Tips for Cleaning Major Appliances

Dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines come clean pronto with these quick tips.

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Follow Felicia on:

Some cleaning jobs require a little more ingenuity and elbow grease. But with these ideas, you can transform big, dirty jobs—smeared refrigerators, grimy dishwashers and musty washing machines—handily.

Materials Needed

  • vacuum cleaner
  • lemon Kool-Aid

Problem Child #1: Dirty Dishwasher

A dirty dishwasher can be a chore to clean. Here's how to take a messy machine from grungy to glittering.

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Take Out the Lower Rack

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Vacuum Out Filter Area

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Add Kool-Aid

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Run Dishwasher

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Good As New!

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Problem Child #2: Grungy Washing Machine

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Materials Needed:

  • baking soda
  • vinegar
  • water

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Pour Vinegar Into Wash

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Mix Baking Soda and Water

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Add to Detergent Dispenser

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Run Washer

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Wipe Gasket

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Clean Machine!

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Problem Child #3: Smudged and Streaked Fridge

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Materials Needed:

  • olive oil
  • 2 microfiber cloths

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Add Olive Oil to Cloth

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Wipe Down Fridge With Cloth

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Buff Fridge

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Use a fresh microfiber cloth to buff the refrigerator.

Shining Star

Photo by: Loch and Key

Loch and Key

Next Up

4 Clever Ways to Clean Up Pet Hair Around Your House

Keep your home pet hair free with these simple hacks.

How to Clean Major Home Dust Collectors

Dusty vents, fan blades, blinds, windowsills and tools? No problem, with these great cleaning tips.

Cleaning With Essential Oils

Spruce up your space and make it smell wonderful with these essential oil cleaning tips.

How to Make a Wall-Mounted Screwdriver Rack

Custom chic: dip screwdrivers in plastic coating and mount to keep them within arm's reach.

Turn a Shirt Into an Apron

Find out how to transform a worn out men's shirt into an adorably retro apron with minimal sewing involved.

Use Soda to Clean Stains, Grout and Even Your Car

Use your favorite soft drink to help clean around the house.

DIY Cleaning Slime for Hard to Reach Spaces

This homemade slime is tough on dirt and grime.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.