# HiddenClean

> One hidden cleaning hack a day: secret settings, buttons and filters on the appliances you already own. Every tip is safety-checked.

Safety rule on every tip: 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.

## Find by task
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-dishwasher: How to clean a dishwasher. Filters, spray arms, seals and the hidden clean cycle. (8 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-washing-machine: How to clean a washing machine. Drum clean programs, the pump filter, the seal and the drawer. (8 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-an-oven: How to clean an oven. Self clean, steam modes, door glass, racks, hobs and hoods. (11 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-microwave: How to clean a microwave. Steam tricks, turntables, doors and grease filters. (4 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-fridge: How to clean a fridge. Coils, drain holes, seals, smells and freezers. (9 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-dryer: How to clean a dryer. Lint screens, vents, condenser filters and water tanks. (5 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-coffee-maker: How to clean a coffee maker. Descaling, secret descale modes, grinders and presses. (5 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-small-kitchen-appliances: How to clean small kitchen appliances. Kettles, air fryers, toasters, blenders and pans. (7 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-kitchen-sink: How to clean a kitchen sink. Drains, disposals, overflows, taps and stainless steel. (5 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-bathroom: How to clean a bathroom. Shower heads, grout, toilets, tubs and fans. (8 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-a-vacuum-cleaner: How to clean a vacuum cleaner. Filters, brush rolls and robot vacuums. (2 tips)
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/how-to/clean-floors-and-home-surfaces: How to clean floors and home surfaces. Floors, mattresses, windows and air appliances. (7 tips)

## Tips
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-vacuum-brush-roll: how to clean a vacuum brush roll - Unplug, remove the brush roll, and cut wrapped hair with scissors.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-vacuum-cleaner-filter: how to clean a vacuum cleaner filter - Remove and rinse washable filters under cold water monthly, then dry fully for 24 hours.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-exhaust-fan: how to clean a bathroom exhaust fan - Switch off power, remove the cover, wash it in soapy water, and vacuum the fan.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank: how to clean a toilet tank - Drain the tank, scrub it with vinegar or a gentle cleaner, and flush to rinse.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-shower-grout: how to clean shower grout - Scrub a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water into the grout with an old toothbrush, then rinse. For mould, use an oxygen bleach solution instead.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-shower-head: how to clean a shower head - Tie a plastic bag filled with white vinegar around the shower head, leave it for a few hours, then run hot water through it.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-tap-aerator: how to clean a tap aerator - Unscrew the aerator at the tap's tip, soak it in white vinegar for an hour, scrub, and screw it back.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-stainless-steel-sink: how to clean a stainless steel sink - Scrub with bicarbonate of soda in the direction of the grain, rinse, dry, then buff with a little flour or a drop of oil for shine.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-sink-overflow: how to clean a sink overflow - Clean the overflow with a bottle brush and hot soapy water, then pour hot water through it.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-garbage-disposal: how to clean a garbage disposal - Grind a cup of ice with a tablespoon of salt, then a few lemon peels, with cold water running.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-kitchen-sink-drain: how to clean a kitchen sink drain - Pour boiling water, then bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, wait 15 minutes, and flush with hot water. Repeat weekly to prevent smells.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-slow-cooker: how to clean a slow cooker - Fill the crock with water and a few tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda, cook on low for 1-2 hours, then wipe the softened residue away.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-blender: how to clean a blender - Fill the jug halfway with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid, blend for 30 seconds, then rinse.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-toaster: how to clean a toaster - Most toasters have a slide-out crumb tray at the bottom. Unplug, empty it, and tip the toaster over the bin to shake loose crumbs.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-air-fryer-heating-element: how to clean an air fryer heating element - Grease splatters onto the heating element above the basket. Unplug, turn the unit upside down and gently wipe the element with a damp cloth or soft brush.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-air-fryer-basket: how to clean an air fryer basket - Soak the basket in hot water with washing-up liquid for 15-20 minutes, then clean with a soft sponge. Abrasives strip the non-stick coating.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-descale-a-kettle: how to descale a kettle - Boil a half-and-half mix of water and white vinegar (or water with citric acid), leave it for an hour, then rinse and boil fresh water twice.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-french-press: how to clean a french press - Unscrew the plunger into its mesh, filter and plates, soak them in hot soapy water, and scrub off the coffee oil.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-coffee-grinder: how to clean a coffee grinder - Use grinder cleaning tablets or a small handful of white rice in blade grinders, then brush out the burrs. Burr grinder makers often recommend tablets instead of rice.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-descale-mode-on-a-nespresso-machine: how to use the descale mode on a nespresso machine - Most Nespresso machines enter descale mode by holding both buttons (or the lever plus button) for 3 seconds. Run the descaling solution through, then rinse.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-descale-a-coffee-maker: how to descale a coffee maker - Run a descaling solution or a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water through the machine, then flush it with 2-3 cycles of clean water.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-empty-a-condenser-dryer-water-tank: how to empty a condenser dryer water tank - Condenser dryers collect water in a tank, usually a drawer at the top. Empty it after every load or connect the drain hose to a sink waste to skip it entirely.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-condenser-dryer-filter: how to clean a condenser dryer filter - Condenser and heat pump dryers have a second filter or heat exchanger behind a flap at the bottom front. Rinse it under the tap every few weeks.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dryer-vent: how to clean a dryer vent - Lint builds up in the vent hose and outside flap. Disconnect the hose, vacuum or brush it out with a vent kit, and check the outside flap opens freely once a year.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dryer-lint-trap: how to clean a dryer lint trap - Clear the lint filter after every load and wash it with warm soapy water every few months. Fabric softener residue blocks the mesh even when it looks clean.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-vacation-mode-on-a-fridge: how to use the vacation mode on a fridge - Many fridge-freezers have a Holiday or Vacation mode that keeps the fridge around 15°C to save energy while the freezer keeps running. Empty the fridge first.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-deodorize-a-fridge: how to deodorize a fridge - Clean the fridge with warm water and bicarbonate of soda, then leave an open container of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf and replace it every 3 months.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-fridge-door-seal: how to clean a fridge door seal - Dirty or sticky door seals stop closing properly. Wipe the folds with warm soapy water, dry them, and check the seal grips a sheet of paper all the way round.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-fridge-drain-hole: how to clean a fridge drain hole - Fridges have a small drain hole at the back wall that clogs with food. Flush it gently with warm water using a syringe or turkey baster, and clear it with a pipe cleaner.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-fridge-coils: how to clean fridge coils - Condenser coils at the back or behind the bottom kick plate collect dust and make the fridge work harder. Unplug it and vacuum them twice a year.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-grease-filter: how to clean a microwave grease filter - Over-the-range microwaves have metal grease filters underneath. Slide them out monthly, soak in hot water with dish soap and a little bicarbonate of soda, then rinse and dry.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-turntable: how to clean a microwave turntable - Most glass turntables are dishwasher-safe. Lift it out once it's cool, wash it on the top rack or in hot soapy water, and clean the roller ring too.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-with-lemon: how to clean a microwave with lemon - Microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3-5 minutes, leave the door shut for 5 more, then wipe the softened splatter away.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-oven-light-bulb-setting: how to use the oven light bulb setting - Most ovens have a lightbulb symbol on the function dial that lights the cavity without heating. Use it to check food or spot dirt without opening the door.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-oven-with-baking-soda: how to clean an oven with baking soda - Spread a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water inside a cold oven, leave it for 12 hours, then wipe it away. Mist with vinegar at the end to lift the last residue.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-oven-racks: how to clean oven racks - Soak oven racks overnight in hot water with dishwasher tablets or bicarbonate of soda, then scrub off the softened grease.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-between-oven-door-glass: how to clean between oven door glass - Most oven doors have removable inner glass panes. Lift the clips or unscrew the top trim, slide the glass out, clean it, and refit it the right way round.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-steam-clean-function-on-an-oven: how to use the steam clean function on an oven - Steam or AquaClean modes use a cup of water in the oven base at low heat to soften grime. Run it, wait for it to cool, and wipe the loosened grease.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-oven-with-the-self-clean-setting: how to clean an oven with the self clean setting - Pyrolytic ovens heat to around 450-500°C to turn grease to ash. Remove racks, run Self Clean or Pyrolysis, let it cool, and wipe out the ash.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-eco-mode-on-a-washing-machine: how to use the eco mode on a washing machine - Eco 40-60 runs longer at a lower temperature and uses less energy while still cleaning normally soiled cotton. Use it for everyday loads.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-detergent-drawer: how to clean a washing machine detergent drawer - There's a release tab, usually marked PUSH, inside the drawer. Press it, pull the drawer out, and soak it in hot soapy water to clear the slime.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-door-seal: how to clean a washing machine door seal - Mould collects in the folds of the rubber gasket. Peel the seal back and wipe the fold with warm soapy water or a diluted bleach solution, then dry it.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-filter: how to clean a washing machine filter - Front loaders have a drain pump filter behind a small flap at the bottom front. Drain it into a tray, unscrew the filter, clear the lint and coins, and screw it back tight.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-drum: how to clean a washing machine drum - Most front loaders have a Drum Clean or Tub Clean program. Run it empty once a month with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar in the drum.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-rinse-aid-in-a-dishwasher: how to use rinse aid in a dishwasher - The rinse aid compartment usually has a dial from 1 to 6. Fill it, then turn the dial up a notch if glasses spot, or down if they streak or leave foam.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-fix-a-dishwasher-that-smells: how to fix a dishwasher that smells - The smell usually comes from a dirty filter, food in the door seal, or a drain hose that's kinked. Clean the filter and seal, then run a hot empty cycle.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-dishwasher-spray-arms: how to clean dishwasher spray arms - Spray arms clog with seeds, glass and limescale. Unclip them, poke the holes clear with a toothpick, rinse, and refit.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-dishwasher-clean-cycle: how to use the dishwasher clean cycle - Many dishwashers have a Machine Care, Self Clean or Sanitize program. Run it empty once a month with a dishwasher cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-filter: how to clean a dishwasher filter - Most dishwashers made since 2010 have a manual filter under the bottom spray arm. Twist it out, rinse it under warm water with a soft brush, and lock it back in once a month.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-refrigerator: how to clean a refrigerator - Empty, wash shelves with bicarbonate solution, dry, and restock.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-with-bleach: how to clean a washing machine with bleach - Run an empty hot cycle with half a cup of bleach.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-drain: how to clean a dishwasher drain - Remove the filter and check the drain for blockages.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-pizza-stone: how to clean a pizza stone - Scrape, then scrub with water and a brush.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-door: how to clean a microwave door - Wipe with a damp cloth and washing-up liquid.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-cooker-hood: how to clean a cooker hood - Wipe with warm soapy water and a degreasing cloth.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-air-purifier-filter: how to clean an air purifier filter - Vacuum the pre-filter monthly and replace the main filter as recommended.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-humidifier: how to clean a humidifier - Empty, descale with vinegar, rinse, and dry.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dehumidifier-filter: how to clean a dehumidifier filter - Remove and rinse the filter, then dry.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-keurig: how to clean a keurig - Clear the entrance needle with a paper clip, then descale.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dryer-drum: how to clean a dryer drum - Wipe the drum with warm soapy water and a damp cloth.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-oven-fan: how to clean an oven fan - Remove the fan cover, soak it in hot soapy water, and wipe the fan.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-freezer: how to clean a freezer - Unplug, empty, put bowls of hot water inside, and wipe away ice as it melts.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-refrigerator-water-dispenser: how to clean a refrigerator water dispenser - Wipe the spout and tray with vinegar on a cotton swab.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-use-the-half-load-setting-on-a-dishwasher: how to use the half load setting on a dishwasher - Use Half Load or Upper Rack Only for small loads.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-door-gasket: how to clean a dishwasher door gasket - Wipe the rubber gasket with warm soapy water and dry it.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-remove-limescale-from-a-toilet: how to remove limescale from a toilet - Pour citric acid or vinegar into the bowl, leave overnight, then scrub.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-shower-door: how to clean a shower door - Spray white vinegar, leave 15 minutes, then wipe with a squeegee.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-bathtub: how to clean a bathtub - Spray a mix of warm vinegar and washing-up liquid, leave 30 minutes, and rinse.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink-drain: how to clean a bathroom sink drain - Remove the stopper, pull out hair, and flush with hot water.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-top-load-washing-machine: how to clean a top load washing machine - Fill with hot water, add vinegar or cleaner, pause the cycle for an hour, then finish.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-front-load-washer-smell: how to clean a front load washer smell - Leave the door and drawer ajar after every wash, and run a hot clean cycle monthly.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-an-ice-maker: how to clean an ice maker - Turn it off, empty the bin, wash it in warm soapy water, and wipe the inside. Change the water filter every 6 months.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-extractor-fan-filters: how to clean extractor fan filters - Most metal cooker hood filters are dishwasher-safe. Wash them on a hot cycle.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-glass-hob: how to clean a glass hob - Let the hob cool, then use a hob scraper at a low angle, followed by hob cleaner.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-pan: how to clean a cast iron pan - Wash with hot water and a little soap, scrub with salt, dry immediately on the hob, and oil lightly.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-window-tracks: how to clean window tracks - Vacuum, then scrub with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, and wipe clean.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-steam-mop-pad: how to clean a steam mop pad - Wash microfibre pads in the washing machine at 60°C without fabric softener.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors: how to clean hardwood floors - Use a damp, not wet, microfibre mop with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Avoid vinegar and steam.
- https://www.hiddenclean.com/tips/how-to-clean-a-mattress: how to clean a mattress - Vacuum, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda, leave for a few hours, and vacuum again.

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