Small Space Scribes on April 24, 2020 0 Comments Routine maintenance is important for the upkeep and longevity of your RV. Changing the oil, checking the tire pressure and batteries, and inspecting roof seals and seams are just a few of the general maintenance items on the list. But often overlooked is routine maintenance and cleaning of the small appliances that allow you to cook and live in comfort. Whether you live in your RV year-round or need to get it ready for travel season, don’t forget to add these items to your maintenance checklist. Coffee Pot There’s nothing like waking up to a hot cup of coffee. Cleaning your coffee pot removes old coffee grounds and hard water deposits that make the flavor of your coffee taste old or stale. Empty and wash the carafe and empty the filter of grounds. Fill the carafe with 3 cups white vinegar and 6 cups cold water or use a 1:2 ratio if you have a smaller coffee pot. Poor the water-vinegar mixture into the water reservoir. Turn on the coffee pot and go through a brew cycle. Repeat the brew cycle two more times using water only. Microwave Keeping your microwave in top condition involves getting into certain habits each time you use it. Clean it regularly by wiping up any spills right away with soap and water, otherwise food and liquid spills can lead to burn spots. Use microwave-safe dishware. Unsafe materials such as aluminum foil or metal can cause fires or even explosions. Close the door slowly. Slamming the door can damage the latches. Refrigerator Your RV refrigerator may be small, but with the proper preventative maintenance it can be mighty enough to fit your family’s food and keep it cool and fresh. Check the door seal for damage. If the seal is worn or torn it lets the cold air out and warm air in. Inspect the evaporator inside. If there’s ice on it, defrost the refrigerator or use a hair dryer to melt it. Defrost your freezer every so often so it doesn’t become an ice block. Clean the outside condenser coil. Remove the outside vent and brush or blow away any dust, cobwebs or other debris. Oven Since RV ovens don’t have self-cleaning functions, you’ll have to rely on good old-fashioned elbow grease for this appliance too. Make sure the oven is off and not hot. Brush out any crumbs from inside. Pull out the racks and wash with hot, soapy water or a multi-purpose cleaner. Use a microfiber cloth and heavy-duty cleaner to spray and wipe down the inside of the oven. For tough stains, you may need to scrub harder or use a coarser rag or sponge – just make sure to test it in a small area first to make sure it won’t scratch. Stovetop Even if you don’t use your stove every day, all it takes is cooking one meal on it for it to get dirty. Aside from a wipe down each time you use your stove there are many easy ways to clean your stove and cooktop. Once you decide the method that’s right for you, do the following. Remove the knobs and soak them. Remove the grates and soak them. Give the cooktop a good scrub. Preventative maintenance for the small appliances in your RV requires a bit of general cleaning after each use, but once or twice a year consider doing a deep cleaning and routine maintenance checks. Doing so will help ensure the longevity of your appliances so you can enjoy cooking and living in your RV. When the lifecycle of your small appliance is nearing its end visit CompactAppliance.com to find a huge selection of appliances for your RV.
