Without working kitchen appliances, you can’t cook and store food or reheat leftovers. Homeowners must follow a specific maintenance plan for each device to ensure it’ll operate properly and safely. Here are a few common appliances and care tips to keep them in top shape.

A Guide to Basic Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

1. Refrigerators

Fridges feature coils full of refrigerant that cool the unit. Cleaning dust and debris off the coils will improve energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs. Check the fridge manual to learn how to reach the coils—many have grills on the bottom of the front that you can easily remove before using a brush to sweep off the dust.

2. Stoves 

Whether you have a gas or electric stove, keep the stovetop is clean so that the heating source can work efficiently. Wipe down the surface after each use with a mild, degreasing dish soap. This task will prevent grease fires and reduce the risk of crumbs or other food bits igniting.

3. Microwaves

Microwaves feature small holes in the walls to ventilate heat. Over time, food spills and crumbs can fill these holes and increase the risk of fire by limiting airflow. Regularly wipe down the microwave interior to clear the ventilation points. For tough stains, heat water in the appliance for a few minutes and leave it in there to build steam. Wait two minutes before removing the cup and wiping the stain with a damp cloth.

4. Ovens

Many models feature a self-cleaning function to burn off food crusts and spills. If your oven doesn’t have this feature, remove the racks and use a soft cloth to coat the interior with a paste made of half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a day before removing the paste with a damp cloth. Use a brush on high-grease areas and to scrub the racks.

If you’re looking for top-notch kitchen appliances, contact the team at Pacific Appliance Group in Honolulu, HI. Since 1977, these professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with appliances from the industry’s leading brands, such as Bosch®, GE®, and Whirlpool®. Call (808) 841-3322 to ask about their current inventory, or learn more about their showroom online.