Hidden appliance cleaning buttons you've never pressed
Hidden appliance cleaning settings
Your appliances already have self-clean buttons, secret modes and hidden filters. Here is every hidden cleaning setting we've covered, what it does and how to use it safely.
Most homes have at least five: the drum clean program on the washing machine, the machine-care cycle on the dishwasher, steam clean or self clean on the oven, the descale mode on a coffee machine, the self-clean (calc-clean) button on a steam iron, and holiday mode on the fridge. Check your manual for the exact name.
Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.
1. Self-clean buttons and modes
- Washing machine: the drum clean or tub clean program. How →
- Dishwasher: the machine care or clean cycle. How →
- Oven: the steam clean setting that loosens grease with water. How →
- Oven: pyrolytic self clean, and how to run it safely. How →
- Steam iron: the self-clean or calc-clean button. How →
- Nespresso: the hidden button combo that starts descaling. How →
- Coffee maker: what the descale light wants you to do. How →
2. Hidden settings that save energy or food
3. Hidden filters and doors
FAQ
Do washing machines have a self-clean button?
Most modern ones do, usually called drum clean, tub clean or machine clean. Run it empty, hot, about once a month, with a washing machine cleaner or nothing at all, never mixed with another product.
Does my iron have a self-clean button?
Many steam irons have a self-clean, calc-clean or anti-calc button. Fill the tank, heat to max, unplug, hold it flat over the sink and press the button so hot water flushes the scale out.
Are appliance self-clean modes safe?
Yes, if you follow the manual: unplug or switch off before you touch filters, ventilate during oven self clean, and use one product at a time. Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.