Take your most neglected kitchen appliances from grime to gleam

Your kitchen is the heartbeat of your home, where culinary magic happens and memories are made. But amidst all this hustle and bustle, have you spared a thought for the unsung heroes of your kitchen – your appliances?

While we whisk, chop, and bake our way through the day, our appliances quietly collect dust, grease, and spills. Luckily, cleaning your kitchen appliances doesn’t have to be a daily chore. With the right tips and tricks, you can keep them sparkling without breaking a sweat.

Here are some of the most neglected suspects hiding in your kitchen, along with tips on how to restore their shine. So, grab a cloth, roll up your sleeves, and let’s give your kitchen appliances a fresh start!

Microwave

In your kitchen, the microwave – a go-to for quick meals – can sometimes harbor hidden grime. Experts caution that improper microwave usage may foster bacteria growth, especially during activities like defrosting meat or reheating in plastic containers. This misuse can result in a proliferation of harmful microbes, potentially turning your microwave into a breeding ground for germs. To tackle this microbial hotspot, try this hack: Mix water, lemon juice, or vinegar in a bowl, zap it on high for a few minutes, then wipe it down. If you prefer a hassle-free cleaning solution, consider a model like the LG NeoChef™ Microwave with an antibacterial EasyClean coating, requiring a damp cloth and a simple wipe to stay sparkling clean and 99,99% free of bacteria.

Dishwasher 

Your dishwasher, another workhorse of the kitchen, can paradoxically turn into a germ hotspot if neglected. Failure to clean your dishwasher regularly can lead to a buildup of water minerals, grime, and residual detergent. This accumulation not only compromises the cleanliness of your dishes but also poses potential health risks due to the growth of bacteria and mould.

To tackle this issue effectively, a combination of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders. Start by running a cycle with a cup of vinegar to eliminate odour and grime, then sprinkle baking soda in the bottom and run a hot water cycle for a thorough clean. For consistently spotless dishes, investing in an LG dishwasher with the innovative TrueSteam function can be a game-changer. This feature uses high-temperature steam to ensure that every dish emerges gleaming after each wash, promoting both cleanliness and hygiene in your kitchen.

Oven

Your oven, a beloved tool for culinary creations, can swiftly transform into a grimy hotspot if left unattended. The buildup of grease, food splatters, and burnt residues not only affects the taste of your dishes but can also pose fire hazards.

To combat this culinary chaos, a simple yet effective method involves harnessing the power of baking soda and vinegar. Create a paste by mixing these two kitchen staples with a splash of water, generously coat the interior of your oven, and let it work its magic for a few hours or overnight.

Once the solution has had time to break down the grime, wipe it away with a damp cloth, revealing a sparkling clean oven ready for your next culinary masterpiece.

Fridge

Your refrigerator, the supposed guardian of freshness in your kitchen, can easily transform into a breeding ground for germs and odours if not properly cleaned. Overlooked spills and uncovered, expired food can not only contaminate your fresh produce but also create an environment ripe for bacterial growth.

To combat this chaos, a deep clean with dish soap can work wonders. Begin by clearing out your fridge completely and scrubbing the interior with warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to wash removable shelves and drawers in the sink for a thorough cleanse. Finish by wiping everything dry to achieve a pristine and odour-free fridge.

When it comes to the freezer, while it may not need cleaning as frequently, neglecting it can also lead to unwelcome odours and freezer-burned food. An LG fridge equipped with a frost-free cooling system eliminates the hassle of manual defrosting. This innovative technology ensures that ice build-up is a thing of the past, allowing you to enjoy a clean and well-maintained freezer without the need for regular defrosting.

Washing machine

Your washing machine, the true hero of laundry day, can also turn into a haven for mould and mildew if left uncleaned. Residual detergent, fabric softener, and moisture create the perfect environment for bacteria and unpleasant odours to thrive. To restore your trusty appliance to its pristine state, a simple cleaning routine can work wonders.

For a top-loader, start by filling the washer with hot water and adding bleach before running a normal cycle. Follow up with an additional cycle to ensure all traces of bleach are eliminated. If you have a front loader, replicate the same steps but pour the bleach into the detergent compartment instead. Many modern washing machines, such as LG’s top and front loaders, come equipped with a built-in tub cleaning feature.

“Neglecting to clean your kitchen appliances will only lead to health concerns, elevated utility bills, and shortened appliance lifespans,” says Carol Guedes, Head of HA Sales at LG Electronics South Africa. “For a cleaner kitchen environment, all it takes is the appropriate appliances and the right tips and tricks to prevent future problems.”

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