Melvin Upchurch Realtor - July 2026

MAKE YOUR KITCHEN APPLIANCES LAST LONGER Protecting Your Investment

Kitchen appliances are some of the most expensive items we purchase for our homes. Each one can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it makes sense to make sure they last as long as possible. Thankfully, you can do a few things regularly to keep your kitchen appliances in peak condition and ensure their longevity for years to come.

a mess, clean it as soon as the area is cool and safe to touch. Wipe it down with soap, water, and a wet cloth. If you run the self-clean program, remove the oven racks and wipe away any grime or old food first. This will help prevent bad odors from taking

over your home. Oven doors aren’t as sturdy as they look, so don’t put any weight on them. Also, be

extra careful around the heating element. Damaging it will be expensive and may require a total replacement.

The Dishwasher Traditional dishwashers often have a hard- food dispenser with a chopping blade to help large pieces fit down the drain. Many newer models, especially those claiming to be energy-efficient, did away with this blade in favor of a filter system. What they don’t tell you is that the

The Fridge Extending your fridge’s lifespan comes down to cleanliness. Wipe the interior and exterior of the fridge at least once

a month. This will help with airflow, but if your fridge does not maintain its temperature, you may need to clean off the condenser coils with a soft brush. Don’t forget about the door seals, either! Those can always use a good wipe down. Lastly, if you have an ice maker, that also requires regular cleaning. It’s often one of the first things to break in a refrigerator.

filter needs regular cleaning to remove lingering debris that gets trapped. You should also clear out the water jets in the appliance’s spray arm to prevent clogging. The Oven Spills are common in and around the oven, especially if you have a range. Any time you make

TAKE A BREAK

Mango Glazed Chicken

Ingredients

Mango Glaze • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

7. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 8. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. 9. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. 10. Reduce heat to low. 11. Pour mango glaze over chicken and toss to coat. 12. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to fully caramelize. • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening) Chicken • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite- size pieces • Salt and pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. In blender, blend mango until smooth. 2. Pour purée into small saucepan and add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. 3. Stir to combine. 4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 5–6 minutes. 5. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and set aside.

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