How to show some love to your appliances this Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, why not show some love to the appliances that make your house a home? From ovens baking delicious treats to washers handling dirty laundry, our appliances work hard throughout each week without asking for anything in return. So let’s thank them by giving some tender loving care!

There’s no need for roses or chocolates here – just a little cleaning and maintenance. Now is a great time to clean dust bunnies from the fridge coils, give the dishwasher some freshening tablets to make it shine and clear the dryer vent so it breathes easy.

Let’s show some appliance appreciation to keep them running like new. Because being grateful for the conveniences in life is the sweetest treat!

If you need a part for any of your appliances, grab your model number and enter it at AppliancePartsPros.com to get an exact replacement. Most orders arrive in two business days.

Disclaimer: The general information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

Cleaning

• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Avoid mixing cleaning products since reactions between products can produce hazardous fumes.
• Try to use cleaning products specifically designed for your appliance and carefully follow the instructions.
• Never use abrasive scouring powders or chemicals.
• Keep all cleaners and supplies locked up and safely out of reach of children.
• Keep your work area ventilated while using cleaning products. Open windows if possible or use fans.
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue buildup.
• Check your appliance manual for any special cleaning instructions.
• Keep cleaning solutions, sponges or rags away from controls, outlets and other electrical components where moisture could cause shorts.
• Let all parts fully dry after cleaning and before plugging appliances back in.

General

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Dishwasher cleaning & maintenance

Imagine a world where your trusty dishwasher starts slacking off: dishes come out spotty, the once vibrant hum turns into a grumble, and you’re left wondering where the magic went. Just like any appliance that plays a vital role in our daily lives, your dishwasher needs a bit of pampering to keep performing at its best.

• Check the filter for any blockages or debris.
• Clean the interior, including the tub, racks, and spray arms. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove any mineral buildup or odors.
• Run a sanitize or cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner.
• Check the soap dispenser for any blockages or debris and clean as needed.
• Check the door seal for any signs of wear or damage. Replace it if necessary.
• Inspect the drain hose for any signs of damage or blockages. Clean or replace it if needed.
• Check the water supply lines for any signs of damage or leaks. Make sure the connections are tight and free from corrosion.

Dryer cleaning & maintenance

It’s easy to forget about maintenance when everything seems to be running smoothly, but your dryer needs regular love and care to keep it in peak condition.

• After every load, clean the lint filter to allow for proper airflow and prevent buildup that could start fires. Remove any lint or debris that’s accumulated in the filter. Rinse and scrub the filter with a mild detergent to remove stubborn debris; make sure it’s completely dry before reinstalling.
• Check the mesh screen of the filter for tears and replace it if it’s damaged.
• Regularly inspect and clean the venting system to ensure it’s free from blockages. Use a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled brush to remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated in the vent housing. Be sure to clean the entire length of the duct and the vent attached to the back of the dryer.
• Clean the drum regularly to remove any accumulated lint or debris. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to wipe down the interior of the drum.
• Check the door seal (gasket) regularly and replace it if it’s not sealing properly.
• Check the vent hood on the outside of your home for debris and damage. Replace it with a new one if needed. Use a vacuum or cleaning kit with a long-handled brush to remove lint and other debris inside the ducting.

Garbage disposal cleaning & maintenance

It’s easy to forget about garbage disposals until they start misbehaving. But showing this workhorse appliance some love with regular cleaning and maintenance will keep it humming along odor-free for years of food scrap shredding duty. Don’t let your disposal turn into a dud!

• Once a month, fill the drain with cold water and add 6-8 ice cubes. Turn the disposal on and let the ice cubes grind thoroughly for about 30 seconds to sharpen the blades.
• Wipe the splash guard and surrounding counters clean.
• Remove the splash guard ring and clean out any grime or debris stuck in the grinding flanges at least once every six months.
• For odor control, add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon or lime peels, or mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with water and run cold water while grinding once a week.

Microwave cleaning & maintenance

It’s easy to take the microwave for granted since it hides mess inside. But crusted food splatters and greasy walls can affect its performance and can be downright nasty. With some effort and the proper technique, you can tackle troubling stains, lingering odors and built-up gunk.

• Wipe down the interior walls and floor of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to the corners. Never use a glass cleaner on the inside since this may leave chemical fumes that can enter food as it’s cooking.
• Remove the turntable/tray and wash it by hand in warm soapy water. Make sure it’s completely dry before replacing it.
• Gently wipe down the door and surrounding areas with a damp cloth to remove leftover food particles.
• Wipe down the exterior glass windows with a glass cleaner or other mild cleaner.
• Remove detachable grilles or covers and vacuum collected debris from fan intakes and exhaust vents.
• Use a damp wipe to remove fingerprints and debris from the control panel, buttons and other exterior surfaces.
• Wipe down the outside cabinet surfaces and door. Polish the exterior if you have a stainless steel model.

Refrigerator cleaning & maintenance

Over time, spills, crumbs, and odors can turn this meal prep cornerstone into something less fresh. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your fridge from looking like a science experiment gone wrong or, worse, a machine on the brink of a breakdown.

• Deep-clean your fridge by checking the expiration dates of any perishable items at least once a month. Dispose of them if they are past their expiration date.
• Check the seals and gaskets around the refrigerator doors for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any gaps or tears, replace them.
• Check the temperature setting and adjust it if needed. The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is 37-40°F. The freezer should be set at 0°F.
• If your refrigerator has an ice maker and water dispenser, replace the water filter every six months to a year depending on how much you use it.
• Remove food items and clean the interior surfaces of the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and door bins. Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water, and dry the surfaces before returning items to their places. Sanitize the handles, dispenser control pad and drip tray.
• Clean the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the refrigerator at least once every six months to improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle to gently remove dust and debris.

Range/exhaust hood cleaning & maintenance

All the steam, smoke, grease, and grime from stove-top cooking takes a toll on your range or exhaust hood over time. But a detailed wipe-down and de-gunking will get it sucking up the cooking mess and odors once again.

• Remove any filters and clean with warm water and degreasing soap. Let the filter dry completely before reinstalling. Replace any damaged filters with new ones.
• A range hood charcoal filter should typically be replaced every 6-12 months. However, if you use your range hood frequently or in a kitchen with high humidity or poor air quality, you may need to replace the filter every 3-6 months.
• Wipe down the exterior of the hood, including lighting fixtures and plastic trim. Use a gentle cleanser to remove food splatters and grease buildup.
• For built-in microwaves, carefully remove the glass turntable and wipe down the interior.
• Vacuum visible fan areas behind filters or grates to clear dust, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Stove/oven/range cleaning & maintenance

Even the most cherished kitchen workhorses can lose their luster over time. Spills, splatters, and everyday use can take their toll and turn your shiny cooking and baking hub into a greasy, grimy shadow of its former self. All you need is a little elbow grease and know-how to rekindle the flame of your kitchen’s centerpiece.

• Always clean up spills and splatters immediately to prevent them from hardening and becoming more difficult to clean. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can damage the stove’s finish.
• Check the stove’s burners, drip pans, and igniter for any damage or wear. Replace them as needed.
• For tough stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste or a cooktop cleaner. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
• If you have a gas stove or range, clean your burners and grates regularly with hot water and detergent.
• Remove the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water for about an hour. Use a soft brush to scrub off any food residue or debris. Rinse the racks thoroughly and dry them with a soft cloth.
• Use a gentle glass cleaner (or a baking soda and water paste) and a soft cloth to wipe down the oven door and glass window.
• Inspect the gaskets around the oven door for any cracks, holes, or damage. If you find any damage, replace the gaskets with new ones.

Washer cleaning & maintenance

Without proper care, this household hero can fall victim to odors, mold, and buildup, which can turn your clean laundry dreams into a less-than-fresh nightmare. With the right cleaning techniques and a little regular upkeep, your washer should be spinning happily for years to come.

Front-load

• Check and clean the drain pump filter at least once every six months. Remove any debris you find.
• Inspect the rubber door seal for damage or debris and clean it with a mild detergent and water solution at least once a month. Leave the door open between cycles to prevent mold buildup. Replace the seal if it’s damaged.
• Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner, vinegar or baking soda to remove any built-up debris or odors.
• Check the water supply lines for any signs of damage or leaks. Make sure the connections are tight and not corroded.
• Inspect the drain hose for any signs of damage or leaks. Replace it if needed.
• Check the detergent dispenser for any blockages or clogs.
• Inspect the washer’s tub for any signs of rust or corrosion.

Top-load

• Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner, vinegar or baking soda to remove any built-up debris or odors.
• Check the agitator for lint buildup and debris inside the basket.
• Inspect the water supply lines for any signs of mineral buildup, damage or leaks. Replace any damaged or leaking lines.
• Clean the top panel, lid and hinges of debris and check for rust.
• Check the detergent dispenser for blockages or clogs. Flush it with warm water to clear any debris.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Taking time to periodically test these life-saving alarms and conduct simple maintenance will keep these guardians ready to detect real danger – whether you’re fast asleep or in another room of the house.

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button to be sure it’s working. Replace batteries annually unless your alarms have sealed 10-year batteries.
• For hardwired alarms, check that backup batteries are installed correctly.
• Replace any alarm that is 10 years old or older since the sensors can degrade over time.
• Use your vacuum attachment to dust exterior alarm casings and air vents to keep sensors clear.
• Never paint over any alarm, and keep at least 6 inches between it and walls/ceilings.
• Remember that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on every floor of your home.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you have any appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

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