Home Care Challenge: Small Appliance Deep Clean + Summer Prep Mode
A Home Care Reminder for Small Appliances
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We haven’t hit the full chaos of “May-cember” yet, but I know it’s coming.
If you haven’t heard the term before, May-cember is that end-of-school-year stretch that feels a lot like December—just with warmer weather and fewer candy canes. It’s packed with theme days, field trips, graduations, and all sorts of things that make the calendar fill up faster than expected.
We’ve got one more quiet May before our oldest starts kindergarten. I still can’t believe how quickly that milestone is creeping up. Where did the time go?
Instead of school events, we’re currently prepping for our summer beach trip with my in-laws. We usually go in July, but this year we’re heading out a little earlier. That means I’ve started mentally organizing our packing list while also trying to get a few house projects scheduled—things like fresh mulch, window cleaning, deck restaining, and a bedroom paint refresh. The list keeps growing.
On top of that, I’ve been jotting down ideas for summer weekend activities. I like to keep a casual list of things we could do to break out of our usual routine and spend more time outside. It’s a mix of festivals, farmers markets, water parks, and local events that sound fun to try. We don’t always get to all of them, but writing them down helps me remember what I came across and when it’s happening.
Instead of relying on my ADD brain to keep it all straight, I either type it into my Notes app or write it on our hanging wall calendar. That way I’m not left wondering, “Where was that thing again?”
While my brain is full of vacation logistics and weekend ideas, I’ve been putting my physical energy toward this week’s home care task: giving some much-needed attention to the smaller appliances in our kitchen.
Deep Clean Small Appliances
We tend to focus on the bigger kitchen tasks—like cleaning the oven or fridge—but our smaller appliances deserve a little love too.
From toasters to Keurigs to air fryers, these hardworking tools can collect grease, crumbs, and coffee residue faster than we realize. When they’re not cleaned regularly, they can start to smell funky, break down early, or even pose health risks.
Regular cleaning helps them work better, last longer, and serve up tastier food and drinks.
Cleaning Your Toaster
The toaster is a breakfast staple, but it’s also a crumb collector. Here’s how to clean it safely:
Unplug it before you do anything
Remove the crumb tray and shake out the crumbs into the trash or sink
Wash the tray with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely
Wipe down the outside with a damp cloth; use a little baking soda paste for tough spots
Brush out the interior using a soft brush or old toothbrush (never sharp tools)
Cleaning Your Keurig or Nespresso Machine
A clean coffee machine makes for a better-tasting brew. Keep yours fresh by following these steps:
Empty and clean the water reservoir with warm, soapy water
Run a descaling cycle using a solution or equal parts white vinegar and water. Brew without a pod, then follow up with plain water until the vinegar smell is gone
Wash the drip tray and pod holder, then rinse and dry
Wipe down the outside, especially any spots with splashes or stains
Cleaning Your Air Fryer
If your air fryer sees regular action, it needs regular care:
Unplug it and wait until it’s completely cool
Remove and wash the basket and pan in warm, soapy water (or toss them in the dishwasher if safe)
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. A bit of baking soda helps with stubborn grease
Carefully clean the heating element using a cloth to remove buildup
Clean the exterior and let all parts dry before plugging it back in
How Often?
Aim to clean these appliances monthly, or more frequently if they get daily use. You’ll not only keep your kitchen running smoothly, you’ll enjoy fresher-tasting meals and drinks, and avoid any mid-toast smoke scares (been there).
So while you’re jotting down that strawberry festival or eyeing the mulch delivery, carve out 15-20 minutes this week to give your small appliances the glow-up they deserve.
Related Blogs
Because once isn’t always enough—let’s keep those machines fresh and safe.