How to keep your appliances looking perfect

Kitchen appliances are some of the hardest working tools in your kitchen. They are constantly interacting with oils, grease, fat and other organic materials that can have a serious impact on their appearance and sometimes even performance.  

Sometimes it can be all too hard to keep them looking in tip top shape. However, with a bit of proactive work, cleaning appliances doesn’t have to be a chore. That’s why we have put together this handy guide for keeping your kitchen appliances looking beautiful.  

Cleaning Ovens

First things first, always make sure that your oven is cool to the touch. Safety is your top priority.   

When cleaning the exterior, be sure to check that your cleaning materials do not contain particles that may scratch. Some Omega ovens have their serigraphy under the glass, which means it is more resistant to this wear and tear, however, it pays to have cleaning materials that are gentle.  

Be sure to also avoid caustic creams, abrasive cleaning powders or wire wool, which are prone to scratching surfaces. Also make sure to stay away from any steam cleaners. 

When cleaning the interior, you will get the best results if your oven is slightly warm (however, it shouldn’t be operating). The internal wire shelves can be removed and washed in warm soapy water. A soft piece of cloth, dampened with warm soapy water, is your go to for cleaning the interior. Follow up with a dry cloth to finish the job.  

If you don’t have a pyrolytic oven, every now and then you’ll need to employ some dedicated oven cleaning materials for heavy duty cleaning. Be sure to use dry or power type oven cleaners for the best results. If you have a pyrolytic oven, simply follow the user manual on how to start the function, and simply wipe away the ash after. 

Cleaning Gas Cooktops

The key to keeping gas cooktops looking great is to clean regularly. Stains and boil overs can be become ingrained into the cooktop, so being proactive with spills will get you the best result.  

Minimise the use of specialised cleaning products and stick with soapy water and a sponge. If the stains are not budging, step it up with a mild cleaner.  

Be sure to avoid abrasive or scourer type pads which can scratch stainless steel or black enamel coatings. This is also the same for acidic and alkaline substances.  

For stainless steel cooktops, a special cleaner can be applied to give the cooktop an extra shine. This can only be applied after cleaning with soapy water.  

For burners and cast-iron trivets, be sure to carefully use water and sponges, no abrasive cleaners. They need to be fully dry before being added back to the cooktop. When putting them back on, double check that they have been placed correctly.  

Cleaning Ceramic and Induction Cooktops

Ceramic and induction cooktops have black frameless glass that makes it easier to clean than a gas cooktop. However, there are some tips and tricks you need to keep in mind when undertaking a full clean of your cooktop.  

When using cleaning materials, aim for the specific cooktop cleaners which can be found at the supermarket or where you purchased your cooktop from. Avoid general household cleaners but no matter what, be sure to use ones that do not contain particles that can cause abrasions. They can also cut or create groves on the glass. It’s also best to avoid any steam cleaners.  

If in doubt of the chemical, just stick to warm soapy water. Regardless of what you use, always follow up with a dry cloth to get a clean glass finish.  

Ceramic glass is tough; but remember, it can be fractured if a sharp object is dropped directly onto the surface. If this happens, switch off the appliance and call a technician for servicing.  

Cleaning Rangehoods

Before cleaning your rangehood, make sure you have it turned off at the powerpoint. 

Warm soapy water and a cloth is the best combination for cleaning your rangehood. Do not use any abrasives which will scratch stainless steel. They key to keeping your rangehood looking great is consistency in cleaning, to avoid the build-up of grease and fat that may occur.  

An often-overlooked cleaning task is the filter. Omega filters are made from multiple layers of aluminium and need to be cleaned after every four to six weeks. To clean, you can apply warm soapy water and a cloth. Keep this cleaning job separate from your utensils.  

For matte black rangehoods, it is important to use warm soapy water only and apply with a damp cloth in gentle, circular motions. This will ensure that the coating is not chipped or damaged.  

Cleaning Dishwashers

Dishwashers are complex machines that need to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimum working condition.  

For the external door, wipe spills and marks off immediately with a damp cloth. Be careful to stick with water as other materials can cause corrosion or will discolour the door. Please note that if your dishwasher is fully or semi-integrated, keep note of the care conditions from your cabinetry provider.  

The dishwasher filtering system needs to be reviewed regularly. Food debris can collect here and clog up the filter. Consult your dishwasher manual for the correct procedure in removing your filter.  

An often-overlooked cleaning function is reviewing the spray arms. Hard water areas can cause build up in these, reducing their efficiency. Spray arms may be able to be removed from your dishwasher and can be washed in warm and soapy water with a brush. Again, review your manual to see how this can be completed.