Depending on the appliances in your home, the refrigerator could be the biggest appliance in your kitchen. Thankfully, this big appliance isn’t too difficult to clean. What are some cleaning tips for your refrigerator?
If you are anything like me and my family, the refrigerator is the most used appliance in your kitchen. With that being said, it also becomes the messiest because I put things like leftovers in the fridge, forget that it’s there, and the food becomes gross and moldy. Or something spills everywhere, and I didn’t notice it. Basically my fridge gets very messy and stinky fast. I have found some great ways to help you clean your fridge, and tips to eliminate those nasty food smells.
Cleaning your Refrigerator
1.Unplug Your Fridge
This step is important because without unplugging your fridge, you could waste a lot of energy. If you plan on keeping your refrigerator door shut in between cleanings, then unplugging it won’t be necessary. If you plan on keeping the door open the entire time you clean, then unplugging is the best option. It’s also much safer to clean the back of the fridge where the coils are when the fridge is unplugged.
If you are unable to unplug the fridge, turn off the breaker that leads to the fridge. This will work just as well as unplugging it.
2. Empty Your Refrigerator
In order for your fridge to be completely cleaned, it must first be completely emptied. This is a great time to throw out anything that doesn’t need to take up space in your refrigerator anymore. Put any perishables like milk in a cooler while you clean. This will ensure that your food doesn’t go bad. Don’t let it sit outside of the fridge any longer than one hour.
3. Remove & Clean All Removable Shelves and Drawers
The best way to get all of the crevices and tight spots in the drawers and shelves, is to remove them from your refrigerator. These can be washed in the sink with liquid dishsoap and a sponge.
4. Clean The Interior
Take an all-purpose cleaner and a sponge and clean the rest of the shelves, drawers, and walls. (If you don’t have an all-purpose cleaner, look below for a diy cleaner.) If your sponge is too big to clean spots in the corners, use a toothbrush to get to those small spots.
5. Clean The Exteriors
What to clean the exterior of your fridge with depends on whether or not your refrigerator is stainless steel. If your refrigerator does NOT have a stainless steel exterior, any kind of all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean it. Even soap and water will work for the outside of the fridge. If your refrigerator DOES have a stainless steel exterior, you must use a stainless steel cleaner. If not, the exterior of your fridge will be left with streaks and stains from other cleaners.
Also, don’t forget to dust the back of your refrigerator. This will help your refrigerator to continue to run properly.
Once you have finished cleaning, and put everything back into your refrigerator, you are all done!
Cleaning/Odor Hacks
- If you would like a diy all-purpose cleaner use this one: 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup clear ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup baking soda. Pour solution in a spray bottle or leave in a bowl. This is a degreaser, and there is no need to rinse after using. Use everywhere for cleaning use.
- For tough stains, use toothpaste. It works as a gentle stain remover along with a gentle abrasive. This also smells a lot better than most food stains.
- For a fast fix of food odor, sprinkle vanilla extract or orange extract on a few cotton balls. Place the cotton balls in a bowl, and place the bowl in your refrigerator.
- Before a container goes into your refrigerator, make sure it is clean. Residue left on the outside of any container can make your fridge messy super fast.
- If the seal on your refrigerator door is needing to be cleaned, use a toothbrush and a mixture of bleach and warm water. Once cleaned, wipe with a dry towel or rag.