Effective Ways to Clean Your Refrigerator

Regular cleaning of your refrigerator is essential, not only for your health's sake but also to extend the lifespan of this much-needed home appliance. The refrigerator is one of the primary areas of our homes that we often neglect when it comes to cleaning, due to it often being packed with food and forgetfulness on our part. A dirty refrigerator can lead to unpleasant odors, potential health hazards, and deteriorating food quality. Here, we look at effective ways to clean your refrigerator, both inside and out. First, switch off the refrigerator to ensure safety while cleaning. This can also help conserve energy as the doors will need to be left open during the cleaning process. Removing power for the refrigerator also ensures the compartments won't freeze up while you're knee-deep in cleaning. Next, take out everything in the refrigerator. This includes all the food, shelves, drawers, and any removable pieces. As you remove items, check the expiration dates and get rid of anything which is beyond its 'best by' date. This is an excellent opportunity to sort out your fridge and get rid of any items you're not likely to use. After emptying the refrigerator, it's time to start cleaning! You don't need harsh chemicals to clean your fridge effectively. A natural solution such as baking soda mixed with warm water works wonders. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can easily scrub away grime and stains without scratching your refrigerator's surfaces. It's also great for absorbing unwanted smells. Dip a sponge or cloth in your homemade solution and scrub down every surface inside your fridge. Start from the top and work your way down. That way, any crumbs or spills fall onto areas you haven't cleaned yet. Romove all traces of food, crumbs, spills, stains, or mildew. This brings us to the next tip: remember to clean the hidden areas. Don't forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door, as this area often harbors lots of crumbs and grime. The cooling vents behind the fridge should also be cleaned regularly, and remember not to forget the top and sides of the fridge too. Once you've finished cleaning, dry the fridge with a clean, dry towel or let it air dry before replacing food and shelves. It's crucial to ensure everything is dry to avoid mildew and mold growth. Now it’s time to put everything back in the fridge ensuring that everything is organized. While organizing, consider putting things where they're supposed to be for optimal freshness and less cross-contamination. Ready-to-eat foods should go on the top and bottom shelves, raw meats on the bottom shelf or in a drawer to prevent drips, vegetables in the high humidity drawer, and fruits in the low humidity drawer. Alternatively, you can create your system that makes sense to you, but always ensure raw and ready-to-eat foods are separated. Using protective liners on your shelves and bins or investing in plastic compartments can make future clean-ups easier. These protective liners will catch spills and leaks, and you can simply remove and wash them without having to scrub down the entire fridge. Also, regularly checking and getting rid of expired or rotting food items can prevent foul odors and bacterial growth. Use a deodorizer to keep the fridge smelling fresh. We recommend using baking soda as it's inexpensive, non-toxic, and helps absorb smells. Simply open a box of baking soda and leave it in your fridge. Lastly, establish a cleaning routine. An ideal scenario is to thoroughly clean your refrigerator every 3-4 months. However, wiping up spills as soon as they happen and doing a ‘mini-clean’ every two weeks can make the entire process less overwhelming and time-consuming. In conclusion, cleaning your refrigerator regularly not only ensures it's hygienic but also helps prevent potential health hazards and extends the lifespan of your appliance. It might seem like tedious work but with these easy and effective cleaning methods, it doesn't have to be a daunting task. So go on, take some time out now and show your fridge a little love and care. Happy Cleaning!