Over time, your refrigerator accumulates a lot of food residue, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful to your health. Not to mention, it’s also the culprit behind those unpleasant odors.
But when it comes to cleaning your fridge, you might worry about perishable food going bad. So, how can you clean your refrigerator thoroughly and safely? Check out these seven quick and easy steps to get your fridge sparkling clean:
1 Gather Your Supplies
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, (You can use , but it may leave a strong chemical smell)
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Warm water
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and dry cloth
2 The Right Way to Clean Your Fridge
Step 1 Unplug the Fridge
Make sure to completely unplug your refrigerator before cleaning. The process will take around 10-15 minutes, and leaving it unplugged will prevent energy wastage and ensure your safety during cleaning.
Unplug the fridge
Step 2 Remove All Food
Take all the food out of the fridge, and while you’re at it, discard any expired items.
Remove all food from the fridge
Step 3 Dismantle the Shelves and Drawers
Remove all the shelves and drawers from the fridge for separate cleaning. This will make it easier to clean the interior thoroughly.
Mix warm water with vinegar in a 3:1 ratio and use this solution to wipe down the shelves and drawers. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant and deodorizer, and its mild scent dissipates quickly after cleaning.
Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals, as they are often overlooked during fridge cleaning.
Dismantle the shelves and drawers
Step 4 Clean the Interior
Start by wiping down the inside of the fridge with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. Then, use a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to thoroughly clean the interior. Alternatively, you can use mixed with warm water and gently wipe down the surfaces. This is another effective method for cleaning your fridge.
Clean the interior of the fridge
Step 5 Clean the Exterior
For stainless steel or powder-coated refrigerators, use a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to wipe down the exterior, including the top.
If your fridge has a glass exterior, you can use and newspaper to clean it, or check out these additional tips.
Clean the exterior of the fridge
Step 6 Clean the Drip Tray at the Back
The water in the drip tray at the back of the fridge usually evaporates due to the heat from the motor, and modern fridges tend to produce very little water.
However, if you notice a foul odor or excess water and dirt in the tray, you can remove and clean it before reassembling.
Clean the drip tray
Step 7 Reassemble and Plug In
Finally, reattach the shelves and drawers, restock your food, and plug the fridge back in.
Reassemble and plug in the fridge
Cleaning your fridge doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these steps, you can efficiently and effectively get rid of dirt and odors. Remember to clean your fridge regularly, about once every 2-3 months, and avoid using hot water, as it can damage the shelves and drawers.
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