From toasters and juicers, to waffle grills and coffee makers, the average person uses a variety of small kitchen appliances on a regular basis, but because they’re used so often, cleaning them sometimes gets forgotten about.
However, bacteria and grime can soon build up on them, and in some cases, even make you ill, so here’s a guide to cleaning 7 of the most commonly used small kitchen appliances, for a healthier kitchen, and a healthier you:
- Coffee maker
Coffee makers are breeding grounds for mold growth and bacteria, and should be cleaned daily for the best tasting, and safest, coffee. Whatever type of coffee maker you use, simply remove all the parts and wash them in warm, soapy water or pop them in the top of the dishwasher. Empty the water reservoir, rinse out the drip tray and wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
Try to leave the reservoir lid open between uses to dry it out thoroughly.
- Food processor, juicer or blender
Always rinse the cup of the juicer or blender after every use, and then fill it halfway with warm water and some dish soap, before whizzing it for up to 30 seconds and rinsing it out.
Then, unplug the machine and take it apart to rinse the blades and other parts in hot water. Leave them to dry before putting them back in the machine. Then, wipe the exterior down and use a toothbrush or Q-tips soaked in soapy water to get into all the hard-to-reach areas where gunk tends to build up.
- Grill or waffle maker
Right after use while the appliance is still warm, is the best time to clean it, just be sure to unplug it first. Wipe the hot grill down by running damp paper towels over the surface with the help of tongs, and once the machine has cooled completely, you can clean it with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water. For harder to reach areas, use a toothbrush or Q-tips.
If the machine has a removable plate or drip tray, simply wash in soapy water or place in the dishwasher.
- Microwave
Food explosions are a frequent occurrence in microwaves, but fortunately, getting rid of them isn’t hard. Simply take a microwave safe container and fill it with a cup of water, before heating it up until the water is boiling. Switch the microwave off at this point, and keep the door shut for a minimum of 15 minutes; this should loosen any stubborn food particles for you to wipe down afterwards.
Finally, wipe the exterior down with a cloth dipped in a combination of one part white vinegar to one part warm water. The glass turntable can be popped in the dishwasher or washed by hand.
- Mixers
To clean your mucky mixer and sanitize it, take it apart and wash any non-electrical parts in soapy water (or pop them in the dishwasher once you’ve checked the manufacturers manual), before wiping them down with a cloth soaked in water, and allowing them to dry.
Lastly, unplug the machine and wipe the exterior down with a damp, soapy cloth, before wiping again with a cloth soaked in water. An old trusty toothbrush can help you clean between buttons or in crevices, or the ventilation slots for the motor.
- Toaster
Unplug the appliance – ideally after every use, but at least every few days if used often – and shake it upside down over the sink to get rid of crumbs. Empty crumb trays often, too, and wipe the exterior down with a cloth dipped in soapy water. Use a toothbrush or Q-tips to get right into the corners, taking care to avoid the heating elements, rinse with a wet cloth and leave to dry before plugging back in.
- Electric can opener
Cross contamination is always a concern with electric can openers, as the blade often comes into contact with the contents of the can. With this in mind, unplug it and wipe down with a cloth soaked in soapy water. It’s also a good idea to remove the cutting mechanism every so often, and wash it in soapy water, too.
Seems like a lot of effort? Why not ask your regular cleaning service to add these small kitchen appliances to their cleaning list, and if you haven’t yet hired a cleaning service, hurry up – the quicker you do so, the quicker you can begin enjoy freedom from cleaning!
