Cleaning the inside of your fridge is important to ensure it remains hygienic and safe for storing food. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean the inside of your fridge properly:
Materials you’ll need:
- Warm, soapy water
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Microfiber or soft cloth
- Sponge or scrub brush
- Empty container or cooler
- Towels or paper towels
- Toothbrush or small brush (optional)
- Unplug the fridge or switch it off at the circuit breaker for safety.
Step 1: Empty the Fridge Remove all items from your fridge. This includes food, shelves, drawers, and any removable parts. Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold while you clean.
Step 2: Discard Expired or Spoiled Items Check for expired or spoiled food items and dispose of them. This will help reduce odors and make it easier to clean the interior.
Step 3: Remove Shelves and Drawers Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and trays. If they’re particularly dirty, wash them separately in warm, soapy water. Let them air dry.
Step 4: Clean the Interior Use a mixture of warm, soapy water (mild dish soap works well) to clean the interior of the fridge. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wipe down all surfaces, including the walls, door, and gaskets. Pay special attention to spills, stains, and areas with food residue.
Step 5: Deodorize with Baking Soda Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the fridge and any drawers or shelves that you removed. Baking soda helps absorb odors. You can also place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to maintain freshness.
Step 6: Clean the Gaskets Use a toothbrush or a small brush to clean the rubber gaskets around the fridge door. Be gentle to avoid damaging the seal.
Step 7: Rinse and Dry Rinse the interior with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels.
Step 8: Clean the Exterior Don’t forget to clean the exterior of the fridge, including the handles and the top. Use a mixture of warm, soapy water to wipe it down. Dry it afterward to prevent water spots.
Step 9: Reassemble and Restock Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the shelves, drawers, and trays. Place the food items back in an organized manner, checking for freshness dates as you go.
Step 10: Plug It Back In Finally, plug the fridge back in or switch it on at the circuit breaker. Make sure it’s cooling properly.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean your fridge at least every 3-4 months or as needed.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent spills and odors.
- Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors, and replace it every few months.
- Wipe up spills promptly to prevent them from sticking and becoming harder to clean.
Regularly cleaning your fridge not only keeps it looking good but also ensures that your food remains fresh and safe to eat.
