How To Clean Your Dishwasher, Mattress + Refrigerator Condenser Coil

Today Show: Cleaning Magic

There are some things around the house that we don’t always think about cleaning, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it. Amy Eley, Today Show’s digital home editor, talked with Kathie Lee & Hoda about how to maintain your household appliances and much more.

After Every Use: When To Clean Your Coffee Pot

How often should you clean your coffee pot? According to Eley, rinsing isn’t good enough. The pot should be cleaned after each use, to prevent oily buildup that can affect the taste of the coffee.

She recommended using soapy water and a sponge, or running the pot through the dishwasher. To get rid of stains, add equal parts hot water and vinegar to let it soak before washing.

Every Six Months: How To Clean Your Dishwasher

You might think your Dishwasher is self-cleaning, but it isn’t. The food particles left on your dishes can actually begin to clog the drain. Pull out the bottom rack about every six months to clean out any debris that may have been left behind.

Then place a dishwasher-safe glass of white vinegar in the dishwasher and run it through on a hot cycle all by itself to kill any remaining germs or residue. After that, run one more hot cycle with one cup of baking soda sprinkled in the bottom. This will neutralize any odors (including the vinegar).

Every Six Months: Clean Your Refrigerator Condenser Coil

Believe it or not, Amy also said we need to clean behind the refrigerator twice a year. Keep in mind that the fridge is heavy and you may need someone to help you move it out from against the wall. The location may vary depending on the model (so it might be in the front).

Use a vacuum hose to clean a condenser at the bottom in the front. If it’s in the back, there might be even more dust, dirt, and pet hair to remove. But if you don’t do this every so often, your fridge has to work harder to keep foods cold, driving up your energy bills. It may also wear out your refrigerator faster than normal.

Every Four Months: Clean Your Mattress

Kathie Lee & Hoda agreed that changing the sheets is a part of the household routine. But how often do you think about cleaning your mattress? Amy said this needs to happen about once every season.

The goal is to prevent allergens and dust mites from building up, which can affect the quality of your sleep and health over time. You might also have crumbs or pet hair accumulating around the bed. So make sure to check crevices and seams while you are cleaning.

Vacuum your mattress. Then sprinkle it with baking soda and let it rest for about an hour. Vacuum one more time. If you have a two-sided mattress, flip it over and repeat this process on the other side.

Today Show: How Often To Clean Exterior Windows

Clean the outsides of your windows at least twice a year. Warm water, soap, and an old towel are all you really need. Once a week, dust the blinds indoors with a microfiber dust cloth. Alternately, you can dip a sock in a solution of water and vinegar.

Did you learn something new about household cleaning?