Routine Care Checklist for your Kitchen

Your kitchen likely gets a lot of use during the holidays. And even if it doesn't the new year still makes it a good time to do a little kitchen tune up to keep things running smooth throughout the year. Here is a checklist you can use for a post-holiday kitchen detox.

REFRIGERATOR 

• Vacuum condenser coils
• Clean drain hole and drip pan
• Clean and check door gasket
• Clean/defrost inside of refrigerator
• De-frost/clean freezer and ice-maker
• Check inside temperature
• Change water filter (if applicable)
• Adjust front support feet

STOVE

• Clean range hood, filter, and fan
• Clean reflector bowls
• Clean control knobs
• Clean burners (gas models)
• Clean gas grates (gas models)

MICROWAVE OVEN

• Clean inside cavity with mild detergent and water
• Clean around the door and door seal, and make sure door closes tightly.
• If your unit has a turntable, then be sure to clean underneath it.
• To remove odors, boil a solution of a cup of water and several tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave for 5-7 minutes.
• Clean grease and dust from around the air vents.
• Check inside light bulb, clean or replace as necessary 

DISHWASHER 

• Treat your dishwasher for scale build-up
• Clean filter and trap
• Clear spray arm holes
• Clear the "air trap"
• Check and tighten any loose water hose clamps.
• Check the door seal gasket for any cracks or leaks.
• Check the pre-heating mechanism

OVEN

Oven cleaning procedures and maintenance vary significantly by the type of oven (e.g. "self-cleaning, "continuous cleaning", and "conventional") and you should consult your manufacturer's recommendations for the specific procedures for your particular model.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

• Clean your disposal by grinding up ice cubes - You can also add sliced lemons to give it a nice sent
• Check under sink for any signs of leaking

FREEZER

• Defrost the freezer
• Vacuum dust off the condenser coils
• Ensure that the magnetic door seal on the unit closes tightly

Giving your kitchen appliances a little tender love and care not only helps keep your kitchen in good visual shape but it also helps the life expectancy of these valuable household systems.