The moment November hits, there’s only one thing on the minds of every family – Turkey Day! Thanksgiving is all about seeing your loved ones to rejoice over a delicious home cooked meal. In the midst of planning, your oven is surely front and center, but that’s not all.
Since the celebration relies on your appliances, pay very close attention to these tips before the big day, and of course, file a claim through your home warranty in the case of a breakdown.
1. Prepping the oven.
If it’s been a while since you cleaned your stove, you’re sure to have burns from food dripping on the bottom.
Your first step is to unplug the oven if it is electric because you could accidently squirt water into a place where the oven is sensitive to liquid, such as the knobs.
Start by removing your oven racks and clean them separately with dish soap. Once focused on the inside, if it looks like you’ll have trouble wiping away the buildup, try turning the oven on very low to warm it up. Then, turn the oven off, let it cool to the touch and start from there. For the bottom of the oven, use vinegar and baking soda as a foamy solution to wipe away the burned crust. Wipe everything again with warm water to complete the job.
2. Prepping the dishwasher.
You will have plenty of dirty plates at the end of your meal, so be sure your dish washer is not only empty but also fresh for guests who might be thoughtful enough to leave their rinsed plates here.
Cleaning your dishwasher is a very easy process. Simply leave a bowl of white vinegar inside on the top rack and turn the cycle on hot. If you notice grime build up after the cycle is complete, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom, let it sit, and then scrub. Spritzing lemon juice after will help take away the stringent smell for your dishes.
3. Prepping the fridge.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, you’ll need to make room for all the food. Now is a great time to get rid of bottles that are nearly empty, and any leftovers that can be thrown away or finished.
Cleaning your fridge will remove odors that may affect the taste of your food as well. Remove and wash the racks separately, then use a vinegar and water mix to wipe down the insides. Use baking soda for any troublesome areas.
Your turkey will need to defrost, and it’s best done in the fridge over the course of a few days. Be sure to make room for this, since leaving it out on a counter could lead to food poisoning.
4. Prepping the microwave.
You’ll surely use your microwave at some point to help defrost or heat food, whether you’re prepping the meal or serving. Your guests will also likely bring dishes that need to be warmed up.
To clean your microwave, there’s one popular trick that uses steam. Similar to your dishwasher, place a bowl of vinegar into the microwave on high for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, use a damp cloth to wipe away the moisture. You should also remove the spinning disk in the center and clean it separately.
Final Thanksgiving Day tips.
Before your guests arrive, consider tidying the outside of your home. A clear drive way will leave your guests plenty of room to park, and if there’s a pile of leaves on the edge of your property this could also take away a parking spot.
To protect your home from appliance or system breakdowns, find the right coverage plan for you and get your free quote today!
