Homemade Cleaning Products for Large Appliances

Homemade cleaning products can be made from a few basic ingredients to help you keep your large appliances clean and fresh.

Oven Cleaning

1. Wipe down your oven after every use (it's good advice, and you might find it useful, but I have to confess that I am so unlikely to do this that it makes me laugh every time I think about it!)

2. If you catch an oven spill right away - pour on a heavy layer of salt. This will prevent smoking and allow you to continue cooking. The next morning, you should be able to lift out the spill remnants with a spatula.

3. Mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of washing soda. Make a paste by adding a little water. Spread the paste on the oven walls, but be careful NOT to touch wires or heating element. Allow to work overnight. In the morning, use a scraper and gently scrape away the soda and muck. Rinse well. Use rubber gloves - washing soda is stronger than baking soda, and may irritate your skin.

Glass/Ceramic Cooktop

Before using any homemade cleaning products to clean your cooktop - keep the following 2 points in mind!

- Clean the surface only when it is cool, or you may end up creating stains rather than getting rid of them!

- Do not clean or wipe with a used dishcloth, it will leave a residue on the surface that may stain the next time you turn a burner on.

1. Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water. Allow to sit for a moment to soften any spills. Wipe away with a clean cloth, and remove anything 'stuck on' with a plastic scraper or spatula. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

2. Use a paste of 2 parts water to three parts baking soda. Apply with a soft clean cloth and you can scrub any stubborn spots safely. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

3. Wiping the cleaned surface down with club soda will create a nice shine.

Refrigerator Interior

1. Wipe out with a cloth moistened with white vinegar. This is a very good solution if you have mildew challenges in your fridge.

2. Scrub with a damp sponge or cloth that has been dipped in a little baking soda.

Homemade Cleaning Products to Control Odors

1. put an open box of baking soda in the fridge.

2. place a small tub of fish tank charcoal on the middle rack

3. put a couple of drops of vanilla, orange or lemon extract on a cotton ball. Tuck into a corner.

Food Disposal

1. Put the drain in, and put a few inches of warm water in the bottom of the sink. Mix in about 1 cup of baking soda. Turn on the disposal, and unplug the drain. Once the sink is empty, turn the disposal off.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

1. Clean with a baking soda and water, or baking soda and vinegar paste. Don't mind the bubbling of the baking soda and vinegar mix. Rinse well, and polish in the direction of the grain. To finish, put a few drops of olive oil on a clean soft cloth and wipe. This will reduce fingerprints.

2. If you have any stains on your stainless steel - take 3 parts cream of tarter to 1 part hydrogen peroxide and put the past on the stain. Let it sit until it dries, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

3. To leave a nice finish, put a few drops of olive oil on a clean soft cloth and wipe. This will reduce fingerprints.

Back to Homemade Cleaning Products

Back to House Cleaning Home Page