• Washer/Dryer. There are five main areas of most washing machines that need periodic attention: the outside, the rim of the lid or door, the wash tub, the bleach dispenser and the fabric softener dispenser. Most of the exterior of the washer and the dryer can be cleaned with any all-purpose household cleaning product. Be sure to remove dust and lint from the back and sides as well. Next, wipe out the wash tub, paying special attention to the agitator. For stubborn stains, run the machine through a hot water cycle using a cup of bleach. Use a flexible brush to clean the crevices of the lid/door and the bleach and fabric softener dispensers. Be sure to remove or disassemble as much of each dispenser as possible to clean out build up. For the dryer, wipe out the tub then use a vacuum attachment to pull out lint from deep within the machine. Also pull lint from the vent hose and exterior vent.

• Refrigerator. Turn off the fridge and empty it out. Start on the inside by removing as many shelves and drawers as possible. Hand wash (with warm, soapy water) and air dry all removable parts. Then use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge and the same soapy solution to wipe down the entire interior of the appliance. Rinse away the soap and dry the interior. Change any filters making sure to run the water and ice dispenser afterwards to clear the lines. Replace drawers and shelves. Wipe off any sticky containers that will go back into the fridge. Reset the temperature gage and allow the appliance to return to its normal temperature before refilling with food. Repeat the process in the freezer section. Finally, clean the outside, making sure to remove dust and dirt from the top and back as well.

• Dishwasher. Special cleaning products meant to run in an empty cycle can be a great start to removing residue from your machine. To clean the appliance even further, try a cup filled with vinegar to remove build up or, separately, a cup of baking soda to freshen.

• Stove/Cook top. The best way to have a clean oven is to keep it clean from the start. Whenever a potentially messy, bubbly or splatter-prone dish is to be baked, line the bottom of the oven with foil or use a specially made drip mat. Once the mess has made its mark, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually a damp cloth will remove the majority of food remains. Once a self-cleaning cycle or a round of oven cleaner has been utilized, wipe the inside out with a water and vinegar mixture to remove any lingering residue and odor. For the traditional cook top, remove as many of the parts as possible and gently scrub in layers, returning each piece as it dries. For ceramic cook tops, try baking soda for stubborn stains then follow with a cleaner/polish.

• Microwave. While in some households this modern machine has been reduced to a popcorn popper, other families rely heavily on its speedy cooking for more substantial fare. In either case, the microwave can build up grease, sauce splatters, and other stains over time. To remove them easily, “cook” a bowl of water for two minutes to create a steam that will loosen baked on foods. Follow with a rinse of white vinegar then wipe the appliance out with a damp cloth.