32 Appliances You Should Be Cleaning More Often

Appliances that we use every day, from the microwave to the hair dryer, are staples of our daily lives that are often neglected when it comes to cleaning. But these items do need to be cleaned, and failing to do so can have serious consequences.  

Cleaning major household appliances, including the dishwasher, oven, washer, dryer, and refrigerator, as well as HVAC systems and water heaters, ensures that they run safely and efficiently. Routine cleaning and maintenance will also help to save energy and prevent costly or irreversible damage, both of which will save you money.

Large Household Appliances

Regular cleaning of major household appliances you use frequently keeps them running smoothly.

Refrigerator

There are different levels of cleaning a refrigerator: Spills and foul odors should be addressed immediately, and door handles should be cleaned at least weekly to keep the high-touch surfaces free of germs and bacteria. Clean the interior of the fridge every three to four months, and deep clean the entire unit, including the back coils, twice a year.

Oven

Cleaning the oven is an easy chore to put off because, let’s face it, cleaning an oven is a dirty, messy job. However, the longer you put it off, the harder the task becomes, which is why it’s best to clean your oven at least every three months, and if it is heavily used, clean it every month.

Microwave

Both the interior and the exterior of a microwave require regular cleaning to keep spills, fingerprints, and smudges at bay. Experts recommend cleaning a frequently used microwave every week, stressing that large spills and splatters should be cleaned immediately.

Dishwasher

It’s easy to forget to clean the things we use to clean other things, but in the case of the dishwasher, monthly care and maintenance—including cleaning the filter—ensures the appliance operates at optimal performance.

Washing Machine

Cleaning a washing machine once a month by wiping the gasket and dispensers and running a cleaning cycle to flush the drum and hard-to-reach spots prevents excess detergent, hard-water deposits, and mold or mildew from leaving residue or odors on freshly washed clothes and linens. Clean the filter at least every six months.

Dryer

Cleaning the dryer, especially the dryer vent, is crucial for protecting homes against fires and for dryers to run efficiently. Average-use households should clean the dryer vent yearly, but heavy use calls for more frequent upkeep, especially in homes with high-shedding pets that have fur that can lead to clogs.

Water Heater

Keep your water heater working properly by staying on top of routine maintenance, including flushing the water heater annually to remove mineral scaling, sediment buildup, and other debris.

HVAC System, Air Conditioner, and Air Purifier

Dirt and dust can clog an HVAC system, making regular maintenance essential to ensure it operates efficiently. Clean the filters monthly, replace them as needed, and vacuum the air ducts and vents every three months. If your home has air conditioning units or air purifiers, the filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Small Kitchen Appliances

It is easy to overlook the importance of cleaning small appliances that make life easier.

Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Cleaning toasters and toaster ovens regularly to ensure they are free of crumbs keeps them in good working order and greatly reduces the risk of fire. Clean frequently used toasters every two to four weeks by emptying and wiping out the crumb tray and cleaning the exterior, including knobs and other controls, with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.

Mixers, Food Processors, Juicer, and Blenders

Cleaning small kitchen appliances, including mixers, food processors, juicers, and blenders, helps them perform better and maintain their longevity. Wash removable parts, such as pitchers, bowls, blades, and beaters, after every use. Deep clean the entire unit every three to four uses to remove splatters and other buildup.

Kettles and Coffee Makers

Keeping kettles and coffee makers clean ensures a consistently tasty cup every time and helps prevent the formation of oily sludge and mineral deposits. If you use it every day, deep clean your coffee machine or kettle once a month; less frequent users can clean them every three to six months.

Slow Cookers, Air Fryers, Instant Pots, Rice Cookers, Bread Machines, Waffle Irons, and Ice Cream Makers

The removable parts of small cooking appliances, including slow cookers, air fryers, pressure cookers (Instant Pots), rice cookers, bread machines, and waffle irons, should be washed after each use. However, their exteriors and non-removable parts also require cleaning every three to four uses to prevent the formation of bacteria, germs, and buildup.

Small Household Appliances

Even household appliances that are only occasionally used require maintenance.

Clothes Irons and Steamers

Over time, gummy buildup can form on the soleplate of irons and steamers, and mineral deposits can block the steam function. If you notice these things happening, it is a sign that it’s time to clean your iron or clothes steamer. To prevent buildup, we recommend emptying the water reservoir or tank and, once it’s cool, wiping down the soleplate after each use.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Without regular cleaning, humidifiers become hotspots for mold, mildew, and other microbes that can become airborne. Experts recommend emptying and refilling humidifiers every day and washing the unit weekly. Dehumidifiers require routine care, too. Clean a dehumidifier by emptying and washing the water collection tank once a week with soap and water. Monthly, check the inlet cover, drain outlet, and hose for clogs, and clean or replace the filter as needed.

Heated Hair Styling Tools

Cleaning hair styling tools that use heat, such as hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, keeps them in good working order by removing buildup that compromises their performance and makes them unsafe to use. Clean filters and wipe heating barrels or plates monthly to prevent the accumulation of lint, hair, and oil.