How to spring clean all of your appliances and the 35p...

AS the days get lighter and feel longer, it's exciting to know that spring is just around the corner. And that means house-proud homeowners will be gearing up for one mammoth task... it's time to get prepared for the big spring clean. And if you haven't given some of these kitchen appliances some tender TLC in a while, there's no need to panic. You wouldn't wash your dishes in a dirty, grotty sink, so why let your dishwasher fester either?.

Image Credit: The Sun [Woman holding cleaning supplies in her back pockets.]

Simply fill a large dishwasher-safe jug with 500ml of white vinegar and pop it onto the top shelf of your machine, without adding any other dishes in. There's no need to add any extra detergent, just run the machine through a full cycle and let the vinegar work its magic. For a deeper clean, you can use an old toothbrush to tackle any remaining grime on the filters or seal. Bacteria can build up quickly if you're frequently running cold washes, so it's best to clean your machine at least once a month.

Image Credit: The Sun [Hand cleaning a washing machine's rubber seal.]

And it's so easy, as your 35p white vinegar once again saves the day. All you need to do is run an empty, regular cycle on the hottest setting (at a minimum of 60ºC). Add around 250ml of white vinegar to the detergent tray and let the natural ingredient work its magic on bad smells and lingering bacteria. A stinky fridge can certainly ruin your appetite, so it's important to clear out any old, rotting food.

Image Credit: The Sun [Tesco distilled vinegar bottle.]

If you've done this and the stubborn smell just won't budge, this handy hack will help, and it can cost you as little as £1!. All you need to do is place a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge, which will quickly get to work absorbing those stubborn smells. Putting off the daunting chore of cleaning your oven can lead to tougher grime buildup, longer cooking times and higher energy bills. But don't fear, there's a handy hack to make the job a breeze.

Image Credit: The Sun [Woman cleaning her refrigerator.]

All you need is some baking soda - mix half a cup of the stuff with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements, and let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight. After, you simply give the oven a wipe clean with a damp cloth and can use a mix of water and white vinegar to get rid of any remaining residue. Make sure to dry thoroughly and you'll be left with a much cleaner oven.

Image Credit: The Sun [Person cleaning refrigerator shelf with a green cloth.]

Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:. There are a few basic maintenance tips which will keep your machine working properly and prolong its life. You should always make sure to empty your hoover bag after use, to prevent anything clogging up the filtration system inside. It's also best to make sure you're keeping the lint line clear, and removing any built-up hair with a pair of scissors.