How to Clean Kitchen Appliances with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Keeping your kitchen appliances clean is essential for maintaining a healthy, efficient, and well-functioning kitchen. While there are many commercial cleaning products available, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Baking soda and vinegar, two common household items, are powerful natural cleaners that can tackle grease, grime, and stains on a variety of kitchen appliances. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use baking soda and vinegar to clean some of the most commonly used kitchen appliances.

Why Use Baking Soda and Vinegar?

• Baking Soda: Known for its mild abrasive properties, baking soda is excellent for scrubbing away tough stains and grime without scratching surfaces. It’s also a natural deodorizer, helping to eliminate unpleasant odors.
• Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural acid that cuts through grease, dissolves mineral deposits, and kills bacteria. It’s especially effective for breaking down stubborn residues and leaving surfaces shiny.

Together, baking soda and vinegar form a dynamic cleaning duo that’s safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.

Cleaning Your Kitchen Appliances

1. Oven

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Cloth or sponge

Procedure:

1. Make a Baking Soda Paste: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a spreadable paste.
2. Apply the Paste: Spread the baking soda paste inside the oven, focusing on greasy or stained areas. Avoid the heating elements. Let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.
3. Wipe Clean: After the paste has set, wipe it away with a damp cloth or sponge. You’ll notice the grime coming off easily.
4. Spray with Vinegar: Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it over the areas where you’ve removed the baking soda. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzy action that helps lift any remaining residue.
5. Final Wipe: Wipe down the oven with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover vinegar and baking soda. Your oven should be sparkling clean!

2. Microwave

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Water
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Cloth or sponge

Procedure:

1. Deodorize with Baking Soda: Start by placing an open box of baking soda inside the microwave to absorb odors. Leave it in for a few hours or overnight.
2. Steam Clean with Vinegar: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of vinegar. Place the bowl in the microwave and run it on high for 5 minutes. The steam from the vinegar solution will loosen any food splatters and stains.
3. Wipe Down: Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot) and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a cloth or sponge. Stubborn spots should come off easily.

3. Refrigerator

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Cloth or sponge

Procedure:

1. Remove Items: Start by taking out all the food items and shelves from the refrigerator.
2. Clean with Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge or cloth and scrub the interior surfaces of the fridge. This will remove any stuck-on food and stains.
3. Rinse with Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray the solution onto the surfaces and wipe clean. The vinegar will disinfect and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
4. Deodorize: After cleaning, leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb any lingering odors.

4. Dishwasher

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Cloth or sponge

Procedure:

1. Clean the Interior: Remove any food debris from the bottom of the dishwasher. Wipe down the door seal and interior surfaces with a cloth dipped in soapy water.
2. Run a Vinegar Cycle: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. The vinegar will help break down grease and remove musty odors.
3. Freshen with Baking Soda: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle. This will help deodorize and remove any remaining stains.

5. Coffee Maker

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Water

Procedure:

1. Descale with Vinegar: Fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brewing cycle without coffee grounds to descale the interior of the coffee maker.
2. Rinse: After the vinegar cycle, run two or three cycles with just water to rinse out any vinegar residue.
3. Clean the Carafe: Sprinkle baking soda into the carafe, add warm water, and scrub with a sponge to remove coffee stains.

Baking soda and vinegar are powerful, natural cleaning agents that can effectively clean and maintain your kitchen appliances. By using these eco-friendly ingredients, you can keep your appliances in top shape without relying on harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning not only prolongs the life of your appliances but also ensures that your kitchen stays hygienic and pleasant. Give these tips a try and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient kitchen!