What are some good refrigerator cleaning tips?
- Have the Necessary Supplies Ready
- Set a Date
- Remove the Shelves
- Clean the Shelves Properly
- Starting from Top to Bottom
- Don’t Forget About Exterior Surfaces
- Organize Food Items
There’s no doubt that the refrigerator is one of the most used kitchen appliances. Because of this, food spills and splatters inevitably build-up over time. This is not only unsightly but it can pose health risks as well. This is why every homeowner must know about refrigerator cleaning tips.
Cleaning your refrigerator does not have to be a daunting task! If you know how to do it efficiently, you can save yourself from wasting too much time and stress. Below, we’ve rounded up the ways on how to keep your fridge looking spick-and-span. Read on!
Have the Necessary Supplies Ready
More often than not, refrigerators do not get cleaned properly because of the lack of supplies. By having cleaning supplies on hand, you will be encouraged to clean up food spills as they occur. As dried up spillages are harder to get rid of, cleaning as soon as possible can save time and effort from scrubbing. Here are some supplies you might need for the clean-up:
- Rubber gloves
- Vinegar
- Trash bags
- A cooler
- Baking soda
- Sponge/Brush
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Spray bottle
- Toothpaste
Set A Date
Empty all the food inside the refrigerator. You might be tempted to leave out items to save time but this will not help in cleaning the fridge thoroughly.
As microbes can multiply quickly when food is left out, it is vital to plan ahead and set a date for when the cleaning will happen. You might also need to defrost the refrigerator to do this.
When would be the best time to clean? That would be when there is less or no food in the fridge. Doing so would mean having fewer food items to take out.
Transfer highly perishable items like dairy products and raw meats to a color for the duration of the fridge-cleaning. Set aside the bottles, jars, and fresh produce.
Remove The Shelves
Take out the drawers found at the bottom of the refrigerator and remove the detachable shelves and trays.
If you do not know how to do this, it would be wise to read the user manual first. It should contain all the instructions on how to dismantle and reattach the parts without damaging anything.
Clean The Shelves Properly
Start with the shelves you removed and wash them in a sink. Use dish soap and hot water. If the shelves are made of glass, remember to let them adjust to room temperature before washing. Pouring hot water immediately could shatter the glass.
Use a brush to remove food spill build-up between the surfaces. Once rinsed, dry the shelves completely using a clean cloth and set them aside.
Start From Top To Bottom
Even if your refrigerator is not that dirty, do not use strongly scented dish soap for cleaning as the food items may absorb the smell. Instead, opt to use a cleaning solution by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda/vinegar and one quart of hot water in a spray bottle.
Spray on the interior of the fridge from top to bottom and let the solution soak in. Afterward, wipe everything down using a cloth.
If you encounter stubborn stains and buildup, try using a dab of toothpaste. It contains an effective abrasive formula and it smells good as well.
Don’t Forget About Exterior Surfaces
Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator using a cloth and dish soap. Don’t forget to clean the sides and top area as well. Give the door handles special attention. It is considered a “high touch” item as people often use it throughout the day.
Organize Food Items
After you are done cleaning everything, you can cool it again and start putting the food items back in the refrigerator. Remember to have a garbage bin nearby as this is also the perfect time to toss out stale food products. Throw out unused items as well. When disposing of the garbage, remember to seal the bin tightly as expired food has unpleasant odors.
Key Takeaway
If you are on the lookout for the best refrigerator cleaning tips, check out the eight we have stated above. If you clean your unit regularly, it will surely save you from costly maintenance repairs. So once you notice a spill, clean it up as soon as possible!
