DIY projects are a godsend. One, you don’t break the bank to make them. Two, they unleash your creativity. Three, you don’t have to leave the house to look for the materials-most of the time.
However, there are things at home that must be off-limits to your DIY prowess. Some things are better left in the hands of professionals, like furnace tune-ups, tearing down walls, and doing electrical work.
Cleaning is one thing that professionals can handle as well. From time to time, you can call for a deep-cleaning service. But for maintaining the cleanliness of your appliances, you can take this task on your own. With the help of a few materials you can find mainly in the kitchen, you can start cleaning right away. That said, here are some cleaning tips to keep your appliances in tip-top shape:
1. Burnt Pan Bottoms
It’s annoying when you finally finish washing the dishes and it’s time to hang the pans to dry. But then you notice how burnt the bottoms of the pans are. They are greasy, shiny, and disgusting to touch. Don’t even try to get your hands on the metal scourer; it’s just gonna do more damage-both to the pan and to your arms. You’ll be scouring for hours, and still, the burnt grease is there.
Get some baking soda. Yes, the classic cleaner. If it’s just one medium-sized pan, you can use 1/4 cup baking soda. Pour enough hydrogen peroxide and dish soap to make a thick paste. Spread the paste on the bottom of the pan and leave it to dry overnight.
In the morning, wet a rag, then squeeze out the water. Use it to scrub on the bottom of the pan. Watch as the now soft grease comes off. If there is still grease after this, you can apply the mixture again and repeat the process.
2. Stainless-Steel Appliances
If most of your appliances are made of stainless steel, you are not alone. Appliances with stainless-steel finish look sleek and elegant. Most of the time, this material can withstand a lot of dirt and even mishandling. However, stainless steel can easily be damaged by the wring materials. It can get scratched and rusty.
You need to use non-abrasive or alkaline-based cleaners when dealing with it. However, it’s kind of pricey. Luckily, white vinegar is always to the rescue. At this point, there is probably nothing white vinegar can’t help with.
To clean the microwave and all the debris left there, all you need is 1/4 cup vinegar and some water. Put the mixture in a cup, then place it inside the microwave for a few minutes. This will soften all the food debris so you can clean it out more quickly. It also helps deodorize your oven.
For tough stains on stainless countertops, warm water and a baking soda combo will help. Using a microfiber cloth, spread the paste onto the stained part. Use another cloth to wipe it off.
To maintain the shine of your stainless appliances, after wiping them clean, you can dab a microfiber cloth in some baby oil and wipe the surfaces. You can also use olive oil if you don’t have baby oil.
3. Stinky Fridge
Are you welcomed by a musty odor when you open your fridge? That’s an obvious sign you should do some deep cleaning. Some foods leave a strong smell, and if you leave them long enough, soon it can affect the other items in the fridge.
Take out all the items in the fridge. Check all expiration dates and look for the culprit, so you don’t make the same mistakes. It could be spoiled milk or rotten fruits and vegetables. Clean your fridge as usual.
To eliminate the odor, pour some white vinegar in a cup, then leave it in the fridge overnight. A few pieces of coal in a small plate will also do the trick. When you brew your coffee, don’t throw away the coffee grounds. They are also a natural deodorizer, plus it leaves a good whiff.
Once you use the refrigerator again, you can leave a small jar of dry coffee ground in the ref. Keep the lid slightly open.
While you are at it, get some baking soda, and make a paste with water if you still have some left. Leave the paste on the corners of the fridge that are forming rust. Leave it there overnight as well. Wipe the paste off the next day with a cloth.
Maintaining your appliances will take a lot of time and effort. But this is better than wasting money because you have to buy a replacement.
