Cleaning Small Kitchen Appliances

Small appliances are a part of every kitchen.

Just like all of the other items in the kitchen they need regular maintenance and cleaning.

This will:

• Help them operate at their best

• Keep them free of harboring bacteria and germs – which will keep you healthier

• Prevent safety hazards

• Make them look good - not an eye sore

Each small appliance has their own unique structure so there is no "one size fits all" cleaning guide for all of them. However, they all need to have the outsides wiped down with a damp cloth and maybe a touch of dishwashing liquid - dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Glass cleaners are great for stainless steel surfaces.

The following is a quick reference on how to regularly clean common small appliances. Please keep in mind it is best to unplug these items before cleaning and it's good to review the owner's manuals for best practices.

Blender. Remove jar and lid from the base and wash in warm soapy water. Depending on the model, you may be able to unscrew the blade and washer from the bottom of the jar. If so, then wash this thoroughly in warm soapy water. For extra safety use a stiff bristle brush to get around the blade. Be sure to dry completely before reassembling to avoid mold build up. Do not submerge the motor base in water. Instead use a damp cloth and mild detergent or all purpose cleaner to wipe clean.

Coffee Maker. There are many different models available today. If yours has a carafe, you could sanitize it by placing it on the top shelf of the dishwasher for the next cycle. Most models have a water reservoir for brewing. To get this clean and mineral free, run or "brew" a full carafe (or cup if it's a pod model) of a mixture half vinegar and half water. When this is half way through, turn the coffee maker off for about 1 hour to allow the mixture do its job. Then turn it back on to complete the brew. Run 1 to 2 more cycles of plain water through and your coffee maker will be fresh and clean.

Food Processors. It's important to never use abrasive cleaners on the plastic parts of a food processor. This can make it porous which will lead to harboring food particles and germs. Never submerge the base in water. Again just wipe this part down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For the bowl and blade parts - these can be either washed in warm soapy water very carefully or placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.

Standing Mixer. This must be thoroughly wiped down after every use - immediately after if possible (clean up will be easier). Give special attention to the part where the mixing attachment is inserted. This area can get gunky over time and contribute to the mixer not functioning properly. Unplug the mixer. Disconnect the attachment and wash in warm soapy water. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If you notice food, flour, or any residue near the attachment area use a thin bottle brush, toothbrush, or toothpick to dislodge and clean.

Toaster. This small appliance is home to an endless supply of crumbs. UNPLUG. You'll need something to catch the crumbs. Use one of these:

• A sink with a garbage disposal

• Trash can

• Plastic grocery bag

• Newspaper

Once you have the toaster over one of the options above, remove the crumb tray. Gently tap and shake the toaster to dislodge as many crumbs as possible. Use a dry stiff bristle brush to get out stubborn crumbs from slots. Never use metal items to clean a toaster. Wipe all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild cleaner if necessary.

Waffle Irons. It's important to not use abrasive cleaners on this appliance. Clean after every use. While the iron is still slightly warm but unplugged, use a thick towel to wipe away excess oil and crumbs. Be sure to thoroughly clean exterior with a damp towel and mild detergent. Waffle Irons can really get gunky with oily residue so take an extra minute or two to get into crevices where it's hinged together.

Microwave Ovens. Wipe up spills immediately for easiest cleaning. Every week take out removable parts, like the spin plate, and wash in warm soapy water. Use a hot damp cloth with mild cleaner to wipe out the inside. For stubborn stuck on stains/spills rinse a cloth in "hot as you can take it" water. Almost wring it completely out leaving it decently damp but not dripping. Place on area and let it sit there for about a minute or until it starts to cool. Wipe up area and repeat as needed until stain is gone. Allowing the stain to soak in a cleaning solution for a few minutes will help to clean it up too.

Juicers. Be sure to read the owner's manual for proper cleaning procedure. Every model is different. Here is one very useful tip: since the cutting teeth can be difficult to clean - use a stiff bristle dry toothbrush to dislodge food.

Automatic can opener. Wipe immediately after use. To clean the blade, use a toothbrush and then carefully wipe clean. Don't forget to unplug it first.

We are all busy and in a hurry to move on to the next thing. However, taking a few seconds to wipe up small appliances immediately after using them will ultimately save you a lot of time in trying to get stuck on stains and food off later. Always keep a bunch of clean towels handy in the kitchen so that you can quickly grab one for wiping up.

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Clean LLC | Keep Naturally Clean

Eco Friendly Home Cleaning Service & More

Serving Fairfield & Litchfield Counties of Connecticut

Including Warren & West Cornwall

Resources – Martha Stewart; Consumer Report