How To: Fridge Cleaning
Fridges can get pretty messy! Food spills, things sit in there for WAY longer than they should, and dust accumulates (how?!). Deep cleaning your refrigerator can help reduce food contamination and improve the overall condition of your appliance so that it will last longer. Read our step by step guide to make the process quick and simple!
- Empty the fridge: Start by removing all the food and drinks from your fridge. This includes everything in the fridge, freezer, and door shelves. Discard anything that is expired, spoiled, or not safe to consume.
- Unplug the fridge: If you have a refrigerator with a power cord, unplug it from the outlet. If it’s built-in, turn off the power supply.
- Remove shelves and drawers: Remove all the shelves, drawers, and any removable parts of your fridge. Wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. Rinse them well and let them dry completely before placing them back in the fridge.
- Wipe down the interior: Using a solution of warm water and mild soap or a mix of equal parts of water and vinegar, wipe down the interior of the fridge. Pay attention to corners, seams, and grooves, where bacteria and dirt can accumulate. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Clean the door seal: The door gasket or seal is often overlooked but it’s essential to keep it clean to prevent mould and mildew. Use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of warm water and mild soap to clean the gasket. Dry it thoroughly.
- Vacuum the condenser coils: The condenser coils at the back or bottom of your fridge collect dust and dirt, which can affect its performance. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the coils. If they are really dirty, you may need to use a coil brush or a condenser coil cleaning tool.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the exterior of your fridge with a soft cloth and a solution of warm water and mild soap. Pay attention to handles, buttons, and the front grille. Dry it thoroughly.
- Plug the fridge back in: After you’ve cleaned everything, plug your fridge back in or turn on the power supply if it’s built-in.
- Put the food back: Finally, put all the food and drinks back in the fridge. Try to organize them in a way that makes sense for you and your family. Group like items together and keep the most frequently used items at eye level.
