Refrigerator – Helpful Tips on using your refrigerator

  • Appliance works best:
    • When it can “breathe.” Do not block vents in the refrigerator or freezer sections
    • Fill with food you are going to use within a 7-day span. Do not over load with food
    • Adjust thermostat setting in the middle and not their highest position. Over freezing and over working unit will cause appliance to stop functioning normally
  • Appliance should be cleaned at least once a month
    • Address spills sooner than later
    • If frosting occurs in the freezer, defrost to allow for proper cooling and air circulation
    • Vacuum lower vent of dust and debris
  • Communicate with fellow roommates
    • When appliance appears to be functioning differently, speak with roommates about changes to the settings
    • When appliance needs attention (cleaning), work with roommates on who, when and how this will be done
    • When appliance needs work, report it early and share with roommates you’ve informed the Department of Residence Life

Stove/Oven – Helpful Tips on using your stove/oven

  • When cooking, do not leave food unattended
  • Clean spills immediately after use to avoid “caking” and buildup
  • Clean appliance inside and outside at least once a month
    • Drip pans can be placed in dishwasher or washed by hand
    • Stove/oven top can be opened by lifting to clear dropped debris
    • Inside oven can be cleaned using 409 Cleaner or an Oven Cleaner (read directions for proper product use)
    • Stove/Oven drawer is removable and allows students to clean underneath appliance
  • Properly store unfinished food. Do not leave on stove/oven top or countertops
  • Use “oven mitts” and/or “oven pads” when handling hot cooking utensils
  • To avoid damage, do not place hot cooking utensils directly on countertops

Microwaves – Helpful tips on using your microwave (where applicable)

  • Read cooking instructions on food package to avoid overcooking or burning
  • Never place metal items in appliance
  • Use “oven mitts” and/or “oven pads” when handling hot food
  • Clean spills and splatter immediately after use to avoid “caking” and buildup
  • Clean appliance inside and outside at least once a month
    • Inside and outside of appliance can be cleaned using 409 Cleaner (read directions for proper product use)
    • Report damaged department appliances early; Failed microwaves will be removed from apartment and replaced with range hood
  • To avoid damage, do not place hot cooking utensils directly on countertops
  • Properly store unfinished food. Do not leave on stove/oven top or countertops

Disposal – Helpful Tips on using the sink disposal

  • Only place food items in disposal
  • Turn water on first, then turn on the disposal and then place food items in disposal
  • Do not place in the disposal:
    • Metal
    • Glass
    • Paper
    • Plastic
    • Ceramic
    • Meat and poultry bones
    • Meat and poultry fat or skin
    • Vegetable and fruit rinds/skins including potatoes
    • Large seeds from vegetables and fruits
    • Cooking grease
    • Glue, Paint, Solvents, Drain cleaner, Acid, or Flammable liquids
    • Charcoal or wood
  • Clean your appliance at least once a month
    • Needed items: Baking soda and Vinegar
    • Instructions:
      • Pour ½ box of baking soda directly into each drain of the sink
      • Pour one (1) cup of vinegar in each sink
      • Rinse excess baking soda with water