Keeping your refrigerator clean is more than just a matter of neatness; it’s about health, efficiency, and food safety. Regularly cleaning the gasket and shelves reduces the risk of germ build-up. An organized and spotless fridge helps prevent the spread of bacteria, minimizes food wastage, and can even save on energy costs by allowing your appliance to run more efficiently. Yet, the task of cleaning your fridge can sometimes feel overwhelming. Worry not! With the right tools, like a spray bottle of homemade cleaner and a microfiber cloth, you can easily tackle this cleaning task and ensure your space is clean.
Follow these cleaning tips, and you’ll have your kitchen refrigerator sparkling good clean and smelling fresh in no time.
Gear Up: What You’ll Need To Clean A Fridge
Before diving in, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand: a microfiber cleaning cloth, a spray bottle filled with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, soft cloths, and baking soda.
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar, often used as a natural cleaning product, can clean your fridge effectively when mixed in equal parts with water in a spray bottle.
- Sponges or microfiber cloths
- A toothbrush or small cleaning brush
- Warm water
- A cooler (to store food while cleaning)
Deep Clean Your Fridge – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Empty the Fridge and Sort
Start by turning off your refrigerator or adjusting the temperature to its warmest setting to save energy while you work. Then, remove everything from your fridge. Use this opportunity to sort through your items, discarding any expired condiments or food that has gone bad. Temporarily store your perishables in a cooler to keep them at a safe temperature.
Step 2: Detach and Soak
Carefully remove all shelves, bins, and drawers. Fill your sink with warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap or a half-cup of baking soda. Let these parts soak in soapy water mixed with equal parts white vinegar to loosen grime and food particles more effectively. For glass components, wait until they reach room temperature before soaking to prevent cracking. Use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle for an effective, natural cleaner.
Step 3: Clean The Inside of the Fridge
While the removable parts are soaking, create a cleaning solution by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water. This soapy water is ideal for cleaning your fridge. This mixture is great for removing stains and odours without leaving harmful residues. Use a sponge or clean, soft cloth to wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, floor, and shelves and drawers of the fridge. A mixture in a spray bottle of equal parts water and vinegar can be used for an effective clean. Pay special attention to nooks and crannies, especially around the shelves and drawers, where spills can accumulate and germs can proliferate.
Step 4: Tackle the Details
For tougher stains or areas with built-up grime, apply a paste made from baking soda and water directly onto the area, using a clean, soft cloth or a microfiber cleaning cloth for application. Allow it to sit for an hour before scrubbing with a soft brush. Use a toothbrush dipped in your cleaning solution to scrub the rubber door seal and any other hard-to-reach areas gently.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
After scrubbing, wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth dampened with clean water to remove any leftover cleaning solution. Dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth or let air dry. Similarly, wash, rinse, and dry all the shelves, bins, and drawers with soapy water before putting them back into the refrigerator.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Outside
Don’t forget the outside of your fridge; wiping it down with a clean, soft cloth is just as important. Regularly clean the handles and the front surface to keep them free from germs and fingerprints. Wipe down the exterior with a solution of vinegar and water (especially effective for stainless steel surfaces) or use cleaning products appropriate for your fridge’s finish. Clean the top of the fridge, where dust and germs accumulate, and gently pull the fridge away from the wall to sweep or vacuum behind it. Don’t forget to unplug the fridge first to ensure safety during this thorough cleaning.
Step 7: Reorganize and Refresh
As you return items to the fridge, take a moment to organize. Place items with closer expiration dates in front to manage your food back logically and group similar items together in the shelves and drawers. Consider using clear bins or lazy Susans in the back of the fridge for easy access to frequently used items. Finally, place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb future odours, replacing it every three months.
Parting Tips
Regular maintenance can make deep cleaning less daunting. Wipe up spills as they happen with a clean cloth, check for expired items weekly, and aim for a thorough clean every season to maintain your fridge’s cleanliness. Your refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in your home; treating it with a little TLC can make a big difference in your kitchen’s cleanliness and your household’s health.
If you need a little more help, Landlord Property Maintenance in Scotland could be a great helping hand.
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