How to correctly store kitchen appliances

Do you know what to do with kitchen appliances that just sit around taking up space? Off to the storage unit. With us in Vienna! From toasters to blenders - and everything in between – kitchen electronics contain a confusing number of parts that make storage tricky. Some are heavy (hello, old microwave) or were very expensive (does the word "Kenwood" sound familiar?) 

 In any case, it pays to prepare appliances properly. The good news: storing kitchen appliances is actually quite simple. Let's start with cleaning.  

1. Toasters & bread makers 

Remove any breadcrumbs and grease stains. The easiest way to do this is to shake the appliance out first and then clean it with a (tooth)brush. 

Remove the crumb tray and wash it with a sponge. Wash the outside of the toaster with vinegar and water, then let everything dry. Reassemble the toaster, wrap it in packing paper or bubble wrap, and pack it away. 

2. Blenders

Fill the blender with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid. One drop is plenty. Run it on 'Low' for about 60 seconds. Pour out the water and rinse until no soap residue remains. Wipe the outside of the blender with a sponge and let it dry.

Optional: Take the blender apart and clean all parts thoroughly (recommended). 

Wrap the blender in packing paper or bubble wrap and place it in the same box as the toaster. Add kitchen textiles or cushions in between. Don't forget to label the box. 

3. Coffee machines

Take it apart and clean each part by hand. Next, fill the reservoir with a mixture of water and half a cup of vinegar. Insert a coffee filter and run the machine as if you were brewing a fresh coffee. Rinse everything and wait until it is dry. Wrap each part of the coffee machine separately in packing paper or bubble wrap and pack it into a box.

4. Microwaves

The truth is, even the cleanest households have dirty microwaves. Whether it is just splattered or full of crusted food residue, the cleaning process is the same. Soak a cloth in water and lemon juice. Place it inside the microwave and leave it for one minute (make it two minutes if the microwave is particularly nasty). You can then easily wipe away the softened dirt. 

If your appliance has a glass turntable or a removable tray, take it out and wash it by hand. Once everything is dry, wrap the turntable or tray in bubble wrap and put it back inside. Tape it down to prevent it from sliding around. 

Applies to all appliances: Store them upright. Storing them upside down or on their side can damage the electronics. 

And that's it! With these steps, you can clean, pack, and store your toaster, blender, microwave, and coffee machine in under an hour, saving valuable space.