Hate Cleaning the Oven? New Tech Detoxifies the Process

New appliances save your personal energy while reducing your home’s energy use.

Whether you host a crowd during the holidays, live with multiple people in your household or are simply a messy solo cook, cleaning up is pretty much everyone’s most miserable chore.

It’s more fun to be the one who creates the whirlwind in the kitchen than to spend hours scrubbing up the aftermath of a great meal. While swabbing down the countertops doesn’t require too much effort, cleaning your oven, range, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator can take far longer.

If you’re in the market for new appliances, your first priority is energy efficiency, right? But appliance manufacturers are also aware that today’s buyers value their time and don’t want to waste it on cleaning.

Innovations for Quicker Clean-Ups

While self-cleaning ovens have been around for decades, they use a lot of energy because they rely on high heat to burn off residue. That means they’re also sending smoke and pollutants into the air. Other options offer a more sustainable way to clean.

“Many major appliances now feature finishes that repel smudges, making them easier to maintain,” says Jessica Petrino, an educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison, an online kitchen appliance retailer with showrooms in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Miami and Washington, D.C. “Look for self-cleaning steam features available in ovens and dishwashers. These functions loosen grime with minimal effort.”

Petrino recommends looking for appliances with removable components for easier cleaning.

“For example, dishwashers with removable filters, microwaves with detachable turntables, and fridges with removable shelves and bins simplify cleaning.” Petrino says. “Some dishwashers and washing machines build antimicrobial finishes into touchpoints like the washer gasket or dishwasher interior to reduce bacteria buildup.”

A refrigerator with removable parts can be easier to keep clean since you can slide the shelves and drawers out, suggests Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, a platform for finding service contractors.

 “Some dishwashers and washing machines have self-cleaning cycles, which can help bridge the gap between deep cleans,” Hicks says.

Features to Find in New Appliances

In general, electric and induction cooktops are not only a more sustainable choice, but they’re also easier to clean than gas ranges, Hicks says.

“Electric and induction cooktops tend to have smooth surfaces, making them easier to clean,” Hicks says.

For example, Whirlpool’s 30-inch Electric Range with Air Fry includes a new WipeClean™ coating that requires only water instead of harsh chemicals. Instead, you wet the cooktop, let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe off spills and even seared-on food.

“Induction technology uses an electromagnetic reaction to create heat in the cookware,” Petrino says. “Unlike a traditional glass cooktop, the glass stays relatively cool, allowing you to wipe down spills and splatter as you go.”

For ovens, Petrino recommends looking for models with steam-assisted cleaning, which is a low-heat, chemical-free way to remove spills and debris.

“Steam convection ovens are easy to keep clean; you can simply wipe down the oven interior after the cavity cools,” Petrino says.

A microwave with a steam clean option such as the KitchenAid Over-the-Range Microwave uses the combination of steam and extra water to release spills so they can be wiped away.

Making the right choice for appliance exteriors can also reduce cleaning hassles.

“Look for low-maintenance finishes for the appliance exteriors,” Petrino says. “Print-resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel or matte finishes will look great over time. Wipe down the appliance exterior with a Swedish dish towel or microfiber cloth. Traditional stainless steel cleans up nicely with a microfiber cloth and a high-quality stainless-steel cleaning solution.”

Stainless steel is a good choice for the interior of appliances, since it resists staining and odors better than plastic, Petrino says.

“Dishwasher models with filters instead of grinders are quieter and easier to maintain,” Petrino says. “If your dishwasher has a filter, make sure that you check it periodically at the bottom of the washer tub. This filter collects extra food debris. Keeping this filter clear will ensure clean dishes and a well-running machine.”

Washing machines and dryers typically don’t get as messy as kitchen appliances, but they still need a little care.

“Washing machines are usually easy to keep clean but front-load washing machines can grow mold and mildew over time,” Hicks says. “If you don’t want to clean your washing machine as often, choose a top-load machine instead.”

Petrino recommends leaving the washing machine door open to let excess moisture evaporate between loads. She also suggests keeping the gasket surrounding the washer door clean and dry to prevent mold. Most modern washing machines have a trap door to collect lost items like hair pins, golf tees or loose change, so she recommends clearing that space often.

“Use a conservative quantity of soap,” Petrino says. “I love that many models will automatically dispense detergent taking the guesswork out of this process. For dryers, remove lint from the filter after every cycle. I also recommend hiring a professional to vacuum out your dryer vent yearly for safety.”

Preventative Measures to Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Always reference the manufacturer's use and care guide when cleaning your appliances, recommends Petrino.

“Fortunately, many brands are now making non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives to chemical-heavy cleaners,” Petrino says. “Earth-friendly hacks such as vinegar and baking soda can help reduce odor and bacteria. Microfiber cloths and Swedish dishtowels tend to be gentler and more smudge-resistant than paper towels or abrasive cleaning pads.”

A tried-and-true cleaning tip that makes a difference include letting a cleaning solution soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing, Hicks says. In addition, listen to what your mom hopefully told you: clean up early.

 “I love induction cooktops, as you can clean them as you go,” Petrino says. “In the oven, use the steam clean feature promptly to prevent stains from setting. Avoid the traditional self-clean cycles, as the high heat can cause odor and wear on appliance electronics and controls. Steam cleaning appliances, whether a steam oven, steam clean mode or just heating water in a microwave-safe bowl, can soften food splatter for easier wiping.”

While none of these tips eliminate the need to clean, they should make the job easier on you and the environment. 

Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation takes sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.