Avoid kitchen odors during the holidays: Appliance cleaning tips for a fresh home

Nothing beats the smell of holiday cooking filling up your home, but those lingering kitchen odors can really put a damper on the festive vibes. To keep your kitchen smelling nice and fresh this holiday season, it’s a good idea to give your appliances a deep clean. We’ve pulled together some easy tricks to help you get rid of those unwanted smells and make sure your kitchen’s ready for all the holiday fun.

Important: The tips shared here might not apply to every appliance model. We do our best to offer helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, but variations in models and configurations can make troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements a bit different. For the most accurate info, we recommend checking out the manufacturer documentation for your specific model or reaching out to us if you have questions.

Refresh your refrigerator

Empty and inspect

First, take all the food out of your fridge. Check those expiration dates and toss anything that’s expired or gone bad. Too much stuff in the fridge can effect air circulation, which can cause odors.

Clean the interior

1. Mix some warm water with a little mild dish soap.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down every surface, shelves, drawers, and walls.
3. If you have any stubborn stains or bad smells, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it, and then rinse well.

Don’t forget the gaskets

The door gaskets on your fridge can trap crumbs and spills.

1. Wipe the gaskets with a damp cloth dipped in your soapy solution.
2. Dry them thoroughly so mold doesn’t have a chance to grow.

Check the drip pan

The drip pan collects condensation and can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

1. Locate the drip pan (if you’re not sure, use your appliance’s model number for help).
2. Take it out and empty it.
3. Give it a good wash with warm, soapy water, rinse it, and make sure it’s dry before putting it back.

Deodorize the dishwasher

Clear the filter

Food bits stuck in the filter can lead to some pretty bad smells.

1. Find the dishwasher filter at the bottom of the unit.
2. Take it out following the manufacturer’s directions.
3. Rinse it under warm water, using a soft brush to scrub away any debris.

Run a cleaning cycle

1. Put a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack.
2. Run a hot water cycle with no dishes inside.
3. For extra freshness, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle.

Sanitize the oven

Remove racks and accessories

Take out the oven racks, thermometers, and any other removable pieces.

Clean the interior

1. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the inside surfaces of your oven, just be careful to avoid the heating elements.
3. Let it sit overnight to break down grease and grime.
4. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.
5. Use a plastic scraper for any really tough spots.

Wipe down the racks

1. Soak the oven racks in warm, soapy water.
2. Scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge to remove any leftover grime.
3. Rinse and dry them before putting them back in the oven.

Freshen up the microwave

Steam cleaning

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and throw in some lemon slices or a few tablespoons of vinegar.
2. Microwave it on high for about 5 minutes to let the steam loosen up any grime.
3. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth.

Clean the turntable

1. Take out the turntable and wash it with warm, soapy water.
2. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in the microwave.

Maintain the garbage disposal

Flush with water

Run hot water through the disposal for about a minute to wash away debris.

Use natural deodorizers

1. Put a handful of ice cubes and rock salt into the disposal.
2. Turn on the disposal to clean the blades.
3. Throw in some citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to help get rid of any bad smells.

Deep clean

1. Turn off the disposal and disconnect the power.
2. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the inner sides of the disposal.
3. Reconnect the power and run some water to rinse it out.

General tips for odor-free appliances

Regular maintenance

• Clean up spills right away to keep odors from building up.
• Leave appliance doors slightly open when they’re not in use to help with airflow.
• Replace old or worn-out parts as needed. Check out AppliancePartsPros.com for quality replacement parts.

Use natural cleaners

• Baking soda and vinegar are great natural, eco-friendly cleaners.
• Stay away from harsh chemicals that can leave behind a smell.

Check seals and gaskets

• Look for cracks or wear on the seals.
• If they’re damaged, you can replace them; just use your appliance’s model number to find the right part.

Additional information

Keeping your kitchen appliances clean not only helps get rid of odors but also keeps them running longer. Regular maintenance means your appliances work better, which makes holiday prep a whole lot easier. If you need help or replacement parts, we’re here for you. Head to our repair help section for more tips and advice.

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