Maintaining the Home:
Interior Maintenance
Small Electrical Appliance Care and Cleaning
If the cord is detachable, unplug the cord from the wall outlet before removing it from the appliance.
Unplug small electrical appliances, such as toasters, blenders, etc. after using them. Do not leave them on the counter plugged in. Fires can start if an electrical component malfunctions.
Do not put plugged-in electrical appliances where they could drop or be pulled into water, as in the kitchen sink, toilet or tub. Drain all water before plugging in the appliance nearby. Electrical appliances are "electrically alive" when plugged in even though the switch is off. If it falls into water, you could be electrocuted if you touch it.
Never plug in an electrical appliance, either "on" or "off", anywhere near water, and go away and leave it if there are children around who could pull it into the water and be electrocuted.
Never wrap a cord around a hot appliance. Do not wrap a cord too tightly around anything. Coil loosely, and keep it free from kinks and knots which can break wires. Plug only one heating appliance into a circuit at a time unless the circuit is for a heavy-duty appliance.
Small Electrical Appliance Cleaning
Unplug and cool appliance before cleaning. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. If grease or food spills on exteriors, use a sudsy cloth, followed by a damp cloth. Do not get any moisture into electrical parts. Do NOT immerse any appliances or parts in water unless specifically labeled "immersible" in the care guide.
Wash the interiors of appliances used for food preparation such as the inside of frying pans, slow cookers, etc., taking care not to get electrical parts wet.
Do NOT wash waffle-irons.
Clean the bottoms of frying pans, etc., after each use to avoid grease buildup. Use fine soap-filled steel wool pads for stubborn grease.
Follow special label or care guide instructions with the appliance for specific parts or materials.
This material was adapted from publications produced by Michigan State University.
Next: Washer Care and Cleaning
