There’s something incredibly satisfying about a fresh, organized home, the kind where every surface shines and every appliance runs like new.
While spring cleaning gets all the credit, a clean and efficient home isn’t something to reserve for just one season.
In fact, regularly deep cleaning your appliances can do more than just make your home look great. It can improve performance, extend the lifespan of your appliances, and even support a healthier environment for your family by eliminating hidden grime, allergens, and bacteria.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the must-clean appliances in your kitchen, laundry room, and beyond. You’ll find practical, easy-to-follow steps that make deep cleaning less overwhelming and more achievable, no matter your schedule.
Kitchen Appliance Deep Clean—Where to Start
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the busiest place when it comes to appliances. To keep your kitchen running smoothly, it’s essential to deep clean appliances like your oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator on a regular basis.
Couldn't everyone stand to clean the kitchen more often? Below, we’ll cover appliance cleaning tips for the refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher, and we’ll talk about how often you need to deep clean kitchen appliances. What should be done weekly, monthly, and seasonally? Let’s find out.
Refrigerator
Avoid ending up with something funky or foul-smelling by starting with emptying out the whole fridge.
- Empty and sort: Take everything out and toss expired or unused items.
- Shelves and drawers: Wondering how to sanitize refrigerator shelves? Remove and soak in warm, soapy water, then sanitize with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of water.
- Interior walls: Wipe down with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to neutralize odors and remove stains.
How often should you be deep cleaning your refrigerator? Deep clean seasonally, with light wipe-downs every week.
Microwave
Wondering how to clean a microwave with vinegar?
- Steam clean method: Place a bowl of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) inside, heat on high for 5 minutes, then let the steam sit for another 5.
- Wipe interior: Use a microfiber cloth to remove softened grime.
- Exterior and turntable: Wash the plate like a dish and wipe the door, especially around the handle.
How often should you deep clean your microwave? Deep clean monthly or more often with frequent use.
Oven
Timing oven cleanup with holidays can help you stay on track with your deep clean routine.
- Remove oven racks: Soak in hot, soapy water for a few hours or overnight.
- Interior cleaning: Use a baking soda and water paste on the interior, let it sit overnight, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Use vinegar for stubborn residue.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: We recommend baking soda and water or soap and water, unless using self-clean mode (if your model allows).
How often should you deep clean your oven? Deep clean every 3–6 months or before/after heavy use periods like holidays.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher does a lot of work for you, so it’s no wonder it needs a little more attention than other appliances.
- Filter check: Remove and rinse the filter under warm water. Scrub with a soft toothbrush to clear debris.
- Spray arms: Use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes.
- Interior clean: Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher-safe cup of vinegar on the top rack.
How often should you deep clean your dishwasher? Deep clean monthly, but check the filter biweekly.
➜ Learn More: How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use?
The Right Way to Clean Range Hoods and Vents
Range hoods and ventilation systems quietly work hard to keep your kitchen air clean, but when they’re coated in grease, they can lose effectiveness and even become a fire hazard. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean kitchen hood filter, keep reading.
For mesh (metal) filters, start by removing them and then soaking them in a degreasing solution made from hot water and dish soap or a commercial cleaner. After soaking, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and allow the filters to air dry before reinstalling.
Not all range hoods have charcoal filters, but they are highly effective at removing unpleasant odors and VOCs from the air. Unlike mesh filters, charcoal filters are not washable and need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you cook.
Choosing to deep clean appliances and their components matters. A properly maintained hood more effectively removes smoke, odors, and airborne grease, all while reducing strain on the motor and minimizing fire risk.
Frequency Guide
- Mesh filters: Clean monthly.
- Hood exterior: Wipe down weekly.
- Charcoal filter: Replace 2x/year or as needed.
How to Clean Stainless Steel, Black, and Glass Appliances
Not all appliance finishes are created equal—and using the wrong cleaner can leave scratches, streaks, or permanent damage. Whether you're tackling kitchen cleanup or seasonal maintenance, follow these finish-specific cleaning tips to keep your appliances looking like new.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Best for: Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens
What to use:
- A soft cloth with mild dish soap and warm water, or a stainless steel cleaner
- Always wipe with the grain of the steel
- Dry and polish with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine
Avoid:
- Bleach, ammonia-based sprays, or abrasive scrubbers—they can cause discoloration or scratches.
How to Clean Black Kitchen Appliances
Best for: Ranges, microwaves, and black stainless steel finishes
What to use
- A microfiber cloth with warm water and gentle dish soap.
- For fingerprints, use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water to restore the luster.
Avoid:
- Harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can dull the surface.
How to Clean Glass and Platinum Glass Appliances
Best for: Oven doors, cooktops, glass-panel refrigerators
What to use:
- A non-abrasive glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio).
- Use a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent streaks or micro-scratches.
Avoid:
- Scouring powders, steel wool, or any gritty cleaners.
Pro Tip: Always spot-test cleaners in an inconspicuous area before applying to the full surface.
How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine and Dryer
Your laundry appliances need more than just an exterior wipe-down. Regular deep cleaning helps prevent odor, mold buildup, and performance issues. Here's how to properly deep clean your washing machine and dryer:
How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine
Monthly maintenance tips:
- Drum: Run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar (no laundry), followed by another cycle with ½ cup of baking soda.
- Gasket (for front-loaders): Wipe with a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove mold and grime.
- Detergent Tray: Remove and rinse under hot water; soak in vinegar if residue is stubborn.
How often to clean:
Deep clean once a month to avoid musty odors and detergent buildup.
How to Deep Clean a Dryer
Every 3 months (or more if needed):
- Lint Trap: Clear lint after every load; deep clean the mesh with a brush and warm soapy water monthly.
- Vent Hose: Disconnect and vacuum lint buildup seasonally—this helps prevent dryer fires and improves efficiency.
- Drum: Wipe with a cloth dampened with mild soap and water to remove residue or fabric softener stains.
Routine tip: Wipe down exterior surfaces weekly and keep the area behind and underneath free of dust.
A Cleaner Home Starts With Clean Appliances
Deep cleaning your appliances is more than a chore—it’s an investment in your home.
Regular maintenance boosts performance, enhances air quality, eliminates odors, and extends the life of your machines.
Plus, the pride of a spotless kitchen or laundry room is hard to beat!
To make it easy, save this guide as your go-to resource for quarterly appliance care. Set a seasonal cleaning schedule to seamlessly integrate deep cleaning into your routine.
Start small—tackle one appliance for 30 minutes—or dedicate a weekend to refresh your entire lineup.
If you need support, Arizona Appliance is here for you. From expert cleaning tips to trusted appliance brand recommendations or referrals to professional technicians, we’ve got your back. Visit our blog for more home maintenance tips, and keep your appliances shining bright!
➜ Learn More: How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerators and dishwashers should be deep cleaned seasonally, with light maintenance monthly. Microwaves and filters benefit from monthly cleanings, while ovens can go 3–6 months, depending on usage. Range hoods and vents should be checked monthly and cleaned at least every quarter.
Always clean with the grain using a soft cloth and a mild cleaner like dish soap and water or a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. Avoid anything abrasive, including steel wool or powder cleansers. Buffing dry with a microfiber towel helps reduce streaks.
Run an empty cycle using white vinegar, followed by a rinse with baking soda. For washing machines, be sure to clean the rubber gasket and detergent tray. In dishwashers, scrub the filter and spray arms. Leave doors open after use to air out moisture.
Yes! Vinegar and baking soda are gentle, effective, and safe for most appliance interiors. They’re excellent for deodorizing and removing buildup, but avoid using vinegar on rubber seals too frequently as it can cause degradation over time. And they’re actually more powerful when used separately than when used together.
If your appliances have heavy buildup or persistent odors, or if you’re finishing up a larger kitchen remodel, it may be worth hiring a professional. It's also helpful if you're preparing to sell your home or just want peace of mind. At Arizona Appliance, we’re happy to connect you with reputable cleaning professionals in the Phoenix, Tucson, or Scottsdale area.
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