appliance cleaning tips

The Hidden Gunk Lurking in Your Appliances — And How to Get Rid of It

Your appliances could be harboring more than just dirt — learn how to protect your home.

We all like to think of certain appliances as “self-cleaning.” The fridge keeps things cold, the dishwasher uses soap and hot water, and the washing machine swirls away dirt. But the truth is, some of the grimiest spots in your home might be inside the very machines you rely on to keep things fresh.


Moisture, warmth, and leftover bits of food or detergent create a perfect welcome mat for bacteria, mold, and even fungi — and once they settle in, they can be harder to get rid of than you might expect. The good news? A few small habits, and a bit of regular maintenance, can make all the difference.




Kitchen – Dishwashers


Your dishwasher has a shocking secret, that doesn’t actually make sense. Out of all of the places in your home, your dishwasher is the most likely to harbor fungi. While many places in your home can provide an unwanted ground for bacteria, fungi isn’t one that many of us think of. The problem comes in on the rubber seals, the water drains and the sprinklers. Now, to be clear, fungi doesn’t always mean mushrooms. It can also mean molds. 

Fungi and bacteria are opportunistic pathogens meaning that healthy people aren’t going to be bothered much by them. Someone who is immunocompromised though, could find them much more problematic.   The problem is that they form biofilms which are not only difficult to remove, they’re also capable of surviving detergent, heat and variable pH levels. 



Some of the factors that increase the likelihood of microbial growth are the age of the appliance, how often you use it compared to how often you clean it, whether you have hard water, and whether you use rinse aid or not.    The age of the appliance, how often you clean it and whether or not you have hard water, are all pretty straightforward.
The one that surprised us were studies by the National Library of Medicine,  showing that using rinse aid actually makes it possible for a wider variety of fungi to flourish. It doesn’t mean it doesn't kill them at all, or that you should stop using a rinse aid. 




There are a few things you can do to clean and maintain your dishwasher though. Start by grabbing your calendar and scheduling in how often you want to remove and clean the filter. This is one we just don’t think about, and it’s much easier to schedule it, rather than trying to keep it at the top of your head, given everything else in life. Next up, add cleaning the interior and descaling to your monthly chore lists.  For that it’s making sure that you are using a mild cleaner and a soft brush. You’ll also want to descale by just using a hot cycle and a cup of white vinegar to dissolve any build up. Once every six months or so, take a look at your spray arms to clean the nozzles with either a toothpick or a toothbrush. 



Kitchen – Refrigerators

Your refrigerator might seem like the safest place for your food, but it can be hiding some very unpleasant surprises. Even though it’s designed to keep things cold, that doesn’t mean it’s free from bacteria or fungi. Moisture, food residue, and time can create the perfect hiding places for mold and bacteria — especially in spots you don’t think about often, like the vegetable crisper drawers, the rubber door gaskets, or even the water and ice dispenser.

The real trouble comes when mold spores find a damp place to settle in. Around gaskets, along water lines, or anywhere condensation collects, they can start to grow colonies. For most people, that might just mean something smells off or looks unsightly. But for someone with mold allergies or a weakened immune system, that can be a real health risk. And if any food in the fridge goes bad and starts to mold, it doesn’t just stay in its container — those spores can spread to other surfaces.

A few everyday habits can make the problem worse. Overfilling your fridge reduces airflow and traps moisture, making it harder for the cold to do its job. Placing warm food inside creates a pocket of heat that bacteria love. And leaky door seals? They let warm air in, which can raise the temperature and make everything inside more vulnerable.

If you already see signs of mold or slime, you’ll want to act quickly. Start by tossing any spoiled food and wiping down affected surfaces with gentle dish soap, white vinegar, or baking soda. For mold on gaskets, use warm soapy water or a bleach-based cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry the area before applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep the seal from cracking. If your fridge has a water or ice dispenser, flush the line with vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse well, replace the filter, and discard the first batches of ice or water.

Keeping it clean is easier if you make it routine. A deep clean every three to four months works for most fridges, but if yours has a water or ice dispenser, aim for every two months instead. Keep the temperature between 35–38°F, don’t overfill, and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Rotating food so the oldest gets used first will also help prevent spoilage before it starts.



Laundry – Washing Machines

It’s easy to think of your washing machine as one of the cleanest places in your home — after all, its whole purpose is to wash things. But the same warm, damp environment that helps clean your clothes can also be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. These microbes love to settle into rubber seals, gaskets, detergent compartments, and even the internal plumbing, where they form a sticky layer called biofilm.

Biofilms aren’t just unpleasant — they’re stubborn. Once they form, they’re tough to remove and can shelter harmful microorganisms from detergents, hot water, and even bleach. While healthy people might not notice much more than a musty smell, anyone with a weakened immune system could be at risk for infections.

So, how do they get started? Constant moisture from frequent use, combined with leftover detergent, dirt, and lint, provides plenty of nutrients. Low-temperature washes — while great for energy savings — also let heat-tolerant fungi and bacteria survive and multiply.

If you start to notice buildup or odor, it’s time for a targeted clean. Remove and wash the detergent drawer, seals, and filters using hot water and a mild cleaner. If mold is visible, a diluted bleach solution (about 10%) can help. Run an empty hot wash cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to break down any biofilm lurking inside.

Prevention is all about keeping things dry and hot when they need to be. After each load, leave the door and detergent drawer open to air dry, and wipe down the seals so moisture doesn’t linger. Running a high-temperature “maintenance” cycle every so often will also help keep microbes in check.



Keeping your appliances clean isn’t about making them look nice — it’s about keeping them safe, efficient, and able to do their jobs well. A little routine maintenance goes a long way in stopping mold, bacteria, and other unwelcome guests from setting up camp in places you’d never think to look.
With just a few minutes here and there — and a regular schedule for deeper cleanings — you can keep your dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine fresh, functional, and ready to serve you for years to come. Think of it as caring for the quiet workhorses of your home, so they can keep taking care of you.

Need a deeper clean or a repair you can trust? Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From expert inspections to professional cleaning and repairs, our team makes sure your appliances are running safely and efficiently — so you can spend less time worrying about hidden gunk and more time enjoying your home. Call Appliance Rescue Service today and let us take care of the dirty work for you.

Courtesy of Andreas

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

Essential Tips to Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliances Looking Like New




When it comes to maintaining stainless steel appliances, appearances matter as much as functionality. A sleek, gleaming surface is one of the reasons many of our customers choose stainless steel. But without the right care, your stainless steel fridge, oven, or dishwasher can quickly lose its shine, becoming dull or, worse, permanently damaged.

Understanding the difference between coated and non-coated finishes is a crucial part of keeping your stainless steel looking brand new. This knowledge empowers you to make the right cleaning choices and avoid harsh chemicals that can turn your appliance purple (yes, really!). Let's dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of stainless steel care, armed with this important information.




Know your coating




Before we start looking at ways to clean your stainless steel, you want to know what it's coating is. Different types of coating will require different consideration for how to clean them.  




Coated

Many appliance manufacturers are now offering a fingerprint-resistant finish. Some even include this as part of the appliance out of the box. Frigidaire is a good example of this, having been offering their smudge-proof stainless steel appliances for several years. In theory, appliances with this finish are easier to clean and more resistant to fingerprints and smudges. Although we haven't done extensive testing, we also tend to see appliances in many different states clean and dirty and haven't seen much difference in how the coating helps.  Generally manufacturers recommend cleaning their coated stainless steel only with soap and water.

It's important to note that the fingerprint-resistant coating is easily damaged. Even though it doesn't dissolve in water, vinegar can strip it away. This cautionary advice underscores the need to check your owner's manual before using any of the recipes that we suggest today, ensuring you don't inadvertently harm your appliance. 





Non-coated 

The most common finishes you are likely to find on your appliances are matt, brushed, and mirror. These three refer to how the steel was finished not a coating that was applied on top or added in the fabrication process. Stainless steel that has been finished by any of these methods is non-reactive to acids so it's safe to clean them with vinegar based cleaners.




Courtesy of Lowes and GE

Like you, when looking to solve a problem, we want to get straight to the solution. So this week, that's just what we're doing. We'll start with the good stuff, the recipes that will work on cleaning your stainless steel appliances. Then we'll move into the things you need to avoid, or else it will damage or destroy those appliances. Finally, we've got two in our last section that are just ugly. 







The Good







1. Olive Oil and Vinegar

 Many people use olive oil and vinegar to clean appliances. You spray down your appliances with a light coat of white vinegar and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Then you come back with the olive oil to gently buff the surface and protect it. 




Some swear by combining the two to make a one-and-done product, so that's what we're sharing here. 




Ingredients:

1/2 cup of white vinegar

1/2 cup of olive oil

Instructions



Mix the white vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle.

Shake hard before each use so that the two liquids will mix into each other. 

Spray the solution onto the stainless steel appliance you're going after.

When wiping down your appliance, it's crucial to follow the grain of the steel. This attention to detail ensures you're not just cleaning, but also preserving the appearance of your stainless steel. 

Finish by buffing the surface to a shine with a dry cloth.






2. Lemon juice and cream of tartar

For a citrus twist, combine lemon juice with cream of tartar. The natural acidity of the lemon will cut through stains, smudges and built on grease, while the cream of tartar acts as a mild buffer. 

Lemon juice's natural acidity can cut through stains and brighten the steel's appearance.




Ingredients:

Lemon juice (from one lemon)

Cream of tartar

Instructions:





Squeeze out your lemon into a bowl and mix in enough cream of tartar to create a paste. 

Apply that paste to any stained areas on your appliance. 

Scrub gently with a soft cloth, and continue until the paste is gone or the stain is. 

Use a clean cloth to rinse with water and dry the area. 







3 Water and Vinegar

For this mixture, you will need a half cup of water, and third cup of white vinegar.  However, this may leave the area smelling like vinegar. You may add some essential oil for a pleasant smell.




The mild acidity of vinegar helps cut through grease and grime without harming the surface. Here's how you can use it:





Ingredients:

1 part white vinegar

1 part water

Instructions:





Mix the white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution directly onto the stainless steel surface.

Wipe it down with a clean, soft cloth, following the steel's grain.

Rinse with water and dry thoroughly to prevent streaks.





Courtesy of Bosche and Lowes

Just make sure that you don't let the vinegar sit for more than a minute in any area, as the acidity can damage the finish if left alone.







4. Baking Soda Base

For this cleaner, you will need white vinegar, four tablespoons of baking soda, one quart of water, and some lemon juice. Mix all of these ingredients together and let them sit for a few minutes. You may then apply and then rub off the cleaner paste with a dry paper towel. From there, rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.





Ingredients:

Baking soda

Water

Instructions:






Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.

Apply the paste to the stained area.

Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, following the steel's grain.

Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.









For many people this is enough. You have the recipes that work, now you just need to figure out which one works for you. Hang on, though, and you'll find out why these recipes work vs others that don't, plus one that can ruin appliances and another that wastes your time. 






The Bad

Now we're into the warnings. The things that you should be told when you purchase a new stainless steel appliance, but aren't always. There are many things that can damage the pretty outside of your stainless steel appliances. It's surprising, we know, but it's the truth. 






1.  Steel Wool 

Steel wool, like you might use to clean your pans, is straight out. This will scratch and destroy your stainless steel.  These not only scratch the stainless steel, but you can leave behind particles that will rust on the exterior and leave you with a very messy-looking appliance. 






2. Harsh abrasives

DON'T use chlorine bleach, chloride, oven cleaner, or other abrasive cleaners 






Scouring powders

Bleach and other chlorine products

Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, such as Windex

Oven cleaners

All of these cleaners we've listed will damage the finish on your appliance, making it easier for it to be scratched or to begin rusting. 







3. DON'T forget to review the manufacturer's manual.

Your manufacturer's manual will have important tips and tricks, not only for cleaning your appliance in question but also to help with things you need to avoid. 






4. DON'T leave things sitting in a stainless steel sink

Plates, silverware, and dishes can all leave streaks or scratches on your sink when moved around before being put into the dishwasher.  For your sink's sake, don't put off doing dishes. 






5. DON'T ignore chalky, white build-up

Courtesy of Curtis Adams

Tap water, especially if yours tends to be hard water, can leave a build up behind that not only looks gross, but will begin to leave stains given time. Better to wipe away any water or residue when you get the chance. Additionally, make sure that in your cleaning you aren't using hard water, but instead use distilled water. 








The Ugly






1. Avoid streaks; go with the grain. 

Let's face it, no one wants streaky windows or appliances. So, just like when washing down your windows, you need to go with the grain of the appliance. It's not just about streaks, though. Going against the grain can also get pieces of your cloth of choice stuck in the grain, leaving small pieces that can cause rust or damage over time. 







2. Not all cleaners will clean.

Just like we pointed out in the last section, some cleaners just don't mix with stainless steel appliances. One story we found was a woman who used Wood Surface Spray on her stainless steel fridge. In theory, it cleans away smudges, dirt and dust just as well as it does on wood, and it even protects from smudges! 







Except it doesn't?  According to those in the comments that found that not only does it not get the steel completely clean, but the smudges are back the very next day.  







Our final and perhaps most curious tip is this: Do not use any cleaner with ammonia in it.  Not only will it eat through the stainless steel, but it can also dye it purple. 

Courtesy of RDNE Stock projectRDNE Stock project

Taking the time to clean and care for your stainless steel appliances not only keeps them looking stunning but also helps them perform at their best. With the right approach—knowing the finish, using safe cleaning methods, and steering clear of harmful products—you can enjoy spotless, long-lasting appliances. And if your appliances ever need a bit more than a cleaning touch, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here help. We’ll work with you to keep your appliances running smoothly. Reach out for all your repair and maintenance needs; we’re here to help keep your home in top shape, one appliance at a time. 






Website

Call:  (214) 599-0055



Additional Reading

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked

Oven Deep Dive 

Organizing Your Home Before the Holiday Daze

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Holiday Prep for Home Appliances: Simple Steps to Stay Stress-Free

The holidays bring joy, laughter, and the occasional kitchen catastrophe. Just as you’re ready to pop the turkey into the oven or start the wash for all your holiday linens, there’s always the chance an appliance might decide now is the time to act up. (As if you don’t have a To Do list longer than your arm, it chooses now??) To help you avoid a festive fiasco, here’s a guide on how to prevent the most common holiday appliance issues—keeping you and your appliances on the right track.

Before Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around, there’s no better time than now to get these maintenance tips checked off your list. A little preparation now can mean smooth sailing later. So let’s dive into how you can keep your home running seamlessly during the holidays! 

1. Do Some Deep Cleaning

We tend to focus on holiday decorations and menus this time of year, after all, that’s the ‘fun’ stuff.  A quick clean of your appliances can go a long way toward ensuring they’re ready for holiday demands though. Here’s a breakdown of essential appliance cleaning tasks and why each one matters.

  • Oven – Holiday cooking often means the oven is in constant use. Grease and food spills in the oven can create burnt smells and smoke. There’s very littel that’s worse than smelling something burning and the shock to your system when you open the door and have smoke pouring out. The self-clean function is still not always trustworthy, and it can lead to issues with different stoves, at worst causing a very dead oven just before the holidays. 

    • Avoid all of this by popping a pyrex dish in the oven, filled halfway with water and a bit of vinegar. No more than a cup. Let that steam in your oven at 350 for 20 minutes, and then shut it off. Once it’s cool enough to touch, go in with a cloth and wipe everything down to get off gunk, food and any dust. Easy as pie. 





  • Stove – Depending on the type of stove you have, a dirty surface can cause problems. If it’s a gas stove, greasy burner heads can prevent them lighting. An electric stove on the other hand, will cause uneven heating if they’re not clean. Instead, take a moment to wipe down the whole stove, and make sure that your burners and grates are clean. Now you’ll avoid any delays in your cooking. Avoid placing aluminum foil near the burners, as it can obstruct airflow and create hot spots.




  • Refrigerator – With guests and extra groceries, your refrigerator’s cooling system has to work harder. Your fridge will soon be overflowing with holiday treats, so give it a little TLC beforehand.  Dusting off the condenser coils (usually found at the back or bottom) can  help your refrigerator to breathe and keep cold. Then wiping down shelves can help with airflow and keep your ingredients fresh.




Courtesy of August de Richelieu

  • Freezer – If you’re like us, our freezers are prime real estate at this time of year. If yours is a bit frosty, consider defrosting it early to keep ice buildup from interfering with temperature. Decluttering and organizing food can help everything stay colder, reducing the risk of items thawing when you least expect it. An organized, decluttered freezer also helps maintain airflow, keeping items evenly frozen without straining the system. 




  • Washer – With guests arriving and linens piling up, your washer will likely be in full swing. To prevent mold or mildew odors, run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar. Follow it up with a quite clean of the gasket, and you won’t worry about telling guests where the laundry room is.




  • Dryer – Dryers collect lint quickly, which can not only reduce efficiency but also create a fire hazard. Make it a habit to empty the lint trap after each load and vacuum around the machine to keep the air moving freely.  If your clothes are taking longer to dry, consider checking the duct for any blockages.

2. Watch for These Common Issues

Even with a solid cleaning routine, appliances can still act up. Here’s a quick look at a few common problems and how to prevent them, to keep your appliances in good shape during the holiday rush.



Courtesy of RDNE Stock project

Oven Troubles – If your oven’s temperature seems off, it could be a simple calibration issue. Testing it with an oven thermometer can reveal if there’s a temperature discrepancy. At that point you'll need a professional to recalibrate it, but youll at least have a spot to point them towards. For inconsistent heating, check the door seal for gaps, as a tight seal is essential for maintaining even cooking temperatures. A worn or loose seal can often be replaced easily to save energy and improve performance.



Refrigerator Concerns – Cooling issues or pooled water are often linked to dirty coils or a clogged defrost drain. Dusting the coils and checking the door gasket for tears or wear can prevent warm air from seeping in. If your fridge has an ice maker, it's about to get a lot of use. Consider changing out the filter before your holiday guests arrive, to make sure you have plenty of clean ice and water. 





courtes of Polina Tankilevitch

Dishwasher Woes – if your dishes aren't coming out clean, it's most likely due to a clogged filter or spray arms. A quick check of your filter for food particles and running a rinse cycle with vinegar can help keep your dishes sparkling. If your dishwasher has begun to leak, check the door seal for any damage. If it's loose or cracking a replacement is a quick fix that can keep you from having to deal with a disaster.



Washer & Dryer Problems – if your washer or dryer starts to shake or make loud noises, it can often be fixed by redistributing the load you have in there. Before you start in on your holiday laundry and refreshing of linens, it's a good idea to check the lint trap and that the vent hoses are clear as they are about to get a workout.



3. Keep an Eye on Your Electrical System

Holiday decorations, more frequent cooking, and constant washing and drying can put a strain on your home’s electrical system. To help your appliances run smoothly without tripping circuits or causing surges, keep these points in mind:

  • Power Supply – Don’t overload outlets with multiple appliances and holiday lights. Instead, distribute your plug-ins around the kitchen and living areas to prevent circuit overloads.

  • Extension cords - Daisy chains are for flowers not electronics. No matter if it would be easier, don't daisy chain surge protector into surge protector or extension cord into extension cord into extension cord. This is a common tactic at this time of year and is also one of the lead reasons for fires at this time of year

  • Dedicated Circuits – Some larger appliances, like ovens or dryers, work best on dedicated circuits. If you’re noticing power inconsistencies, it could be due to the load distribution.

4. Test Everything Early

The best way to prevent holiday appliance breakdowns? Test everything early. Taking a few moments a week or two before your big events to run all your appliances can help you catch any red flags ahead of time. Make it part of your prep checklist to run the oven, start a load of laundry, and turn on the dishwasher just to confirm they’re ready to go.

A little preparation now can make all the difference when the holidays are in full swing. From quick cleaning sessions to troubleshooting the occasional hiccup, these small steps can ensure your appliances are holiday-ready. And if you’d rather leave the hard work to us, don’t hesitate to call or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Not only do we do repairs, we’ll also do maintenance on your appliance, to ensure everything is working, Appliance Rescue Service is here to keep your home running smoothly, so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones.


Website


Call : (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading


Organizing Your Home Before the Holiday Daze

Christmas Gifts We Won't Be Giving 

Chill Hacks Unveiled: Mastering Your Fridge's Microzones for Fresher Foods