How to Clean Your Home Appliances Inside and Out

Chest Freezers

For information about defrosting and cleaning the inside of your chest freezer, refer to your Use and Care manual which you can search for by model number online here. And to keep your freezer organized inside, follow the tips on this infographic.

• To keep the outside of your chest freezer clean and protected, we recommend applying a coat of appliance polish wax at least twice a year. This wax also helps to remove tape residue inside your freezer.
• To clean the outside, simply wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth using appliance polish wax or mild liquid dish detergent.
• Then, dry and polish the outside with a clean, soft cloth.
• Do NOT use scouring pads, powdered cleansers, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach on the outside of your freezer. They can harm or mar the finish.
• You should clean inside your chest freezer at least once per year—preferably with the freezer unplugged and defrosted.
• If you don’t have time to do this, use a lightly damp clean sponge or cloth to wipe down surfaces being careful to avoid switches, lights, or controls as you do.
• For a deeper clean, unplug your freezer and use warm water and baking soda (create a solution using about a tablespoon of baking soda per a quart of warm water) with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Then, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Do NOT use abrasive cleaners or cleansing powders inside the chest freezer.

Upright Freezers

For detailed information on keeping your upright freezer clean, have your model number ready and then search for the online Use and Care manual here.

• For basic cleaning of the exterior, use a soft, damp cloth with mild, soapy water to wipe down surface areas.
• Don’t use any abrasive sponges, scrubbing cloths, or steel wool to clean the freezer; they can scratch and mar the finish. See the Care and Cleaning section of your Use & Care manual for more specifics on types of cleaners NOT to be used to clean your freezer.
• CAUTION: Don’t use warm water to clean the glass shelves when they are still cold; the glass can break from sudden temperature changes.
• NOTE: We recommend unplugging the unit before you clean it. If this isn’t possible, be sure to wring out excess liquid from the cloth or sponge you use to clean the surface.
• To clean the inside, we recommend using a soft cloth with a solution of warm water and baking soda (1 TBSP of baking soda dissolved into a quart of warm water) to clean and neutralize any odors. Be sure to rinse and the inside dry after cleaning.

To find more specific instructions on cleaning your specific model of cooktop, you can search on our site to find the online Use and Care manual here. For basic cleaning, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe off any grease or smudges. For deeper cleaning, read your Use and Care manual and see the instructions below.

Gas Cooktops

• Because gas cooktop surfaces are porcelain enamel coated, do NOT use abrasive cleansers, oven cleaners, steel wool, or any other rough materials or cleaners to scrub your rangetop.
• Clean using a soft cloth with soap and water. You may also use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to remove grease. Then, rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
• In case of spillage, refer to your Use and Care manual for directions on removing the cooktop to clean underneath.
• Wipe cooled burner caps with hot, soapy water on a soft sponge. Then, rinse and dry. Here, you can scrub burned-on food from the burner cap with a plastic scouring pad.
• Spillovers can cause burner heads to clog, so be sure to wipe down the cooled burner heads and then rinse. If foods are stuck on, use a plastic bristled brush to clear away hard-to-remove particles. DO NOT use steel wool or metal scouring pads to clean any of the burner parts as they can further clog the openings.
• You can remove the burner grates to wash in hot, soapy water and scrub with a plastic scouring pad. Be sure to rinse and dry after. Do NOT use bleach or rust removers on your burner grates.
• You can remove control knobs by moving the knobs to the OFF position and then pulling them off the stems. Then, wash them in hot, soapy water. Be sure to replace the knobs back at the OFF position.
• Warm sudsy water and a soft cloth or a stainless-steel cleaner or polish are best for cleaning any stainless-steel surfaces. Do NOT use steel wool or any gritty cleansers as they can scratch the surface.
• To clean painted rangetop trim, use warm, soapy water or a vinegar and water solution with a soft cloth or sponge.

Built-In Glass Cooktops

• We recommend using a ceramic cooktop cleaner prior to using it and to keep your glass cooktop looking new after each use. Follow instructions on the cleaner or find your Use and Care manual for detailed instructions.
• For burned-on food residue, be sure the cooktop is cool and then spread a bit of the ceramic cleanser on the burned residue. Next, take a non-scratch cleaning pad and with some pressure, rub the cleanser into the residue until it loosens.
• For more heavily burned-on foods, let the cooktop cool completely, then use a single-edge razorblade scraper set at about a 45-degree angle against the cooktop surface to scrape at the burned-on food. You’ll need to apply some pressure as you scrape. Then, follow with a few drops of ceramic cleanser and rub with a non-scratch cleaning pad to clear remaining residue and polish the surface.
• You can purchase recommended scrapers and cleansers through our Parts Center.

Induction Cooktops

• Much like our glass cooktops, we recommend cleaning your induction cooktop before you use it with a ceramic cooktop cleanser. You’ll find detailed instructions if you search for your model’s Use and Care manual.
• You can also follow the instructions listed above for glass cooktops when you have burned-on residue.

Interior

• Use a paper towel to remove splatters after they occur.
• If splatters of food are baked on, use a damp cloth or sponge with sudsy water.
• Be sure to rinse after with a damp cloth.
• Never use oven cleaner on any part of your microwave.

Turntable and Support

• Be sure the glass turntable is cool, then wash it in warm, sudsy water or place in the dishwasher.
• Wash the support ring gently with soapy water, then dry and replace into the microwave.

Exterior

• You can use a common household cleaner sprayed directly onto a cloth to wipe down the exterior of your microwave.
• Never use cleaners with ammonia or alcohol, though. They can damage the finish.
• For control panels, wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the panel, use overly wet sponges or cloths, or try to clean with abrasives or sharp objects as they can damage the control panel.
• If your microwave is stainless steel, you can use Stainless Steel Magic or other stainless-steel cleaners with a clean, soft cloth.
• Be sure to clean the inside door panel where it seals against the microwave.
• Occasionally, clean any dust from the bottom of your microwave with a damp, soapy cloth.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

• Interior and exterior cleaning is much like described above.
• To clean and/or change filters, follow the instructions for your individual model included in your Use and Care manual.
• To find your manual online, have your model number handy and check here.

Use the basic appliance cleaning instructions, then follow these steps to keep your washer fresh and neat:

• For front load machines, you can wipe down the inside gasket using a mix of vinegar and water.

Dispenser Drawer

• Remove the drawer (if possible—see your Use and Care manual) and wash in warm, soapy water to remove residue.
• Rinse with warm water and replace.
• Use a damp cloth or sponge with warm water to wipe out the dispenser box.

Interior

• Some washers (including our UltraFresh™ Vent System washers) have a Self Clean cycle. Select this cycle at least once per month (or every 30 to 40 loads).
• NOTE: Top load washers recommend using the Bulky Items cycle to clean the interior.
• Remove all garments so the basket is empty.
• Add one cup of liquid bleach to the basket.
• Close the door and press Start.
• Once complete, your washer’s interior will be clean and fresh.

Window Air Conditioners

Grille and Case

• Make sure the AC unit is off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Use water and mild detergent to clean the front grille and the case.

Air Filter

• Check the air filter behind the grille every 30 days and clean if necessary.
• To clean, slide the filter from the left and remove.
• Clean it in the sink with warm water and soap.
• Thoroughly rinse and let dry before replacing it behind the grille.
• CAUTION: Do NOT operate the AC unit without the filter in place. Dirt and link will clog the interior and reduce its cooling performance.

GE Profile ClearView™ Window AC Filters

• The ClearView window AC units have additional filters on the sides behind the drain cap.
• You’ll find instructions for cleaning those in the Use and Care manual. To find your manual online, have your model number handy and check here.

Outdoor Coils

• Check the outside coils on your AC unit regularly. If they appear clogged with dirt, you may need to have them professionally cleaned.
• Learn about getting your window air conditioner ready for summer here.

Portable Air Conditioners

• Make sure you unplug your portable air conditioner or disconnect the power.
• Take a soft cloth, dampen it with water, and use it to wipe down the AC unit.
• Do NOT use spray or liquid cleaners, chemicals, abrasives, chlorine, bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents, or scouring pads to clean your portable AC unit.
• After wiping down the unit, dry with a soft cloth.
• Plug the AC unit in or reconnect power and you’re ready to use it again.

Grille and Case

• Wipe down the unit with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.
• Clean the rear grille with your vacuum attachment or a brush.

Water Bucket

• Every few weeks, clean the bucket to help prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew.
• Fill the bucket with clean water and mild detergent and swish it around the inside of the bucket.
• Empty the bucket and rinse with clean water.
• Replace the bucket and make sure it’s securely sealed so the dehumidifier will operate.

NOTE: Don’t put the bucket into the dishwasher for cleaning. Learn more about the benefits of owning a dehumidifier here.

For care and cleaning instructions for your water system, find your Use and Care manual here, then follow the included instructions for your specific model.