Spring Appliance Cleaning Checklist

Spring is finally here, and you know what that means—it’s time to shake off the winter blues and refresh your home. Deep cleaning and decluttering can be exhausting, but the right plan can take a lot of the hassle out of spring cleaning and make your home feel brand new without breaking a sweat. Our ultimate spring cleaning checklist for kitchen appliances will help you deep clean your fridge, oven, dishwasher, and more so your home is ready for the warm weather.

 

 

Kitchen Spring Cleaning Guide

Ready to get your kitchen prepped for spring? This checklist will walk you through essential deep-cleaning steps for your kitchen appliances.

How to Clean a Refrigerator & Freezer

Your refrigerator works 24/7, so it deserves a deep clean to keep food fresh and odors at bay. A dirty refrigerator can harbor bacteria, mold, and lingering food smells, making cleaning both inside and out essential. Follow these steps for a clean refrigerator:

✅ Empty and Sort: Remove all items from the fridge and freezer. Toss anything expired and set aside items that need to be wiped before returning.

✅ Deep Clean Shelves & Drawers: Take out shelves, bins, and drawers and wash them in warm, soapy water. If there’s stuck-on residue, let them soak for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.

✅ Wipe Interior & Seals: Use a mix of equal parts vinegar and water or a gentle all-purpose cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, including walls, shelves, and rubber door seals. Don’t forget to clean under drawers and along crevices where crumbs and spills accumulate.

✅ Clean Coils & Condenser: Clean your refrigerator coils, which are located behind or beneath the fridge. These coils collect dust and affect cooling efficiency. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil-cleaning brush to remove debris.

✅ Replace the Water Filter: If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser, check the manufacturer’s recommendations on how often to replace the filter (usually every 6 months).

✅ Deodorize & Refresh: Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb odors. For a natural, fresh scent, add a few drops of vanilla extract to a cotton ball and place it inside.

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How to Clean a Dishwasher

A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes. Food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up over time, causing odors and reducing efficiency. Here’s how to refresh your dishwasher:

✅ Clear the Drain: Remove any food debris or buildup from the bottom of the dishwasher to prevent clogs and improve drainage.

✅ Run a Cleaning Cycle: Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle to break down grease and mineral deposits.

✅ Scrub the Filter: Check the bottom of the dishwasher for a removable filter. Take it out and rinse it under warm water with a bit of dish soap to remove grime.

✅ Wipe the Door & Seals: Use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water to clean the control panel, handle, and rubber seals where buildup occurs.

✅ Shine Stainless Steel Finishes: If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, wipe it down with a stainless steel cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to remove fingerprints and smudges.

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How to Clean an Oven

Your oven takes a beating from everyday cooking, leading to grease buildup, baked-on spills, and smoke when preheating. A clean oven will help prevent odors, improve heat distribution, and even enhance cooking performance.

✅ Self-Cleaning Mode: If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to burn off food residue. Once the cycle is complete, wipe out the ash with a damp cloth.

✅ DIY Oven Cleaner: If you prefer a chemical-free method, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it inside the oven and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wipe it clean and spray with vinegar to remove residue.

✅ Clean the Stovetop: Gas, electric, and induction cooktops require different cleaning methods:

• Gas burners: Remove grates and burner caps, soak in soapy water, and scrub off grease.

• Electric coil burners: Wipe with a damp cloth (don’t submerge).

• Glass/ceramic cooktops: Use a cooktop scraper and glass/ceramic cleaner to remove tough stains.

✅ Wipe Down Knobs & Controls: Grease and food splatter build up over time. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner to wipe them down.

✅ Check & Replace Oven Light: If your oven light is out, now is the perfect time to replace it for better cooking visibility.

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How to Clean Washers & Dryers

While you’re in the flow of your spring refresh, don’t forget to clean your washer and dryer to keep them running efficiently and smelling fresh. Lint buildup, detergent residue, and mold growth can all impact performance. Follow these steps to clean your laundry appliances:

✅ Clean the Washer Drum: Run an empty cycle with hot water and white vinegar to eliminate detergent residue, odors, and bacteria. For a deeper clean, add baking soda to the drum and wipe the inside with a microfiber cloth.

✅ Scrub the Detergent Dispenser: Remove and wash the detergent tray in warm, soapy water to prevent mildew and buildup.

✅ Check the Washer Door Seal: For front-load washers, wipe the rubber seal with a mix of water and vinegar to prevent mold and mildew.

✅ Clear the Dryer Lint Trap & Vent: Remove lint from the trap after every load and vacuum the dryer vent at least once a year to prevent fire hazards.

✅ Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to remove dust, detergent splashes, and fingerprints.

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How to Clean Outdoor Grills

Now is the perfect time to deep clean your grill before BBQ season begins! Grease buildup and leftover food particles can affect flavor and performance. Here’s how to get a clean grill:

✅ Scrub the Grates: Remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water. Use a grill brush or steel wool to scrub off stubborn residue.

✅ Deep Clean the Burners: If you have a gas grill, check the burners for clogs or grease buildup and wipe them down with a damp cloth.

✅ Empty the Drip Pan: Grease trays collect excess fat and can become a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly. Empty and wash the pan with soapy water.

✅ Check the Propane Tank or Charcoal Supply: Make sure you have enough fuel before your next cookout. If you have a charcoal grill, empty any old ash and wipe down the interior.

✅ Wipe the Exterior: Use a stainless steel cleaner or warm, soapy water to remove grime and keep your grill looking like new.

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Upgrade Your Appliances For Spring at Silica

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore when you have the right appliances. At Silica For Your Home, we offer a wide range of home appliances from top brands like Bosch, Café Appliances, and GE Appliances. 

Contact us today or visit our Silica store locations in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, Wisconsin, to explore our selection of appliances for sale. Our helpful staff is here to help you make the best choice.

Ready to upgrade your home for spring? Visit Silica For Your Home to explore our top-rated appliances today!

Related readings from our blog:

• How Do I Clean The Inside Of My Refrigerator?

• How To Clean A Self-Cleaning Oven In 3 Steps

• Why Is My Oven Blue On The Inside?

 

FAQ: Spring Cleaning & Appliance Care

1. How often should I clean my appliances?
It depends on the appliance! Your fridge should get a deep clean every three months, your oven every six months, and your dishwasher once a month.

2. Can I use vinegar to clean my appliances?
Yes! White vinegar is a great natural cleaner for fridges, dishwashers, and washing machines. Just avoid using it on natural stone surfaces like marble.

3. What’s the best way to clean stainless steel appliances?
A mix of baking soda and water can remove tough stains, while a microfiber cloth and a few drops of olive oil will keep stainless steel shiny and streak-free.

4. How do I freshen up my washing machine?
Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar to remove detergent buildup, then wipe the door seal with a damp cloth.

5. What’s the best way to clean a range hood filter?
Soak it in hot, soapy water with a bit of baking soda, then scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly.