How to Clean Your Refrigerator

In a typical refrigerator, food containers leak, and liquids spill. Crumbs build up, and mold can grow. In addition, expired and spoiled foods are common. When these food containers aren’t removed in a timely manner, the fridge gets more crowded. Both grime and too many containers in the fridge negatively affect its performance. Specifically, airflow is reduced, and foods can spoil more quickly.

In addition, the fridge may work overtime as it tries to keep the temperature low, and this leads to increased repairs and decreased longevity. When you clean your refrigerator, you don’t want to overlook any important areas. Let’s look at how to clean your refrigerator.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?

You can minimize smells and germs by removing leftover food containers and expired products on a weekly basis. One way to remember to do this important chore is to toss out old foods each week before you put your new groceries in the refrigerator. While this will help you keep your fridge clean, deep cleaning is still necessary. Plan to deep clean your refrigerator every three months.

What Cleaning Supplies Do You Need?

Cleaning your refrigerator is easier when you have all of the supplies readily available. Before you start scrubbing, gather these supplies:

• Two bowls
• Several microfiber cloths
• A sponge
• An old toothbrush
• Cotton swabs
• A spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Liquid dish soap

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Regular Cleaning

For regular weekly cleaning, follow these steps.

• Take all products and containers out of the fridge.
• Wipe away all of the crumbs and loose debris using a microfiber cloth.
• In the bowl, make a 50-50 solution of baking soda and white vinegar. The solution will have a pasty consistency.
• Dab the paste on any stains using a microfiber cloth. After five minutes, wipe the paste and stains away with a damp sponge.
• Using the liquid dish soap, make a soapy solution in the second bowl.
• Use the spongy and soapy water to wipe down all interior surfaces.
• Remove the soapy water with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces.
• Return the products to the fridge in an organized manner.
• On the exterior, wipe the refrigerator with a cleaner that is appropriate for the material.

Deep Cleaning

Every three months, take a few additional steps to deep clean your refrigerator.

• When removing items from the fridge, wipe the containers clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Remove the shelves, drawers and bins carefully. Hand wash these in the sink using warm, soapy water.
• Rinse the fridge components with clean water, and towel-dry them. Do not put them back in the fridge yet.
• The interior of your fridge will be empty, so spills, stains and splatters are easy to reach. In the spray bottle, make a 50-50 solution of warm water and vinegar.
• Spray the entire interior of the refrigerator with the solution, and let the solution sit for five minutes.
• Wipe down the interior surfaces with a microfiber cloth. If you need to reach small spaces, use the toothbrush.
• Turn your attention to the outside. Wipe down the door, handle and sides.
• Spray a cotton swab with the vinegar and water solution. Wipe the cotton swab along the door seal or gasket.
• Follow the appliance’s manual for instructions on cleaning the coils. This step optimizes your refrigerator’s performance, enhances its lifespan and minimizes energy costs.
• Pull the fridge out from its place. Use a vacuum or mop to clean the grime on the floor. Dry the floor before returning the appliance to its position.
• Return the shelves and other components to the refrigerator. Then, return the products to their places.

How to Remove Mold, Stains, and Odors from Your Fridge

Deep cleaning your fridge will typically remove all of the unpleasant odors. However, if bad smells linger, place a bowl of charcoal pieces or baking soda in the back of the refrigerator to absorb the smells.

To tackle mold and tough stains, use white vinegar. White vinegar contains acetic acid, which effectively targets mold and is tough on many types of stains. Make a solution of liquid dish soap, white vinegar and warm water.

Scrub the mold with this solution. If the mold is stubborn, sprinkle baking soda on it. Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that make it easier to remove the grime. After sprinkling baking soda on it, spray the powder with the cleaning solution. Vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction when combined, and this chemical reaction adds more cleaning power. When the mold is removed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the area clean.

How to Maintain a Clean Refrigerator

Your refrigerator can get filthy only days or weeks after a deep cleaning session. You can avoid major messes and disgusting smells by taking a few steps:

• Clean spills and crumbs as soon as you notice them.
• Toss out expired products regularly.
• Label leftover containers with their date. This helps you decide when to toss the food out.
• Every few days, rotate the food and containers. This will help you stay on top of what is in your fridge and spot spills that you didn’t catch in the back of the refrigerator.

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