ACs to refrigerators: How to properly clean these home appliances

No festive prep is complete without a thorough cleaning of your home. Be it discarding the clothes that no longer fit you or servicing your appliances, everything has to be spick and span before D-day. With Diwali just around the corner, and preparations no doubt in full swing, here’s a handy guide on how you can clean these home and kitchen appliances and make them festive-ready.

Cleaning an air conditioner

It is perhaps the numero uno appliance that requires regular maintenance for optimum performance. While it is not easy to clean as a ceiling fan, you can clean your AC by yourself in a matter of an hour or two. Depending on the type of AC you have, you will have to clean either one (window AC) or two (split AC) units. You can refer to our in-depth guides for more details:

How to install and clean a window AC

How to clean a split AC

Cleaning an air purifier

Cleaning your air purification device is a fairly straightforward process which should take less than an hour. Depending on your device model, you can remove the filters and clean them per the manufacturer’s instructions. You can wipe the exteriors and the control panel with a damp cloth.

Cleaning a washing machine

Getting ready to click festive photos won’t be as fun if your clothes have lint or smell mouldy. The challenge of deep cleaning a washing machine is that its internal components aren’t exactly easy to reach. So, make sure you have at least an hour on your hand before you start cleaning your machine. The first thing to clean is the drum of your machine, followed by the outside body, pump filter, and pipes. You can refer to our guide to deep cleaning your washing machine to get it festive-ready.

How to deep clean your washing machine

Cleaning a dishwasher

Just like in the case of washing machines, the cleaners don’t clean themselves. If you use your dishwasher fairly regularly, it is a good idea to put it through a deep cleaning session. You can start by removing any debris from the bottom of the appliance. The next step is to locate the dishwasher filter and rinse it under running water with a soft toothbrush. Next, you can run a hot water cycle with no dishes and a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar to remove mineral buildup or residues. Once done, don’t forget to polish the exteriors for a fingerprint-free surface.

Cleaning a refrigerator

If you enjoy the festive season because of the mouth-watering delicacies, this section is for you! Deep cleaning your refrigerator will not only ensure it looks spotless but will also keep the dishes you keep in it fresher. According to Nikhil Birari, Lead Value Added Service, Service Delivery, at Croma, the best way to start cleaning your fridge is with vinegar and soap water.

For oily substances on the shelves, he suggests using boiled water along with vinegar. The next steps are to clean the deodoriser and the rubber gaskets. Remember to clean the coils on the back of your fridge with a dry cloth or brush. Depending on the capacity of your fridge and how well-stocked it is, the entire cleaning process can take anywhere between 30 minutes to a bit over an hour.

Cleaning a water purifier

While it may seem like a no-brainer, the first step to cleaning your water purifier is turning off the water supply and unplugging the device in case it is electrical. Depending on the model, check if you can remove the water tank or reservoirs and filter cartridges and clean them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The entire process should take less than an hour but is recommended to be done every few months. And if you haven’t changed your water purifier filters in a while, here are a few telltale signs that maybe it is time.

Cleaning an electric chimney

Depending on the type of kitchen chimney you have, you can clean some parts of it by yourself daily. Some models also have an auto-clean function to make it easier. However, a thorough internal cleaning is recommended every 3-4 months at maximum. You can refer to our handy guide on cleaning your vent, which has relevant tips for both pre and post-intense cooking sessions, especially during this festive season. A deep cleaning of a chimney will take a few hours, so schedule it on an ‘order takeout’ day.

How to clean an electric chimney

What's the best hack to clean my appliances?

Regular servicing and cleaning of appliances is the best care you can take of your appliances to ensure you don’t have to spend too much time cleaning them occasionally. And while the Monica Gellers among us might enjoy scrubbing down every available surface and appliance, many don’t have the time or the inclination to do the same. Such busy bees can opt for the ZipCare Maintain – Appliance Care Pack that provides servicing of any three out of the seven appliances mentioned under the plan. So what are you waiting for? Either don the cleaning gloves or book a ZipCare appointment now and get your appliances spick and span on time.