Most small kitchen appliances do not break. They get abandoned. The air fryer basket gets greasy, the coffee machine starts to taste odd, the multi-cooker’s lid holds an odor and, because cleaning each one feels like a chore, they migrate to the back of a cupboard. Cleaning is the hidden cost of every appliance, and it deserves as much thought as capacity or wattage when you buy.
A little regular care keeps appliances working, tasting clean and lasting longer. It also keeps them safe, since grease and residue can cause smoke and unpleasant smells. This guide offers a practical routine for the most common countertop appliances: air fryers, multi-cookers, coffee makers, toasters and blenders. It is general advice, and the manufacturer’s manual always takes priority. We do not give food-safety advice, and we do not give instructions for repairs.
Read this if an appliance has started to taste or smell odd and you suspect it is dirty. You can skip it if you clean every appliance after each use already.
In this guide
- Three principles
- Air fryers
- Multi-cookers, pressure cookers and slow cookers
- Coffee makers
- Toasters and toaster ovens
- Blenders and food processors
- Kettles
- Odors and stains
- Safe habits
- A schedule you can keep
- Choosing appliances that are easy to keep clean
- When to replace
- The short version
- Frequently asked questions
Three principles
- Which parts are removable, which can go in the dishwasher and which cleaning products are safe vary by model. Using the wrong method can damage nonstick coatings, seals and electronics.
- Never clean an appliance that is plugged in or hot, and never immerse the base or electrical parts in water unless the manual says it is safe.
- Fresh residue comes off easily. Baked-on residue does not.
Air fryers
Grease and crumbs collect in the basket, tray and the area around the heating element and fan.
- let it cool, then remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm soapy water, or place them in the dishwasher if the manual allows.
- Abrasive pads and metal utensils can scratch nonstick coatings.
- with a damp cloth, taking care around the heating element.
- for residue, and clean as the manual instructs, usually with a damp cloth or soft brush when the unit is cool and unplugged.
- with a damp cloth.
Residue left on the element can smoke when heated, which is the cause of many “my air fryer is smoking” complaints. See our air fryer buying guide for design features that make cleaning easier.
Multi-cookers, pressure cookers and slow cookers
- after use. It is often dishwasher-safe, but check the manual.
- The silicone ring absorbs odors. Wash it regularly, and consider a spare for savory and sweet cooking.
- removing any food debris.
- where one is fitted.
- before reassembly, to avoid mildew.
- for cracks and replace them if worn.
Do not immerse the base in water. For specifics on how these appliances differ, see our guide to multi-cookers and slow cookers.
Coffee makers
Coffee machines are a combination of hot water, oils and minerals, and that is a recipe for buildup.
- the filter basket, the carafe or mug and the lid.
- on a capsule machine, and empty the used pod container.
- and the area where coffee drips.
- Mineral scale from hard water slows the machine and affects the taste. The maker will say how often to descale and what to use. Many recommend a commercial descaling solution, and some mention diluted vinegar, but not all do, so follow the manual.
- with clean water after descaling to remove any residue.
- on machines that froth milk, immediately after use, according to the manual. Milk residue spoils quickly.
- on schedule if the machine has one.
If coffee tastes bitter or off, an overdue cleaning is often the cause. Our guide to coffee maker types explains how different machines need different care.
Toasters and toaster ovens
- then empty the crumb tray regularly.
- with a damp cloth.
- according to the manual, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
- to dislodge stuck food while it is plugged in.
Built-up crumbs can burn and smoke, so regular emptying matters.
Blenders and food processors
- Fill the jar partway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, run it briefly and rinse.
- since they are sharp, and use a brush instead of your fingers.
- to prevent odors.
- for wear.
- with a damp cloth, never submerged.
Kettles
- if you have hard water, according to the manual.
- if not used for days.
- and the base.
Odors and stains
If an appliance smells, check for food residue, damp seals and unrinsed cleaning solutions. Airing parts and drying them thoroughly often helps. For persistent odors on removable parts, some makers suggest soaking them in a mild solution, but check the manual before you use any chemical. Do not mix cleaning products, since some combinations create hazardous fumes.
Safe habits
- away from hot surfaces and out of reach of children.
- Contact the manufacturer.
- such as a chipped glass jar or a split seal.
- for long.
- with lids ajar to allow air to circulate.
A schedule you can keep
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| After every use | Wash removable parts, wipe the exterior, empty crumbs and drip trays |
| Weekly | Wash seals and lids, wipe interiors, check filters |
| Monthly | Check heating element areas, inspect cords and seals, clean vents and fans (cool and unplugged) |
| As the manual says | Descale kettles and coffee machines, replace water filters and seals |
| Seasonally | Check the appliances you do not use regularly, and run or clean them before storing |
Put a reminder in your calendar for descaling, since it is easy to forget.
Choosing appliances that are easy to keep clean
Look for:
- Removable, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Smooth surfaces without crevices.
- Durable coatings, and information on how to care for them.
- Accessible heating elements.
- Replacement parts that are available and affordable.
A machine that is easy to clean is a machine that gets used.
When to replace
Replace an appliance when it is damaged, when it no longer heats or works properly, when a nonstick coating is flaking or when a seal or part is no longer available. Do not attempt repairs on electrical parts. If it is under warranty, contact the manufacturer.
For timing a purchase when an appliance does need replacing, see our kitchen appliance deals guide.
The short version
Clean small appliances soon after use, follow the manual, keep seals and filters fresh and descale on schedule. Unplug before cleaning, never immerse electrical parts and replace damaged items. A few minutes of care keeps appliances safe, tasting clean and in daily use.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I descale a coffee maker?
As the manual says, which depends on your water hardness. Hard water needs it more often.
Can I put the basket in the dishwasher?
Only if the manual says so. Harsh scrubbing and some detergents damage nonstick coatings.
Why does my multi-cooker smell?
Often the sealing ring. Wash it, dry it fully and consider a spare.
