Keeping your fridge clean is about more than just appearances—it’s about food safety, efficiency, and maintaining a fresh-smelling kitchen. Over time, spills, expired food, and bacteria can build up, turning your refrigerator into a less-than-ideal place to store fresh groceries. But don’t worry! With the right approach, learning how to clean a fridge doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your fridge spotless, odor-free, and bacteria-free, without the hassle.
Step 1: Prep for a Deep Clean
Before diving into scrubbing, preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do to ensure you follow the best steps on how to clean a fridge efficiently.
Empty Your Fridge: Take everything out, including food, shelves, and drawers. This gives you full access to every nook and cranny, ensuring you don't miss hidden spills or stains. Organize your food on a counter or table to easily assess what needs to be kept or discarded.
Check Expiration Dates: Carefully go through each item and dispose of anything that’s spoiled, expired, or no longer needed. This is an excellent opportunity to declutter your fridge and free up space for fresher, healthier groceries. If you're unsure whether an item is still good, check for any signs of spoilage, like mold, bad odor, or texture changes.
Keep Perishables Cold: If you anticipate the cleaning process will take longer than 30 minutes, store perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to maintain freshness. This ensures items like dairy, meats, and fresh produce don’t go bad while you clean.
Unplug If Needed: If you’re planning an intensive clean or working on the freezer, unplugging your fridge is a good idea. Not only does this help save energy, but it also prevents frost build-up from melting and leaking onto the floor.
Step 2: Wash Shelves and Drawers
The removable parts of your fridge are often the dirtiest, especially the drawers where produce sits for weeks.
Use Warm, Soapy Water: Take out all shelves, bins, and drawers and wash them in the sink using dish soap and warm water. This removes stuck-on grime, food particles, and bacteria that accumulate over time.
For Stubborn Stains: If you notice stains from spilled juice, sauces, or other sticky substances, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub with a sponge or brush. This method is gentle but highly effective at lifting tough stains.
Rinse and Dry Completely: After scrubbing, rinse everything thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry each piece completely with a clean towel or let them air dry before putting them back in the fridge. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can encourage mold growth.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Interior
Now it’s time to tackle the inside of your fridge. This step is crucial in learning how to clean a fridge thoroughly and remove hidden bacteria.
Use a Natural Cleaner: A mix of equal parts vinegar and water is a safe, non-toxic option for breaking down grime and neutralizing odors. It also acts as a mild disinfectant, keeping your fridge germ-free. If you prefer a commercial cleaner, ensure it’s food-safe and free of harsh chemicals.
Wipe Every Surface: Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down every surface inside the fridge, including the walls, shelves, and door compartments. Focus on areas where spills collect, like corners and under bins.
Disinfect Handles and Seals: Don’t overlook the fridge door handles and rubber seals. These are high-touch areas where bacteria thrive. Use a disinfectant or vinegar solution to thoroughly wipe down these surfaces.
Don’t Forget the Drip Pan: Some fridges have a drip pan underneath to collect condensation. Over time, this can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Remove the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water, then dry it before reinserting.
Step 4: Tackle Stubborn Odors
Odors can be persistent, but if you follow the right methods on how to clean a fridge, you can eliminate lingering smells and keep your refrigerator fresh.
Baking Soda: Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb lingering odors. Baking soda works as a natural deodorizer and helps maintain freshness. Replace it every 3 months for optimal effectiveness.
Activated Charcoal: A stronger alternative that neutralizes even the toughest smells. Simply place a few charcoal briquettes in a bowl and leave them inside the fridge for a few days.
Coffee Grounds: Fresh coffee grounds spread on a plate inside the fridge absorb odors while leaving behind a mild, pleasant coffee scent. After a couple of days, discard the used grounds.
Vanilla Extract Trick: Dampen a cotton ball or paper towel with vanilla extract and place it inside the fridge for a naturally sweet and fresh aroma.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior and Coils
The inside isn’t the only part that matters! Keeping the exterior clean enhances both the appearance and efficiency of your fridge.
Wipe Down the Doors: Use a microfiber cloth with a mild cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to remove smudges and fingerprints from the fridge doors. Regular cleaning prevents grime from building up over time.
Stainless Steel? If your fridge has a stainless steel finish, use a dedicated stainless-steel cleaner or a little olive oil on a soft cloth to maintain its sleek, polished look and prevent streaks.
Vacuum the Coils: The condenser coils, located at the back or bottom of your fridge, accumulate dust and debris, reducing efficiency. Unplug the fridge and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently clean the coils every few months. This helps your fridge run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Step 6: Keep Your Fridge Fresh and Organized
Once you’ve mastered how to clean a fridge, maintaining freshness is simple with regular upkeep and smart organization.
Use Storage Bins: Invest in clear, labeled storage bins to keep food organized. This prevents cross-contamination and makes it easy to find what you need.
Label and Date Items: Mark food items with the date they were purchased or opened. This simple habit helps reduce food waste and keeps your fridge stocked with fresh ingredients.
Maintain Weekly Check-Ins: Every week, do a quick scan of your fridge to discard expired food and wipe up small spills before they turn into bigger problems.
Need a Helping Hand? Let the Pros Handle It!
Life gets busy, and deep cleaning your fridge might not be at the top of your to-do list. That’s where Squeaky Cleaning comes in. As Toronto’s trusted hospitality cleaning service, we specialize in delivering high-quality, detailed cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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Take the stress out of deep cleaning and let Squeaky Cleaning handle it for you! Book your professional cleaning today and enjoy a sparkling clean home without the hassle.