The holidays are coming—and your kitchen is about to become the busiest room in the house! Before the baking, roasting, and reheating begins, give your appliances some TLC so everything runs (and smells) like new.
Here’s your guide to getting those hardworking machines holiday-ready:
- Refrigerator Refresh
Your fridge is prime real estate during the holidays—make room for the turkey and Grandma’s pie!
How to clean it:
- Empty it completely and toss anything expired (yes, that mystery jar too).
- Wipe shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
- Clean the gaskets (door seals) with a damp cloth to keep them sealing tight.
- Vacuum the coils on the back or underneath to improve efficiency.
✨ DreamMaker Tip: Add a fresh box of baking soda to absorb odors.
- Oven & Stove Sparkle
There’s nothing worse than burning old food smells during your Thanksgiving feast. (Yuck, what’s that smell!)
Quick tune-up:
- Remove oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water.
- Use your oven’s self-cleaning cycle (but do it well before the holiday—you don’t want to roast your turkey in a freshly “smoked out” oven).
- Wipe down burners, knobs, and drip pans.
- For glass stovetops, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar and baking soda paste.
✨ Pro Tip: Check the oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer. If it’s off, you can often recalibrate it right from the settings menu.
- Microwave Magic
Microwaves collect splatters like confetti—especially if you reheat chili or sauces.
Clean it fast:
- Fill a bowl with water and lemon slices or vinegar and microwave for 3–5 minutes.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to steam, then wipe clean.
- Don’t forget the turntable and door edges!
- Dishwasher Detox
You’ll need this guy running at full strength after all those family dinners.
To deep clean:
- Remove and rinse the filter (usually at the bottom).
- Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar on the top rack.
- Wipe the door seal and edges—these spots trap grime.
✨ Bonus Tip: Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom and run a short hot cycle for a final deodorizing rinse.
- Small Appliances Count Too
Give your coffee maker, toaster, and stand mixer some attention:
- Descale coffee makers with vinegar and water.
- Shake out crumbs from toasters (outside, preferably!).
- Wipe mixers and blenders with a soft cloth—grease tends to build up around buttons and knobs.
💡 Why It Matters
A clean kitchen isn’t just about looks—it’s about efficiency, safety, and peace of mind. Regular cleaning keeps your appliances performing their best and prevents unpleasant surprises right before the holiday rush.
And if this pre-holiday refresh has you dreaming about updating your kitchen altogether, your team at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs can help bring those dreams to life—beautifully and efficiently.
