Keeping your refrigerator clean is crucial for food safety. With various ingredients stored inside, it’s important to routinely check and maintain cleanliness. Regularly using up food before its expiration date helps minimize waste, while discarding anything spoiled is essential. Aim for a deep clean every few weeks to ensure your fridge runs smoothly and remains sanitary.
"Regularly cleaning your refrigerator is wise," advises an expert. "It helps prevent unpleasant odors from developing."
To assist you in tackling this vital kitchen chore, we’ve compiled expert advice on cleaning your refrigerator inside and out.
Cleaning Your Refrigerator
Aside from cleaning after spills, the best time to clean your fridge is on grocery shopping days.
"By the time your groceries arrive, your fridge should be nearly empty, making this task simpler. Remove everything left inside and clean each shelf as you go. Assess the remaining food to determine what's still good and discard anything unfit for consumption," suggests another expert.
1. Remove All Items
Set aside time on the weekend or an evening after work to empty your refrigerator completely. If you’re worried about frozen items thawing, pack them in insulated bags temporarily.
2. Clean Removable Components
Take out all removable parts such as shelves and drawers. You can wash them in the dishwasher (if they’re dishwasher-safe) or hand wash them in warm, soapy water. For tough stains, mix warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda, rinse thoroughly afterward.
3. Clean the Interior
Next, wipe down the interior surfaces, including door seals, with a damp cloth. A paste made of baking soda and water works well for stubborn spots, as does lemon juice on a cloth. Don’t forget to check the drain hole in the back for any blockages and dry everything with a clean towel before replacing the shelves and drawers.
“For odor and residue removal, use baking soda or vinegar to quickly sanitize the interior. Avoid using chemical cleaners that could harm food and remember to rinse your cloth after use,” advises another cleaning professional.
4. Restock the Refrigerator
After cleaning, return all food items to the fridge. Avoid a common cleaning mistake by discarding expired items or planning to use them that night.
“For maintaining freshness, keep a small jar of baking soda or a cotton ball soaked in vinegar inside the fridge to absorb odors,” suggests a cleaning guru.
5. Clean the Exterior
Once the inside is spotless, turn your attention to the exterior. Wipe it down with warm, soapy water, remembering to clean the top and handles too. A microfiber cloth or kitchen towel can be used to dry the surfaces.
For stainless steel appliances, consider using a specialized cleaner for a polished finish.
Cleaning a Dirty Refrigerator
To tackle a particularly dirty fridge, spray the interior with a vinegar-water solution, focusing on heavily soiled areas, and let it soak. Clean removable shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water or vinegar, then allow them to dry. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water and return the dry components to their places.
Using Clorox Wipes in Your Refrigerator
Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning inside your refrigerator, especially for handles and small spills, but they aren’t ideal for deep cleaning.
Now, let’s move on to cleaning the freezer.
