How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator Inside and Out: Ultimate Guide

A refrigerator that shines completely is not only a delight for your kitchen, it is also the first line of defense for your food against contamination and it keeps the food fresh. If your fridge has been absorbing spills, disgusting odors, or mysterious sticky spots, there is no better time than now to give it the deep clean it deserves. How to clean the fridge inside and out like a pro is the question you should be asking. This ultimate guide is your pass to the fridge turning from a forgotten clutter zone to a clean, hygienic haven.

Think about the scenario of opening the fridge to a clean and fresh space that has no bad odor, and where each shelf is shiny, and every drawer is neat for easy access. Deep cleaning your refrigerator is not just a matter of showing off; it can actually result in your appliance being more efficient, less energy being used by it and its lifespan being longer. Furthermore, a good fridge keeps the food fresher, thus, you throw away less and save on groceries. No more struggling to figure out what food has expired because you can’t see it, or dealing with those difficult to remove stains and odors. From emptying every shelf to vacuuming behind the scenes, this do-it-yourself step-by-step guide gives the exact details on how to do the job thoroughly

What’s the Difference Between “Cleaning” and “Deep Cleaning” the Fridge?

Usually, cleaning your refrigerator is limited to removing food and liquids that have spilled inside the fridge, and giving the shelves a quick wiping. However, deep cleaning is much more comprehensive; it entails taking out all the food as well as shelves and drawers, cleaning every nook and cranny, vacuuming behind and under the refrigerator, and sanitizing not only the internal but also the external surfaces of the fridge.

Deep cleaning is the method of making your fridge free from the hidden molds, bacteria, and the odors that may have been there for some time. Basically, it enhances the safety of food and makes your refrigerator more efficient to consume less energy as it prevents the accumulation of dust around the coils and the vents.

Cleaning Materials You’ll Need

Prepare the proper supplies and equipment and begin a thorough cleaning of your fridge:

• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Microfiber towels or sponges.
• Soft bristle brush or toothbrush that has become soft
• Old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
• Cleaner with a brush on a vacuum cleaner.
• Cleaning gloves
• Towels or paper towels
• Surf bag to dispose of the garbage.
• Spray bottle (can be omitted, vinegar solution)

Step-by-step Guide to Cleaning the Refrigerator

How to deep clean your hardest-working appliance.

Step 1 – Prepare for Cleaning

• First of all, get your cleaning supplies along with a trash bag.
• To save energy and avoid any mishaps, turn off the refrigerator or unplug it.
• Take everything out of the fridge, just food, also remove drawers, shelves, bins, and door racks.
• Check all the food you’ve got for expiration or spoilage; get rid of anything that is expired or you are not sure about.
• It is a good idea to keep the fridge door open for a while to ventilate the fridge.

Step 2 – Clean the Interior Thoroughly

• One of the ways a cleaning solution can be made is by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water.
• Take off shelves and bins, wash them separately with warm soapy water. After that they can be put to dry by the air.
• Do the cleaning of the inside walls and surfaces in the refrigerator with the baking soda solution with the help of a soft cloth.
• If there is a stain or the place is sticky, use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub it but do it gently.
• Use a vinegar spray (equal parts water and white vinegar) to help with deodorizing as well as disinfecting.
• While you are at it, make sure the rubber around the door is clean too; use a toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution that is used for mold or dirt removal.
• Do not forget to wipe off all your surfaces and parts with a clean towel so that moisture is not trapped.

It is very important to get rid of deep cleaning inside as it ensures that there are no pests, the mold is not growing, and bacteria are not living on the surfaces on which your food is kept.

Step 3 – Clean the Exterior

• Use a mild soapy water solution to wipe the exterior doors, handles, and sides.
• Rely on either a cleanser made for stainless steel or a vinegar-water solution to attain a clean, streak-free shine for stainless steel fridges.
• Do not forget the fridge’s top where dust can gather.
• Open the door a little to reach the sealing rubbers and edges and clean them with care.

A clean exterior will be a good match with the inside and will maintain your kitchen’s freshness.

Step 4 – Vacuum Behind and Under the Fridge

• Unplug and move the fridge away from the wall all the way out.
• Get your vacuum especially designed for cleaning with brush attachment, to take out dust, pet hair, and other waste from coils, vents, and the space under the fridge.
• This is a perfect step in lowering the use of energy and keeping the fridge working efficiently.
• Before you turn the fridge back in its spot, clean the floor under it.

Vacuuming regularly behind the fridge will be the reason why it will run at optimum temperature and not give you costly repairs.

Step 5 – Restock and Organize the Inside

• Shelving, drawers, and racks are the parts; once they are all dry, you can put them back in place. 
• Grouping the food items as a category will make it easier to locate the products you need: dairy, vegetables, meats, condiments, etc. 
• Clear bins or organizers can make it easier for you to manage your products in the refrigerator and they will take up less space.
• To avoid putting dirt back into your fridge, wipe the containers of the products first before restocking.
• Skimping on the space is a bad idea; good air circulation is the key to food staying fresh for a longer period.

Restocking that is well planned also contributes to quick cleaning in the future.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Fridge

Wipe Spills Immediately

Do not wait until they dry; as soon as a spill happens, clean it using a cloth or paper towel.

Check Fridge Contents Weekly

By looking into the fridge every week, you can get rid of the expired or spoiled products and inject new life into the fridge.

Use Airtight Containers

Leftovers and opened food items that are stored in airtight containers will not only prevent spills but will also maintain their freshness.

Schedule Deep Cleaning Every 3 to 6 Months

Taking a few months’ interval between deep cleaning sessions will be a great way to eliminate even the smallest residue and keep the refrigerator hygienic.

Keep an Open Box of Baking Soda Inside

This technique will have your fridge smelling good all the time as baking soda absorbs all the unpleasant odors automatically and brings in new air.

Regularly Clean Door Seals

Clean and wipe the seals of the door of the refrigerator regularly not only so that the door closes tightly but also to minimize energy consumption.

Conclusion

It is high time to clean the refrigerator deeply inside and outside, and it is undoubtedly worthwhile to take time to do so, as it can be very useful in terms of keeping your kitchen clean and safe. Not only will a clean fridge appear appetizing, but it will also be more economical to run it in the future and save you money and headaches. In case one desires to have the help of an expert, professional deep cleaning services can be considered where appliances are cleaned deeply without much effort on your part. The process of deep cleaning your fridge is something you should not ignore and in the process, have fresher and healthier meals!

For those who want expert help, consider professional Deep Cleaning Services that offer thorough appliance sanitation with minimal effort on your part.

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