Today, November 15, is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. It might not be convenient for you to take time to clean out the inside of your fridge today. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, consider undertaking this task soon.
Here are our expert tips to get the inside of your refridgerator spick and span.
- Empty the fridge - you may prefer to do this in sections, but having all your perishable items out on your counter can keep you on task. As you’re working through the food, make two piles and have the trash can handy - one pile for food to be restocked and the other for items that need emptied (e.g. outdated, in containers, etc.). The trash can is there for anything you’re not willing to deal with or to be discarded.
- Clean the interior of the refrigerator - take out the removable components - shelves, drawers, and compartment cover. Place them in a sink full of warm sudsy water, and leave them to soak.
- Tackle the permanent fixtures - pay attention to the walls, ceiling, floor, seals and gaskets, and recesses. What solution should you use?
- Grease or Oil - Warm water and dish soap on a cloth or sponge.
- Disinfectant - Mix 3 hot water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the trouble spots, and wipe down.
- Sticky or Stuck On Grime - Wet a cloth or sponge with very hot water -be careful to not burn your hands. Wring out the excess water and hold on the spot, or leave on the spot and return a few minutes later. Wipe away as able.
- Stains - Make a paste using a small amount of baking soda and water. Apply to the stain. Wait an hour, and wipe up with a damp rag or sponge. Or, a Magic Eraser can work wonders.
- Wash the removed items - after you scrub the fixtures, leave out to air dry.
- Wipe down food containers - examine all jars, jugs, and cartons for drips on the side and grime on the underside. Using a damp rag, wipe the containers down.
- Re-assemble your fridge, and return contents - hand dry the removed fixtures and place them back in the fridge. Then, begin adding the removed foods back and organizing as you go!
- Don’t forget the outside - a microfiber cloth is perfect for the front and sides of your fridge. Use the disinfectant solution for the handles. Dust the grill of the fridge with your microfiber cloth or duster. Don’t forget to dust and wipe down the top of your fridge.
- Bonus Points - 4 areas of your fridge that are probably filthy, and how to address them.
- Condenser Coils
- Ice Maker
- Water Filter
- Freezer Vents
Make your refrigerator shine and smell fresh with these expert tips to clean your refrigerator. Looking to make your home feel as fresh as your fridge? Accent Maid Service can help with one-time, regular, move-in, and special occasion cleaning.