Appliance cleaning works best as three separate jobs, not one bucket and one cloth moving around the kitchen. Unplug movable appliances where the manufacturer permits, read the care label for the finish, and keep food-contact tools separate from greasy oven tools.
Prepare before using product
Remove food, racks, trays and loose debris first. Photograph shelf positions if the appliance has many parts. Check the manufacturer's instructions before using an abrasive, steam or a strong alkaline cleaner; coated oven liners, stainless finishes, rubber seals and touch panels can be damaged by the wrong method.
Start the oven dwell time
The oven usually needs the longest contact time. Remove dry crumbs, apply an approved product to permitted surfaces and leave it for the label's stated time. Keep product away from heating elements, fans and door seals unless instructions allow it. Clean racks separately so residue can be rinsed completely.
Clean the refrigerator while the oven dwells
Move food into a cooler, discard expired items, and wash removable shelves and drawers with warm water. Let cold glass warm before putting it into hot water. Wipe top to bottom, clear the drain channel if the manual identifies one, then dry everything before food returns.
Do not forget the refrigerator seal
Crumbs and sticky spills collect inside the door gasket. Use a soft cloth or brush, then dry the seal. Vacuum accessible dust from the ventilation area only as the manual directs; never remove a fixed cover or reach near electrical parts.
Finish with the dishwasher
Remove and rinse the filter according to the manual, inspect spray-arm holes, and wipe the door edges and seal. Refit every part before running an empty maintenance cycle with a product approved for that machine.
Return to the oven
Lift softened residue with a non-scratch pad, wipe repeatedly with clean water and dry before replacing racks. Clean controls with product applied to a cloth. If the oven has a self-clean cycle, follow the manual and never combine that cycle with chemical oven cleaner.
Keep the final pass separate
Use a fresh cloth for handles and exteriors after interiors are complete. Buff stainless steel with the grain. Reconnect appliances, confirm shelves and filters are seated, and let the refrigerator return to temperature before loading perishable food.