It’s important to keep your fridge clean to maintain a hygienic kitchen and keep your food fresh for as long as possible.
A clean refrigerator not only prevents bad smells but also prolongs the life of your groceries.
In this piece, we will show you how to clean your fridge properly, ensuring it’s spotless and organized.
Why Keeping a Clean Refrigerator Matters
Keeping your refrigerator clean is very important for several reasons.
- First, it helps to avoid food poisoning from harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can grow in overlooked areas.
- Second, a tidy fridge can prevent odors that may build up from expired food items.
- Lastly, keeping your fridge clean can make it work better and could even save you money on your energy bill in the long run.
Get Your Materials
Before you start cleaning up the messes, ensure you have all the supplies you need, like a detective rounding up all the tools before solving a case.
Cleaning agents: Household cleaning solutions, like mild soap or white vinegar, can be used as effective cleaning agents.
Cleaning tools: Cleaning tools include soft cloths or soft sponge applicators, a toothbrush, and a container for water and soap solution, such as a bucket or basin.
Containers: Containers are helpful in keeping shelves and drawers in place while cleaning them.
Make sure you have everything prepared to make the cleaning process smoother and faster.
Steps on How to Clean Your Refrigerator
Here are some easy and effective steps to maintain a clean fridge and keep it smelling fresh:
Clean Out the Fridge
Begin by emptying everything from your fridge—it’s the first step for a comprehensive cleaning session!
Remember to inspect the expiration dates and discard any items that are past their prime.
While you’re clearing out the fridge, take time to sort the contents into groups, such as dairy products, meats, and condiments, as this will help when you put everything back in later.
Clean Removable Parts
Many refrigerators have shelves and drawers that can be removed for cleaning without hassle.
You can clean them by soaking them in water with soap in your sink or a bucket for a while.
If there are stains or dirt that won’t come off quickly, you can use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub them away.
Rinse and Air Dry
After you finish cleaning the shelves and drawers in the refrigerator, rinse them off nicely using a clean water to make sure all the soap suds are gone completely.
Once you’ve done that, use a clean towel to dry them or allow them to air dry completely before returning them to their spot in the refrigerator.
Wipe Down the Interior
While waiting for the detachable components to dry completely after washing them, focus on the interior of the fridge.
To clean it, either use a water and dish soap mixture or a vinegar and water combination.
Pay Attention to the Corners and Creases
Gently clean all areas with a cloth and sponge, including the walls, ceilings, and the lower part of the refrigerator.
Give special attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas where spills and food crumbs may be hiding.
Utilize an Old Toothbrush for Hard-to-Reach Areas
When dealing with cramped spaces and tricky spots that are hard to clean, an old toothbrush can be a useful cleaning tool.
It works wonders for scrubbing dirt and grime that accumulate around door seals, hinges, and other narrow crevices.
Clean the Door Seals
To keep your refrigerator working and effectively retain air inside it without any leaks or temperature fluctuations, make sure to regularly clean the door seals.
Simply take a cloth with some cleaning solution and wipe down the seals meticulously, paying extra attention to any crevices or grooves.
Check for any wear and tear that could compromise the effectiveness of the seals.
It’s important to maintain these seals to ensure your fridge functions!
Don’t Forget the Coils
Condenser coils play a role in keeping refrigerators running and managing heat dispersion effectively. Dust accumulation can hamper their performance and lead to higher energy consumption levels. To ensure your fridge stays functional and lasts longer:
First, locate the refrigerator coils (typically found at the back or underneath) then clean them using a vacuum, brush attachment, or a specialized coil cleaning brush.
This straightforward maintenance task not only enhances efficiency but also extends the overall durability of your appliance.
Freshen Up Your Fridge
If you notice any smells in your fridge that won’t go away quickly, don’t use chemical deodorizers.
Try placing a box of baking soda on one of the shelves to soak up the odors.
Activated charcoal or coffee grounds can also work as alternatives for freshening up your fridge’s smell.
Organize and Replace Items
Now that your fridge is all clean and smelling fresh again, it’s time to put back all the stuff you took out earlier.
This is a chance to arrange everything neatly and keep items together.
Remember to place older ones in the front so they get used up first.
Consider Using Clear Containers
Keeping your refrigerator neat and tidy is simple when you use see-through containers for storing food.
This also allows you to quickly see your inventory at a glance!
Don’t forget to label the containers with dates to ensure you always know how fresh your items are.
Clean the Exterior
Remember to clean the outside of your fridge, wiping it with a cloth on the front and sides.
For steel fridges, using a stainless steel cleaner can remove fingerprints and marks.
Pay Attention to the Top and Bottom
When you’re cleaning the outside of your fridge, make sure you also pay attention to the bottom parts.
Dirt and dust tend to build up so don’t forget to give them a wipe down too.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
To keep your refrigerator tidy and organized, it’s important to set up a cleaning routine.
Try to clean out your fridge every three months.
By doing this, you not only keep your fridge in good condition but also preserve the freshness and safety of the food inside.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you come across any problems while tidying up your fridge at home. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot.
Stubborn stains: Create a cleaning paste by combining baking soda and water. Apply this mixture onto the stain. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before giving it a thorough scrub.
Bad odors: Unpleasant smells can be a nuisance in your fridge. After cleaning it, it might be worth checking the drain pan situated at the base of the fridge for any spills or mold buildup and giving it a good clean when necessary.
How Regular Fridge Clean Habits Extend the Life of Your Appliance
Keeping your refrigerator clean is an important chore that helps maintain a kitchen atmosphere, ensures the longevity of your food items, and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and pleasant.
By following these guidelines and making it a habit to clean regularly, you can keep your appliance in shape, make your food last longer, and preserve a pleasant ambiance in your kitchen.
If you need a house cleaning service provider, consider NW Maids for all your needs in maintaining an organized home that suits you best, for one-time cleaning or regular upkeep services.
Reach out to us today for further information and assistance!
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