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How To Clean Your Favorite Kitchen Appliances
We sell a lot of kitchen appliances—from air fryers and blenders to espresso machines, stand mixers, multicookers and more.
Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your appliance, and this is especially true for cleaning. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn grease or everyday grime, here’s how to clean your favorite appliances the right way.
Hungry for more? From blenders and food processors to air fryers, stand mixers and more, our selection of small appliances has the perfect tool for every job.
How To Clean an Espresso Machine
High-end espresso machines, like those from Breville or De’Longhi, require regular maintenance to ensure great-tasting coffee and long-term durability.
Daily Cleaning: Empty and rinse the portafilter, drip tray and steam wand after each use. Purge the steam wand with a quick blast of steam to remove milk residue.
Descale Monthly: Fill the water reservoir with a descaling solution or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Run the cleaning cycle as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Deep Clean the Group Head: Remove and soak the portafilter and filter baskets in warm, soapy water. Use a small brush to clean around the group head.
Polish the Exterior: Wipe down stainless steel surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent to keep your espresso machine looking sleek.
How To Clean a Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is an essential tool for bakers, but it can get messy quickly. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:
Wipe the Exterior: After each use, wipe the body and head with a damp cloth.
Wash Attachments: Hand wash beaters and dough hooks with soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer.
Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas: Use a soft toothbrush to scrub around buttons and crevices.
Regrease the Gears (Every Few Years): Over time, the grease inside the mixer’s motor housing can break down or dry out, leading to strain on the gears. If your mixer starts making unusual noises, leaking oil or running less smoothly, it may be time for regreasing. Check your manufacturer’s manual for guidance or have it serviced professionally.
How To Clean a Range and Oven
Grease splatters, food spills and baked-on grime can quickly make your range and oven look and smell unpleasant. Here’s how to clean them effectively:
How to Clean a Stovetop
Daily Wipe-Down: After cooking, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove fresh spills.
Soak and Scrub Stains: For stubborn stains, soak them with an all-purpose cleaner and let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
Clean Burner Grates: If your stove has removable grates, wash them in warm, soapy water. For tough buildup, soak in a vinegar and baking soda solution.
How to Clean an Oven
Steam Clean: Heat the oven to 225°F and place a pan of water inside for 15 minutes. The steam will loosen grime.
Deep Clean with Baking Soda: Mix ½ cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste. Spread it inside the oven, let sit for 20 minutes (or overnight for tough stains), then wipe away with a damp cloth.
Polish the Exterior: Wipe the oven door with a vinegar and water solution to remove grease and fingerprints.
How To Clean a Blender or Food Processor
Sticky smoothies and purees can leave your blender or food processor looking worse for wear. Keep it fresh with these simple steps:
Quick Clean: Fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend for 15 seconds.
Deep Clean: Disassemble all removable parts and hand wash with soapy water or place in the dishwasher (check manufacturer guidelines).
Tackle Tough Crevices: Use a toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water to clean between buttons and lids.
How To Clean an Air Fryer
Grease and crumbs can accumulate in your air fryer over time, affecting its performance. Here’s how to keep it clean:
After Each Use: Wash the basket, tray and pan in warm, soapy water or place in the dishwasher if safe.
Wipe the Interior: Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to remove grease and residue.
Deep Clean Monthly: If food particles are stuck, soak the basket and tray in hot, soapy water before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
How To Clean a Microwave
Microwaves collect splatters and odors, but a simple steam-cleaning trick makes them easy to maintain.
Steam Clean: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and heat until boiling. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping down the interior.
Wash the Turntable: Hand wash or place in the dishwasher.
Disinfect the Exterior: Wipe down the handle and buttons with a disinfecting wipe.
How To Clean a Toaster or Toaster Oven
Crumbs and grease buildup can be a fire hazard. Keep your toaster clean with these easy steps:
Shake Out Crumbs: Unplug the appliance and empty the crumb tray regularly.
Wipe the Exterior: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent.
Deep Clean: For toaster ovens, wash removable racks and trays in warm, soapy water.
How To Clean a Slow Cooker or Multicooker
Removable inserts make slow cookers easy to clean, but food residue can still build up over time:
Wash the Removable Pot: Hand wash the inner pot with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher if safe.
Clean the Lid and Sealing Ring: Remove the silicone ring from the lid and soak it in vinegar and water to eliminate odors.
Wipe the Base: Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior and control panel—never submerge the base in water.
How To Clean a Waffle Maker or Panini Press
Built-up batter or melted cheese can make these appliances tricky to clean. Follow these steps to keep them in top shape:
Wipe While Warm: Unplug and wipe the cooking plates with a damp cloth while the appliance is still slightly warm to loosen food debris.
Deep Clean Stubborn Messes: For stuck-on food, place a damp paper towel inside the appliance and close the lid for a few minutes to steam the residue off.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Never immerse an electric waffle maker or panini press in water. Use a toothbrush or soft cloth to clean the crevices.
How To Clean an Electric Can Opener
Electric can openers can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Here’s how to keep yours sanitary:
Wipe After Each Use: Use a damp cloth with dish soap to wipe the blade and exterior.
Deep Clean the Blade: Remove the cutting mechanism if possible and soak it in warm, soapy water. Use a toothbrush to scrub away stuck-on residue.
Lubricate Occasionally: Run a folded piece of wax paper through the can opener to help lubricate the blade.
How To Clean a Dishwasher
A dishwasher may clean your dishes, but it still needs regular maintenance to prevent buildup and odors.
Clean the Filter: Remove the dishwasher filter (usually located at the bottom) and rinse it under warm water. Scrub with a toothbrush and mild soap if needed.
Run a Vinegar Cycle: Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot water cycle to break down grease and hard water deposits.
Scrub the Spray Arms: Use a soft brush or toothpick to remove any food debris from the spray holes.
Deodorize with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle with hot water to neutralize odors.
Wipe the Door and Seals: Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the door gasket and exterior.
Hungry for more? From blenders and food processors to air fryers, stand mixers and more, our selection of small appliances has the perfect tool for every job.
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