Your refrigerator, the unsung hero of your kitchen, works tirelessly day in and day out. With its door swinging open and shut, and shelves constantly loaded with your family's culinary delights, it's a true workhorse. Since your fridge plays such a pivotal role in your daily life, maintaining its good condition is paramount. The secret to a well-functioning refrigerator? Regular maintenance, including scheduled cleanings to ensure it runs efficiently and your food stays fresh for as long as possible.
The Crucial Art of Keeping Your Refrigerator Fresh and Efficient
Your refrigerator deserves some love, and here's how you can give it just that. Regular cleaning is essential for hygiene, health, and efficiency reasons. Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations at Two Maids, advises, "An overcrowded fridge can lead to decreased energy efficiency, bad air flow, and forgotten foods going bad and creating stenches." To keep your fridge smelling fresh and performing optimally, aim to clean it out weekly, and always be on the lookout for forgotten leftovers, expiring products, and rotting produce.
In addition to your weekly maintenance, it's a good idea to perform a deep clean of your refrigerator every three months.
Materials You'll Need
Before you roll up your sleeves, gather the following materials:
- Microfiber cloth(s)
- Sponge(s)
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Bowl
- Spray bottle
- Old toothbrush
- Natural dish soap
- Cotton swabs
The Weekly Refrigerator Cleaning Routine
Giving your refrigerator a weekly clean will help prevent stains and odors from building up and make those deeper cleans much more manageable.
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Clear Out the Fridge: Remove all items from your refrigerator.
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Dust and Crumb Patrol: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away crumbs and any debris from the interior.
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Tackle Stains: Create a paste with equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply it to any stains and let it sit for up to five minutes. Then, use a damp sponge to wipe away the stain.
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Soapy Solution: Mix hot water with a few drops of natural dish soap in a bowl. Dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe down all shelves and the interior of your refrigerator.
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Rinse and Dry: Remove any soap residue with a damp microfiber cloth, then wipe the interior dry with another microfiber cloth.
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Exterior Shine: Don't forget the exterior. Use a surface-safe cleanser to wipe down the outside of the fridge, paying special attention to disinfecting the handle.
The Quarterly Deep Clean
Deep cleaning your refrigerator is a bit more involved but only needs to be done once every three months.
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Empty the Fridge: Start by removing everything from your refrigerator. While you're at it, check for mold and expired foods. Discard anything suspicious.
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Clean Shelves and Drawers: In a bucket, mix warm water with natural dish soap. Scrub all sides of the drawers and shelves until they're clean. Rinse them under running water to remove any soap residue and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
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Interior Overhaul: Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray all interior surfaces and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a soft cloth. Don't forget to tackle the built-in side drawers and any grooves.
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Gasket TLC: The gasket deserves some attention. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and use a cotton swab to clean the gasket's seam. Once it's clean, dry it with a microfiber cloth.
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Coil Care: Check your appliance's manual for instructions on cleaning and locating the coils. This step is typically done once a year to ensure your fridge doesn't overwork and cause higher energy bills or a shorter lifespan.
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Under the Fridge: Unplug your fridge, move it away from the wall, and vacuum or sweep the floor beneath it. Mop the floor with an all-purpose cleaner, then return your fridge to its place and plug it back in.
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Reload Thoughtfully: Now that your refrigerator is sparkling clean, return the items you removed. Take this opportunity to reorganize and make sure you use your condiments and sauces before they go bad.
Banishing Lingering Odors
If any unpleasant smells persist after your cleaning efforts, there are two reliable ways to eliminate them. Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds, recommends using either baking soda or charcoal. Place a box or bowl of baking soda or one to two pieces of charcoal in the back of the fridge to absorb unwanted odors.
Maintaining a Pristine Refrigerator
To keep your refrigerator clean between deep cleans, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Wipe up spills as they happen.
- Dispose of expired food items when restocking the fridge.
- Rotate your food items to ensure nothing gets forgotten in the depths of your fridge.
- Take a moment to clean any areas that need attention whenever you restock your refrigerator.
With these maintenance routines and a little TLC, your refrigerator will continue to be a reliable kitchen companion, keeping your food fresh and your energy bills in check.
