AS the days get lighter and feel longer, it’s exciting to know that spring is just around the corner.
And that means house-proud homeowners will be gearing up for one mammoth task… it’s time to get prepared for the big spring clean.
And if you haven’t given some of these kitchen appliances some tender TLC in a while, there’s no need to panic.
There are some simple tips and tricks around to help, as giving them a clean will make them “more efficient and last longer,” writes Good Housekeeping.
Dishwasher
You wouldn’t wash your dishes in a dirty, grotty sink, so why let your dishwasher fester either?
You can give the machine a refresh for as little as 35p, using a budget-friendly Tesco buy.
Simply fill a large dishwasher-safe jug with 500ml of white vinegar and pop it onto the top shelf of your machine, without adding any other dishes in.
There’s no need to add any extra detergent, just run the machine through a full cycle and let the vinegar work its magic.
For a deeper clean, you can use an old toothbrush to tackle any remaining grime on the filters or seal.
Washing machine
Bacteria can build up quickly if you’re frequently running cold washes, so it’s best to clean your machine at least once a month.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘Can’t wait to try this’ cry cleaning fans as Zoflora launches ‘radiant’ new scent for spring – but only in one store” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367991186112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]And it’s so easy, as your 35p white vinegar once again saves the day.
All you need to do is run an empty, regular cycle on the hottest setting (at a minimum of 60ºC).
Add around 250ml of white vinegar to the detergent tray and let the natural ingredient work its magic on bad smells and lingering bacteria.
Fridge
A stinky fridge can certainly ruin your appetite, so it’s important to clear out any old, rotting food.
If you’ve done this and the stubborn smell just won’t budge, this handy hack will help, and it can cost you as little as £1!
Fans of popular cleaning influencer, Mrs Hinch, posted the pocket friendly hack on Facebook, the Express reported.
All you need to do is place a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge, which will quickly get to work absorbing those stubborn smells.
Oven
Putting off the daunting chore of cleaning your oven can lead to tougher grime buildup, longer cooking times and higher energy bills.
But don’t fear, there’s a handy hack to make the job a breeze.
All you need is some baking soda – mix half a cup of the stuff with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.
Apply this paste to the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements, and let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.
After, you simply give the oven a wipe clean with a damp cloth and can use a mix of water and white vinegar to get rid of any remaining residue.
Make sure to dry thoroughly and you’ll be left with a much cleaner oven.
Hoover
There are a few basic maintenance tips which will keep your machine working properly and prolong its life.
You should always make sure to empty your hoover bag after use, to prevent anything clogging up the filtration system inside.
It’s also best to make sure you’re keeping the lint line clear, and removing any built-up hair with a pair of scissors.
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