These small appliances are easy to clean, but they do call for specific methods that differ fromroutine dishwashing. Some waffle makers have removable parts that can bewashed by handin the sink or that aredishwasher-safe. For deeper cleaning, use a paste ofbaking sodaand water to gently scour off stuck-on food or residue. Credit:Adam Albright Credit:Adam Albright Credit:Adam Albright Credit:Adam Albright Credit:Adam Albright Credit:Adam Albright

It does, and it’s likely overdue for a cleaning. Chances are you know yourdryer has a ventand lint trap that needs cleaning regularly. But you might not realize there’s awashing machinefilter to catch and trap lint and other debris. Credit:Jacob Fox This filter needs to be cleaned to ensure that your washer runs safely and at peak performance. Jacob Fox Cleaning a washing machine filter requires locating it (this might be the trickiest part!...

Eliminate grimy buildup and musty smells with these simple steps for cleaning a washer. Withoutregular cleaning, the appliance might also harbor leftover detergent, hard-water deposits, andmold or mildewaround the lid. This can leave aresidue on laundryor cause items to emerge from the wash with a funky smell. Credit:Jacob Fox Add the vinegar to the detergent dispenser. (Don’t worry about harming your machine, as white vinegar will not damage clothes.) Thehot water-vinegar comboremoves and prevents bacteria growth....

Your water bottle may go with you everywhere, but theres one thing it cant doclean itself. Is there anything as underrated as your reusable water bottle? With so many reusable types available, it’s sometimes confusing to understand how to clean a water bottle. Credit:BHG / Elizabeth Seely Experts say you should wash your water bottle after every use. For comparison, the average pet toy has just 2,937 CFU per square centimeter....

Remove dust, debris, and mildew from your air conditioner in just a few simple steps. Jacob Fox Throughout the warm summer months, your air conditioningkeeps you and your loved ones cool and comfortable. Read on to learn how to clean a window AC unit so it operates efficiently and uses less energy. Credit:Jacob Fox Next, locate and remove the filter. Air-dry the filter entirely before reinstalling it. Be gentle and carefully handle the coils and fins so as not to bend or damage them....

Stain removal and maintenance for area rugs are easy with these tips. Wool rugs are durable, but they do need a little TLC to keep them in shape. Remember to vacuum gently. Credit:Grant Webster If the rug has stains or an all-over dingy appearance, you will want to spot-treat and/or shampoo it. If the rug only needs some freshening, use dry carpet shampoo. Then, vacuum both sides of the rug to remove all of the dry shampoo residue....

Get rid of dust, hair, and other debris that’s trapped in your home’s air ducts. If moisture is present, the dirty air ducts could even promote mold growth. Insects, rodents, and other pests can also detract from the systems efficiency andaffect indoor air quality. Credit:Kubrak78 / Getty Images Use this guide to learn when duct cleaning is necessary and how to clean air ducts. What Are Air Ducts? Ducts can be round or square, depending on where they are installed....

Keep your HVAC system running efficiently with these simple maintenance tipsplus learn when to replace your filters. Locate the vent and use a screwdriver to fire up the unit. Some systems might include multiple vents containing a filter, so be sure to wash them all. Credit: Grandbrothers/Adobe Stock Remove the filter and inspect it for damage. Replace the filter if necessary; otherwise, continue to vacuuming. Use avacuum with a soft brush attachmentto remove debris from the filter....

If earwax buildup is affecting the sound quality of your podcasts, it’s time to clean your AirPods. Here’s how to get the job done safely. yacobchuk / Getty Images AirPods have revolutionized how people listen to music and engage with audio content. Credit:yacobchuk / Getty Images Apples brand of wireless Bluetooth earbuds offers seamless connectivity, exceptional sound quality, and a sleek design. However, like all earbuds, AirPods can get dirty pretty quickly....

Learn the best method for cleaning your watch band, no matter the material. Jacob Fox An Apple Watch is the ultimate accessory and the productivity hack of the century. Not to mention, it is fashionable and waterproof. Credit:Jacob Fox Apple Watches are ubiquitous and worn constantly, so the band can become dirty over time. Regular cleaning at least once every two weeks will help maintain its fresh-out-of-the-box appearance. Cleaning methods differ depending on the material....

The first step to cleaning anarea rugis to identify your rug’s material. This is important in prolonging its life because how to clean an area rug will depend on its material. Care for large area rugsas you would wall-to-wall carpet. Credit:Brie Goldman Check labels to determine whether small braided rugs are washable. Tumble dry on a low setting. Spongecommercial carpet-cleaning foamover the surface and rub it in according to the product directions....

Keep your pressure cooker performing at its best with these easy cleaning tips. The pressure cooker is the superhero of kitchen appliances. It’s our go-to gadget for whipping upquick-and-easy weeknight mealsand delicious desserts in record time. Credit:BHG / Jiaqi Zhou Luckily, cleaning an Instant Pot is a fairly simple process. See our step-by-step instructions on the best way to clean your Instant Pot. Unplug and Disassemble ensure your Instant Pot is unplugged and cooled down before you begin cleaning....

Is the steam setting on your iron blocked? Or, does it cause water to spurt out? Your iron is likely overdue for a refresh. Credit:Jacob Fox So, here’s how to clean an iron plate withnatural, readily available ingredients. Prep the Soleplate The metal base of an iron is called a soleplate. If your soleplate is caked with gunk, scrub it with an old toothbrush to loosen and remove residue. Credit:Jacob Fox...