Spring is the unofficial official time to give your home a deep clean. Many of us focus on the nooks and crannies of our living spaces and often forget about the most essential tools for maintaining a clean environment: appliances. This spring, give your home appliances the attention they deserve with expert advice from Nick Webert, Senior Field Director at Samsung Care.

Vacuum Cleaners

“The vacuum is the engine for most people’s household cleaning, so it does require some regular maintenance to ensure that it’s performing at its best,” explains Webert. Making sure that your vacuum is clean is important for keeping your floors, carpets, and furniture pristine. Webert recommends frequently cleaning the vacuum filter by rinsing the dustbin and filter under warm, running water and allowing them to dry thoroughly, ideally in the shade, for 24 hours.

Washing Machines

Buildup in washing machines is a common issue that affects both cleanliness and functionality. “To help avoid a ‘soap-scrub’ like buildup on your clothes and in your washer, consider wiping out any dried detergent in compartments as well as running a self-clean cycle,” Webert suggests. For a deeper clean, mix about a quart of white vinegar with baking soda in the washer drum, use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the interior, and follow up with a hot, empty wash cycle. It’s important to use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the appliance’s finish.

Ovens

Regular maintenance of your oven is key to preventing food debris buildup, which can impact heat distribution. “Soak down the interior with a baking soda and vinegar solution and run self-clean cycles when you can,” advises Webert. For stubborn residue, allow the baking soda and vinegar solution to sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping it down with a damp towel. Webert stresses the importance of referring to the user manual for self-cleaning guidelines tailored to your specific model.

Microwaves

Microwaves, especially the over-the-range models, frequently miss out on regular cleaning. Webert points out that microwaves have either a removable grease filter or a recirculation filter. “As a general rule of thumb, you should clean a grease filter at least every three months. However, if you cook often, it may be beneficial to clean it more often—around 4-6 weeks,” he notes. For recirculation filters, replacing or cleaning every six months is recommended. Grease filters can be hand-rinsed or placed in the dishwasher if you’re short on time.