How to Clean Refrigerator

Keeping your refrigerator clean is crucial for maintaining food safety and ensuring the appliance runs efficiently. A dirty refrigerator can harbor bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors that can affect the quality of your food.

Materials Needed for Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Before you begin cleaning your refrigerator, gather the following supplies to make the process efficient and effective:

• Mild dish soap or baking soda
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloths or sponges
• Soft-bristled brush
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas
• Paper towels or a drying cloth

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your refrigerator effectively.

Empty the Refrigerator: Start by removing all the food items from your refrigerator. Check expiration dates, and discard any expired or spoiled items. Store perishable food in a cooler or insulated bag to keep them fresh while you clean.

 

Take Out and Clean the Shelves and Drawers: Remove all shelves, drawers, and bins from the refrigerator to clean them more effectively. Wash them with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution, gently scrubbing to remove any food residues or spills. Rinse well and let them dry completely before placing them back inside.

 

 

Clean the Interior: Combine mild dish soap with warm water, or mix equal parts water and white vinegar to create a cleaning solution. Soak a sponge or cloth in the solution and thoroughly wipe down the interior of the refrigerator, including the walls, shelves, and door seals. For tight corners, crevices, and seals, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any buildup.

 

 

Deep Clean Shelves and Drawers: Clean the detached shelves and drawers using warm, soapy water or the vinegar solution. Gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush to eliminate any food residue or spills. Rinse them well with clean water, then either air dry them or use a towel to dry completely.

 

 

Tackle Stubborn Stains and Odors:  For tough stains or sticky areas, apply baking soda to a damp cloth or sponge and gently scrub the affected surface. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer, effectively lifting stains and eliminating odors.

 

 

Clean the Exterior:  Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator using a microfiber cloth and a mild detergent solution or a vinegar-water mix. Pay special attention to the handle and door edges where fingerprints and grime often accumulate. For stainless steel surfaces, use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel to avoid streaks.

 

 

Clean the Gasket and Coils:  The door gasket is a rubber seal with magnets that keeps cold air from escaping. Clean it with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution, using a toothbrush to remove any dirt or mold. Make sure the gasket is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.

Find the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, where dust and debris often gather, reducing the appliance's efficiency. Clean the coils every 6 months using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft brush.

 

 

Maintain Regular Cleaning Schedule: To ensure your refrigerator stays in excellent shape, give it a deep clean every 3-6 months. Promptly wipe up any spills, check food expiration dates weekly, and place an open box of baking soda inside to help neutralize odors.

 

A clean refrigerator not only helps in keeping your food fresh and safe but also enhances the appliance's performance and lifespan.