With the enhanced community quarantine barring us from going out of our homes due to the COVID-19 virus, our appliances has been subjected to more use than they used to. With more than a month at home and with an extension still being considered, here’s how you can clean and maintain the appliances in your home to have a safer experience at home.
Wipe off the dust from TV and sanitize your remote
We’ve no doubt that television sets in homes are getting more use than usual. To clean the TV itself, turn it off and let it cool down for a while. Unplug the television from the socket and start wiping the edges or frames followed by the screen itself with a slightly damped microfiber cloth or soft cloth. Don’t press too hard while cleaning the screen as it may cause unexpected damage on the panel.
It’s also a good idea to clean the TV remote in order to minimize the chances of getting contaminated. Remove the battery and face it upside down, tap the remote against your palm so the debris fall out. Wipe the surface and buttons with alcohol-based wipes or a cloth with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Maintain your air conditioner
It’s very hot in the Philippines as it is the summer season. Maintaining your air conditioner will net you improved efficiency leading to energy savings. Keeping it clean will also avoid health risks such as itchy eyes, headaches, and even respiratory problems.
Depending on how often you use your air conditioner, cleaning can be done on a daily, monthly, or seasonal basis. Start by removing the trim panel or frame and remove the dust and dirt from the cooling fins using a fin comb. Remove visible build-up or debris using a vacuum then let it dry then assemble it back. If you’re not comfortable in a DIY approach, you can also have a professional clean your air conditioner.
A good tip is don’t run your air conditioner 24/7. An overworked unit can lead to damage to the compressor and condenser. If left unattended, it may lead to permanent damage. With things they are now in the enhanced community quarantine, it may be a while until you get a replacement unit.
Refrigerators should also be kept clean
Refrigerators should always be clean at all times since it stores the food we need every day. A clean refrigerator can help keep food fresh and keep food-borne illnesses away.
Check your stored goods in the refrigerators weekly. Dispose of expired consumables and keep the remaining food and beverages in proper storage. To clean your refrigerator, remove all its contents, take out the shelves and drawers, and wash them with soap. Clean the exterior of the refrigerator using a soft cloth and dishwashing soap mixed with water. If there’s any excess soap left, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Wipe the interior but avoid strong-scented soap to reduce the possibility of the scent being absorbed by the food inside. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove stains as an alternative to soap. If there’s any foul odor in your refrigerator, you can place activated charcoal or open baking soda to maintain the smell of freshness.
Wipe the shelves and drawers with a clean, dry cloth and let them dry before returning them with the stored goods. Make sure to wash raw food before storing them.
