Spring cleaning season begins in March and, to ensure that homes are sparkling from top to bottom, Beko, the large home appliance brand, has shared the best tips to help tackle the process.
Shalika Hooda, Marketing Manager at Beko, shares advice on how to get the best out of washing machines, dishwashers, vacuums and more, as well as cleaning tips that will leave appliances good as new.
HOW TO WASH BEDDING
The expert tip: “To avoid having to wash bulky duvets and pillows regularly, cover them with an extra case. This will act as an additional protective layer when they are used, limiting their exposure to germs and bacteria. The protective cases can then be washed weekly, keeping duvets and pillows fresh without having to fight them into the machine.”
How to clean the appliance: It is important to clean washing machines regularly to prevent the build-up of mould, bacteria, and odours.
To clean the inside of the drum, add a suitable limescale-remover powder or tablet into the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle at a high temperature (70°C or above). When the cycle has finished, wipe the inside of the machine with a cloth to remove excess water.
To clean the appliance’s exterior, use a damp cloth and washing-up liquid to wipe away dust and stains, before drying the machine with a clean towel. Equally, to keep machine’s rubber seals free from mould and mildew, carefully wipe around the seals with a damp cloth and soapy water, making sure not lift the seals away from the metal. If any dirt remains, use a toothbrush to scrub the surface.
HOW TO DRY BEDDING
The expert tip: “Drying bedding can be timely a task but there are ways to reduce drying times. Selecting a high spin cycle on the washing machine will minimise the amount of water left in laundry, reducing the time it takes for clothes to dry and, most importantly, reducing the energy consumption of the tumble dryer.”
How to clean the appliance: The lint filter in tumble dryers should be cleaned after every use for safety reasons. To clean the filter, remove as much lint as possible with a brush, cloth, or vacuum cleaner. Place the removed lint into the bin. To deeply clean the appliance, wipe the outside and inside of the machine with a soft sponge and a non-abrasive detergent.
CLEAN CHILDREN’S TOYS IN THE DISHWASHER
The expert tip: “Children’s toys can harbor a lot of germs. However, an effective way to clean plastic toys is to place them in the dishwasher. Make sure to use a lower temperature to avoid damage, and for small toys, such as Lego, place them in the cutlery basket to prevent getting lost. For larger toys, protect them by popping them inside a dishwasher-friendly mesh bag.”
How to clean the appliance: Regularly cleaning the dishwasher will prevent the build-up of limescale, bacteria, and odours, ensuring perfectly clean, hygienic dishes. Whilst the dishwasher’s filter should be removed and cleaned with hot water once a week, the exterior of the machine can be cleaned with a damp cloth when necessary. To ensure the dishwasher is working at maximum efficiency, descale the machine monthly using a suitable limescale and detergent/grease remover.
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY INSIDE
The expert tip: “Spring cleaning is more than just decluttering the home. It’s also about creating a healthy living space. Purchasing an air purifier will ensure homes are clean and hygienic, creating a safe environment for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and those with medical conditions. When using an air purifier, keep doors and windows closed to prevent the clean air from escaping the room.”
DEEP CLEAN DIRTY FLOORS
The expert tip: "Before vacuuming, make sure to dust down shelves, cabinets, and tabletops, so the dirt is on the floor ready to collect in the vacuum. Start from the corner of the room and work up and down in a zig-zag motion.”
How to clean the appliance: To keep vacuums working efficiently, it is important to clean it on a regular basis. Deep clean the vacuum’s dust cap once every three months by removing the filters and disposing of waste in the bin. The appliance’s exterior can be cleaned using a soft cloth, and debris can be removed from the products’ roller with a small brush.
KEEP OVENS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE
The expert tip: “To remove stubborn food debris on trays, ceramic hobs, or inside ovens, combine 60ml of baking soda with one tablespoon of liquid detergent. Once combined, add enough clear distilled malt vinegar to give the solution a thick, creamy texture. Spread the mixture onto the appliance or tray and leave for 30 minutes. Use warm water and a cloth to wipe off the residual cleaner before turning the appliance back on.”
More tips on how to clean appliances can be found on the Beko website: https://www.beko.co.uk/support/how-to-guides
