Don’t let the contents of your refrigerator overwhelm you. The best time to clean the refrigerator is before you go food shopping, so you will have less to remove. Here is how to get started:
- Turn off the appliance or unplug it if possible.
- Empty the contents carefully. Dispose of limp vegetables, old sauce, marinades, and outdated or expired food. Put food you would like to keep in a cooler while you clean.
- Carefully remove the drawers and glass shelves and place them in the sink. Once they are room temperature, you can either soak them in a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of water or use plain, old hot soapy water. Sponge down the drawers and shelves. Use a toothbrush if you have to dislodge debris from the inside corners. Leave them out to dry.
- Douse the interior with a multi-surface spray or baking soda. Wipe down the walls with a dry cloth and then tackle the shelves. Don’t forget the rubber door seal and the shelves’ seams. For stainless steel, dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled white vinegar and rub in the direction of the grain. Use an all-purpose cleaning solution or baking soda for enamel.
- Turn the refrigerator back on and return the dry drawers and shelves. Place your food in the fridge, but be sure to clean off jars and bottles.
- Wipe down the outside doors. Pay attention to the handles, which tend to get sticky and grimy.
- To deodorize the refrigerator, keep an open box of baking soda inside of it.
It’s as simple as that! schedule refrigerator cleaning chores at least every 3 months. In between, routinely wipe up spills, toss spoiled food, and use airtight containers for storage. You’ll cut down on mess and upkeep will be a breeze.