Cleaning Appliances Left by Previous Occupants
Moving into an Ontario home that comes with appliances left by the previous owner or tenant is extremely common — and the condition of those appliances ranges from immaculate to genuinely alarming. Understanding what to prioritize when cleaning inherited appliances makes the move-in process considerably less stressful.
Oven
The oven is almost always the worst appliance left by previous occupants — baked-on grease and carbon buildup can represent years of neglect. For self-cleaning ovens: run the self-clean cycle first (it burns organic matter to ash at high temperature — expect smoke, ventilate well) then wipe the ash. For non-self-cleaning ovens: apply a thick coat of baking soda paste to all interior surfaces, spray with white vinegar (it will foam), leave overnight, then wipe. Commercial oven cleaner (used with ventilation and gloves) is the most effective option for extreme buildup. Clean the oven before cooking anything in it — the residue from previous use will smoke and affect food flavour.
Refrigerator
Remove all shelves, drawers, and compartments — wash individually in the sink with hot soapy water. Wipe all interior walls with a mild disinfectant solution. Check the door seals for mould and wipe with a diluted bleach solution if present. Before putting any food in: leave a box of baking soda inside for 24 hours to absorb any existing odours.
Dishwasher
Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet or a cup of white vinegar placed in the bottom rack. Check and clean the filter (at the bottom of the dishwasher tub — usually twist-out) — this is almost never cleaned and is often the source of dishwasher odour.