave. The kitchen is a prime location for cross-contamination every time you prepare a meal. This means that it is very important to clean the inside of your microwave.

For each time you heat up a plate of food in the microwave without a cover, splatters end up in the oven chamber inevitably. Over time, these splatters dry up and become much more difficult to remove. There are also several spots in the oven chamber that are unable to reach high enough temperatures that can kill harmful germs.

Two slices of lemon with bubbles against dark blue background

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In order to prevent this from happening, clean the oven chamber with soap and water regularly. For more thorough cleaning, cut up one lemon and place it in four cups of water in a microwavable bowl. Start the microwave and run it for about 3-5 minutes or until the water boils. The steam will loosen the hardened oil, grease and grime. Then, use a sponge or microfibre cloth to wipe the inside, including the sides, roof and turning plate.

2.  Refrigerators

Opened fridge filled with different food items

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As much of a chore as it may sound, your refrigerator needs to be cleaned and sanitised at least once a week. Unfortunately, it promotes the growth of germs. Raw meat, eggs, vegetables, fresh fruit, cheese and milk can harbour listeria, which thrives at low refrigerator temperatures. It is especially dangerous towards the elderly, immunosuppressed people and pregnant women. The humid environment within a refrigerator also promotes the growth of fungal mould and bacteria.

Woman cleaning the exterior of a refrigerator

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It is important to wipe the handle using antibacterial solution everyday. After which, wipe the exterior using water and soap before rinsing with hot water. Wipe up any spills that occur inside the fridge immediately. To remove stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water and wipe.

For a thorough cleaning of the interior, empty the contents every quarter and wipe down every internal surface. Wipe and deodorise the shelves with a solution of warm water and baking soda (made from 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 litre of warm water). During spring cleaning every year, unplug the refrigerator and vacuum the dust that has collected behind and below the fridge. This ensures that the dust does not hinder the fridge’s working power and cause the fridge to be using more energy than it should, thus shortening its lifespan.

3. Stoves & Ovens

Blue stove and oven in kitchen

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Many people don’t see the importance of cleaning stoves and ovens. However, splatters and spills that are not cleaned quickly can become a great environment for bacteria to breed. When you start to notice burnt-on food or smoke whenever you bake, it is also a good sign for you to start wiping down your oven. However, you should not wait longer than 3 months to clean the inside of your oven.

Scrub.sg Oven Cleaner

In such scenarios, use our trusty oven cleaner to clean up the mess on your stoves and ovens! It can clean stoves, ovens, pans, baking trays and grills effectively. It can also clean heavy greases, dirt and burnt-on food. Now, you can bake and cook without worrying about the mess you will make. This product will ensure that your kitchen is as good as new after cleaning, with a shiny finishing touch!

4. Kettles

Yellow kettle and brown cup on wooden table

(Image Credit: Pinterest)

A common misconception is that a kettle doesn’t have to be cleaned since the boiling water will naturally kill any bacteria and germs hiding inside. However, any residual water that is not cleaned will leave limescale deposits. This white layer that forms on the induction coil will lower the efficiency of the kettle, causing it to take a longer time to heat up and boil the water, hence wasting energy. The white layer may also come off and contaminate the water.

How do you descale your kettle? First, dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water. Pour into the kettle and boil. Then, empty the kettle down the sink. Lastly, thoroughly rinse the kettle with fresh water several times before using as per normal.

5.  Washing Machine

Person pressing a button on a washing machine

(Image Credit: Rodnae Productions)

Do you know that viruses can survive and spread within the washing machine if bleach is not used along with the wash? Some of these viruses include the rotavirus, norovirus and hepatitis A. Faecal germs such as E. coli and other bacteria found in the intestines can also be found in washing machines.

Scrub.sg Bleach

If you do not want these particles lurking around your washing machine, run a wash cycle without load with water and a cup of bleach at least once every 1-2 weeks. If your washing machine has a germicidal cycle, be sure to put that to good use as well. You can get your hands on our very own bleach as well – it is definitely the most value-for-money and effective one you can find in the market!