How to Maintain Your Expensive Kitchen Appliances

High end kitchen appliances represent a significant investment. They are functional and look fantastic in your kitchen, but they need to be properly maintained. Many people fall into a trap; they believe that self cleaning and self servicing appliances need no cleaning or maintenance. This is not the case; even the best kitchen appliances need some attention from time to time. The time and effort spent on maintaining your kitchen appliances will make them more efficient and extend the useful lifespan. Let’s take a closer look at how you can maintain your high end kitchen appliances in your own home.

Image of a cooktop

Organize a Kitchen Document Folder

The first step is to keep the owner’s manuals, warranties, and any other documentation safe. The best way to do this is to keep a master folder with a separate section for each kitchen appliance. Most modern kitchen appliance owner’s manuals have a great deal of useful information on cleaning, servicing, and maintenance. Having this information available is very useful for reference and if you’ve lost a manual check online for a manufacturer website.

Always Polish Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a very durable material that can stand up to a great deal of punishment. But, it’s also quite a sensitive surface that needs careful attention to avoid very specific types of damage. When you “clean” a stainless steel surface, approach it as a “polishing” task instead. The surface of stainless steel should never be exposed to abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaning products that can scratch the material. Fingerprints, grease spots, and smudges, should be removed with a soft microfiber cloth. If you need a little extra cleaning power, try mixing Soft Scrub with clean water in a 50/50 ratio. This solution can be applied, left for a few minutes, and then wiped off with a slightly damp sponge.

Always Clean Cooktop Spills Quickly

An upgrade from a basic electric range to a set of gas burners gives the user a professional chef experience at home. But, this comes with extra responsibilities, and it’s important to clean up cooking spills quickly. Of course, we’re not talking about cleaning the range when it’s still hot; the appliance must be cool before you clean the spill. During the cleaning, it’s a good idea to check the holes where the flames emerge for any debris. A toothpick or paperclip can be used to clean these tiny holes, and this will make the cooktop more efficient. A gas range cooktop should be cleaned with a high quality cleaning fluid; then, it’s rinsed and fully dried before it’s used again. If you have a sealed burner, this is a great way to minimize spills, and it reduces the need for frequent cleaning.

Self Cleaning Ovens Need Some Consideration

A high end self cleaning oven can take some of the hard work out of cleaning, but they still require some steps to keep them in great shape. Covering the bottom of the oven with a layer of foil to catch any drops or drips of food is not advisable. This approach can block the circulation of air in a fan assisted oven, and this makes the cooking process less efficient. Avoid using commercial oven cleaning products, they can damage the finish, and they may even void the manufacturer’s warranty. Don’t place the roaster on the floor of your oven because it can cause damage to the heating element.

Preventing Oven Fires

All flammable materials should be kept far away from any gas fired kitchen appliances; this includes aerosol cans, mail left on the countertop, and tea towels. The air vents, openings, and temperature controls should never be covered during use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners because they can damage your oven, and they may leave behind a flammable residue.

If your kitchen appliances are not performing as they should, you can rely on a professional appliance repair specialist. A professional home appliance repair technician can offer practical advice on how you can get the best out of your appliances.