Post-Holiday Detox CheckList for your Kitchen
![/Images/HCL-articles-big/detoxing-your-kitchen.png](/Images/HCL-articles-big/detoxing-your-kitchen.png)
So January is a great time to "detox" your kitchen, and here is a handy checklist that you can use to get your kitchen appliances back in shape.
KITCHEN APPLIANCE ROUTINE CARE CHECKLIST
(click on the blue headings below for additional how-to information)
REFRIGERATOR >
- Vacuum condenser coils
- Clean drain hole and drip pan
- Clean and check door gasket
- Clean/defrost inside of refrigerator
- De-frost/clean freezer and ice-maker
- Check inside temperature
- Change water filter (if applicable)
- Adjust front support feet
STOVE >
- Clean range hood, filter, and fan
- Clean reflector bowls
- Clean control knobs
- Clean burners (gas models)
- Clean gas grates (gas models)
MICROWAVE OVEN >
- Clean inside cavity with mild detergent and water
- Clean around the door and door seal, and make sure door closes tightly.
- If your unit has a turntable, then be sure to clean underneath it.
- To remove odors, boil a solution of a cup of water and several tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave for 5-7 minutes.
- Clean grease and dust from around the air vents.
- Check inside light bulb, clean or replace as necessary (helpful accessory: microwave oven light bulb).
DISHWASHER >
- Treat your dishwasher for scale build-up
- Clean filter and trap
- Clear spray arm holes
- Clear the "air trap"
- Check and tighten any loose water hose clamps.
- Check the door seal gasket for any cracks or leaks.
- Check the pre-heating mechanism
(helpful accessory: dishwasher cleaner)
OVEN >
Oven cleaning procedures and maintenance vary significantly by the type of oven (e.g. "self-cleaning, "continuous cleaning", and "conventional") and you should consult your manufacturer's recommendations for the specific procedures for your particular model.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL >
- Clean your disposal by grinding up ice cubes
- Check under sink for any signs of leaking
FREEZER >
- Defrost the freezer
- Vacuum dust off the condenser coils
- Ensure that the magnetic door seal on the unit closes tightly
TRASH COMPACTOR >
- Clean inside the compactor bin
- Check for signs of corrosion
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