Appliance maintenance tips for post-Thanksgiving clean-up

The Thanksgiving feast is ahead of us us, and while you may have enjoy delicious food and make lasting memories, your kitchen appliances will likely take quite a beating. It’s the perfect time to show them some much-needed TLC. Below, we’ll guide you through essential cleaning and maintenance steps for your oven, stovetop, dishwasher, and refrigerator to ensure they’re in great shape for the rest of the holiday season. By taking care of minor maintenance tasks now, you can avoid costly breakdowns later—plus, you can take advantage of ongoing holiday sales if you need any replacement parts.

Clean and inspect your oven

Give your oven a deep clean

Thanksgiving means hours of roasting turkey, baking pies, and whipping up side dishes, which can leave your oven covered in spills, splatters, and a build-up of grease. To deep clean your oven, start by removing the oven racks and soaking them in hot, soapy water. While the racks soak, use an oven cleaner—either store-bought or a mix of baking soda and vinegar—to clean the inside. Apply the cleaner, allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes, and then wipe away the gunk with a damp cloth. For a more thorough clean, use a scouring pad to tackle stubborn spots.

Check for wear and tear

After cleaning, inspect your oven for signs of wear and tear. Check the door seal (gasket) for any cracks or fraying, as a damaged seal can lead to heat loss and uneven cooking. You should also examine the heating elements—make sure they are evenly glowing without any dark spots that may indicate a faulty element.

If you spot any issues, take advantage of the current holiday sales and replace any worn-out parts before your oven fails you during the next family gathering.

Stovetop care and maintenance

Degrease the burners and cooktop

After a busy Thanksgiving, your stovetop is likely covered in a layer of grease and food particles. Start by removing the burners or grates and soaking them in hot, soapy water. Use a gentle scrubbing pad to remove any remaining grime.

For glass or ceramic stovetops, use a scraper and a specialized cleaner to lift cooked-on residue. A little baking soda and water paste also works wonders for gentle scrubbing.

Check burner functionality

Inspect your gas burners for even flames and clean the burner ports using a straightened paperclip to remove any clogs. For electric burners, make sure the coils are heating evenly, and replace any burners that aren’t functioning properly. It’s better to handle any minor issues now rather than waiting until they turn into bigger problems.

Dishwasher post-feast checkup

Remove and clean filters

Your dishwasher worked overtime helping you clean up after Thanksgiving, so give it some attention. Start by removing the bottom rack and taking out the filter—typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse the filter under hot water and use a soft brush to remove any trapped food particles or grease.

Clean spray arms and interior

Next, inspect the spray arms to ensure the holes aren’t clogged. Use a toothpick or small brush to remove any debris. Once the spray arms are clear, place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and run a hot water cycle to clean the interior, remove odors, and break down any grease that might have accumulated.

Inspect for wear

After cleaning, inspect the racks for any broken or missing tines and check that the door seal is intact. If any parts are showing signs of wear, consider replacing them while holiday sales are in full swing. A properly functioning dishwasher will save you time and energy during the next big holiday event.

Refrigerator maintenance tips

Declutter and deep clean

Thanksgiving leftovers often result in an overstuffed fridge, which can make it difficult for air to circulate properly. Start by decluttering your refrigerator and discarding any expired items. After decluttering, wipe down the shelves, drawers, and door compartments using a mixture of water and baking soda to get rid of spills and sticky spots.

Clean the condenser coils

Overworked refrigerators tend to use more energy, especially when their condenser coils are dirty. You’ll find the condenser coils either on the back or underneath your fridge. Unplug your refrigerator and use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils—removing the dust and dirt helps the fridge run efficiently.

Check the door seal

Check your fridge door seal to make sure it’s clean and sealing properly. A worn-out or dirty gasket can prevent the door from closing tightly, causing cold air to escape and food to spoil faster. If the seal isn’t working effectively, replace it as soon as possible.

FAQs

How do I clean my oven after Thanksgiving?

Cleaning your oven after Thanksgiving can be done by removing the racks, soaking them in hot soapy water, and using a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean the inside. Allow it to sit, then wipe away the grime.

What should I do if my stove burners aren’t working properly?

If your stove burners aren’t working properly, check the burner ports for clogs and clean them using a straightened paperclip. For electric burners, make sure the coils are heating evenly and replace any faulty ones.

How can I keep my dishwasher working well after a big holiday meal?

After a holiday meal, clean the dishwasher filter, spray arms, and interior. Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar to remove grease, and inspect for any worn-out parts that might need replacing.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling well after Thanksgiving?

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling well, check for overstuffing, clean the condenser coils, and ensure the door seal is intact. Proper airflow and clean coils help maintain optimal cooling.

When should I replace my oven door gasket?

You should replace your oven door gasket if it’s cracked, frayed, or no longer seals properly, as a faulty gasket can lead to heat loss and uneven cooking results.

Handle repairs and order parts now

We appreciate you stopping by! When it’s time for parts, AppliancePartsPros.com has you covered—just type in your model number to find the perfect fit. Most orders arrive in just two days, and we have tons of videos and guides to help you get what you need in no time.

Reach out anytime at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro, or check out our YouTube tutorials. And be sure to join us on Facebook, X and Instagram!