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These handy gadgets that sit on our kitchen counters or in designated appliance spaces make cooking more efficient and less time-consuming. While most small kitchen appliances are designed for easy cleaning, they still require some attention.
This guide offers helpful tips and steps for cleaning a variety of small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee machines, electric can openers, garbage disposals, toasters, and waffle makers. Learn how to remove stubborn food residue, banish odors, and more.
Next, we’ll begin with a small appliance that tends to get particularly dirty: the blender.
How to Clean Blenders
Most blender jars are dishwasher safe, but not all are. Some blades can become dull over time due to dishwasher detergents, while others remain unaffected. Always consult the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. By wiping the blender's base after each use, you can often avoid the need for deeper cleaning.
- To clean the blender jar, add a warm detergent solution and run the blender on high for about 15 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- To preserve the sharpness of the blades, avoid washing the blender assembly in the dishwasher.
- Use glass cleaner to clean stainless-steel blender bases and trims. Just spray it on and buff with a soft cloth.
- An all-purpose cleaner or a baking soda and water mix works well for cleaning plastic blender bases.
Let’s take a quick break. Read on to discover how to properly clean your coffeemaker.
Wash the food processor's work bowl, lid, pusher, blade, and discs in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher. Handle the blade with care as it is sharp, and it's best to wash it by hand.
How to Clean Coffeemakers
Drip coffeemakers are simple to clean – just replace the filter, wash the pot, lid, and basket with a detergent solution, and quickly wipe the base with a cloth. Percolators, however, require a more thorough cleaning from time to time to remove oil buildup that can affect the flavor of the coffee.
- To remove coffee and mineral stains from the glass pot of an automatic drip coffeemaker, add 1 cup of crushed ice, 1 tablespoon of water, and 4 teaspoons of salt to the carafe when it’s at room temperature. Gently swirl the mixture, rinse, and wash as usual.
- Allow a heated percolator to cool before cleaning.
- Use a percolator brush and soapy warm water to clean the spout and tubes of a percolator.
- For stubborn dirt on percolator parts, use a synthetic scouring pad – avoid harsh abrasives or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface. Scratches can trap oil and coffee residue, affecting performance.
Next, we’ll dive into how to properly clean electric can openers.
How to Clean Electric Can Openers
An electric can opener is an invaluable kitchen tool that makes opening cans a breeze. Even better, it requires only light maintenance, but it’s important to perform this simple care regularly.
Here are the essential steps to maintain your electric can opener in good working order:
- Always unplug the can opener before cleaning, and never immerse the body in water.
- After each use, wipe down the can opener to remove any food spills or drips. Use a sponge dampened with a warm, soapy solution of dishwashing detergent.
- Occasionally remove the cutting wheel and lid holder and let them soak in hot, soapy water.
- For stuck-on food, scrub with a toothbrush, then rinse, dry, and reassemble the parts.
Get rid of your bad cleaning habits by checking out the next section on how to clean garbage disposals.
How to Clean Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals are self-cleaning, but they can start to smell, especially if food is left sitting in them for a while. To keep your disposal fresh and functioning well, always run it with a steady flow of cold water. After turning it off, flush the disposal for a few seconds to ensure that all debris is rinsed away.
Avoid putting the following items in the garbage disposal: metal, wood, glass, paper, or plastic objects; fibrous organic waste like artichoke leaves and corn husks; and harsh drain cleaners.
If your garbage disposal starts to emit a bad odor, you can eliminate it by placing citrus peels into the disposer. Grind them with cold water to freshen up the scent. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda over ice cubes and grind them in the disposal.
Read on to find helpful tips for cleaning your toasters.
How to Clean Toasters
Toasters are magnets for crumbs and fingerprints, requiring regular care to maintain their cleanliness and shine. Here's how to keep them in top shape:
- Always unplug the toaster and allow it to cool before cleaning. Never submerge the toaster in water.
- Regularly wipe down the toaster's exterior. Remove the crumb tray at the bottom, shake out any crumbs, and wash the tray with warm, soapy water. ©2006 Publications International, Ltd.Don’t forget to clean the crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster.
- If your toaster lacks a crumb tray, turn it upside down and gently shake it over the sink or a trash bin.
- Use a soft, thin brush to remove any crumbs from inside the toaster.
- Avoid using metal utensils to clean the interior of the toaster.
In the final section of this guide, we’ll explore the proper way to clean a waffle iron.
Regular cleaning of your toaster oven prevents the buildup of food stains and crumbs.
- Wipe down the exterior and crumb tray frequently; after cooking greasy foods, clean the oven's interior with a warm dishwashing solution. A synthetic scouring pad will work well for stubborn grime on the tray and racks. For plastic parts, use a mild detergent solution.
- Only clean the toaster oven once it’s cool and disconnected from the power source.
- Never immerse the toaster oven in water, and avoid using harsh abrasives, steel wool, or commercial oven cleaners.
How to Clean Waffle Irons
Waffle irons require minimal maintenance. The grids, typically made from seasoned cast iron or a nonstick material, usually don't need washing after regular use. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Always wait for your waffle iron to cool and unplug it before cleaning. Never submerge it in water.
- After each use, wipe the exterior of the waffle iron and clean any batter splatters.
- For the grids, use a paper towel lightly soaked in vegetable oil to wipe them down. ©2006 Publications International, Ltd.Use vegetable oil on a paper towel to clean the grids of your waffle iron.
- If waffles stick and burn, remove the grids and wash them with warm, soapy water.
The cleaning tips shared in this article will not only keep your small kitchen appliances looking fresh but will also help them perform at their best.
