How to Clean Any Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertop Appliance

Step 1: Unplug the unit and remove any part that gets skipped in everyday cleaning, such as the blender blade, the toaster crumb trap or the cutting wheel and lid holder from the electric can opener.

Step 2: Set aside any sharp parts near the kitchen sink. (Do not submerge these parts in soapy water, as an accident may result.) All blades should be carefully washed by hand, one at a time.

Step 3: Soak non-electric parts that aren’t dishwasher-safe in warm, soapy water. If the part isn't labeled and the manufacturer's instructions are nowhere to be found, wash the part by hand. The dishwasher process can warp parts and dull blades. Never submerge electric parts in water.

Step 4: Use a toothbrush or synthetic scouring pad to loosen grit and scrub surfaces clean. Steel wool or other harsh abrasives may scratch surfaces. (Note: Toasters without a crumb tray should be shaken upside down over a sink or trash can.)

Step 5: Soak the carafes from appliances such as coffeemakers, juicers and electric kettles. A 15-minute soak in hot soapy water, followed by a gentle scrubbing, should remove basic build-up. To descale carafes, fill with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Let the vinegar solution soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing repeatedly until the vinegar scent is gone. Run the solution through the coffeemaker as well, repeating with water twice more to rinse away any residual solution.

Step 6: Let parts dry thoroughly before reassembling. Residual moisture may cause parts to rust or mildew. If drying by hand, use a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Step 7: Wipe down any exterior surfaces with a sponge dampened with soapy water. For white appliances, use a diluted mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup bleach and 4 cups water to prevent yellowing.

Note: Be sure to review your manufacturers instructions before cleaning your appliance.