From time to time it is necessary to clean the refrigerator from top to bottom. The shelves must be washed to eliminate small liquid leaks from the containers and throw away the expired food. While not the most exciting of activities, knowing how to clean a refrigerator efficiently and effectively will save you time and effort.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Cleaning the Refrigerator
Step 1. Empty the refrigerator completely
Move all the food onto the table or kitchen counter so that it is totally empty. You will need some free space to evaluate everything and make a selection.
- The best time to do this might be when you have little leftovers, for example before shopping. You will have fewer products to move.
- While most supplies won't break down if they stay briefly at room temperature, make sure no more than an hour goes by. Food can reach the so-called "temperature danger zone" in a short period of time.
- If you have air conditioning, you can turn it on to make this operation safer and prevent food from spoiling, especially during the heat of the summer months.
- The problem does not exist when you clean the refrigerator during the winter: you can leave the food at room temperature while you arrange it as you like.
Step 2. Throw out expired, moldy, inedible or suspicious food
If you can, put it in special bags to prevent fluid leakage or the spread of mold. By doing an annual or quarterly cleaning, you will notice if there are foods that you have completely forgotten.
- Check the expiration dates. They will tell you if you need to get rid of something.
- Throw away anything you don't plan on using. If no one in the house likes olives, take out the jar that's been in the refrigerator since you last made a martini.
- Finally, take out the trash to make sure the house doesn't smell like spoiled food.
Step 3. Remove the shelves, drawers and removable parts
To clean quickly, you may want to remove the shelves and the rest of the accessories by placing them near the sink for easy cleaning.
- For quick cleaning, you don't necessarily have to remove all the shelves. On the contrary, take everything apart if you want to give it a good wash.
- Usually, shelves pull out like oven racks or desk drawers.
Step 4. Hand wash the shelves, drawers and other removable parts
Dish soap will do just fine. Surely many accessories you have removed will not enter (or should not be washed) in the dishwasher. Therefore, soap them well, arm yourself with a sponge or brush and start cleaning them.
- Never wash a cold glass shelf using hot water. The sudden change in temperature could cause it to crack. Instead, use cold water or leave it out for a while and wait for it to come to room temperature before washing it.
- For stubborn dirt and stains, don't be afraid to resort to heavier weapons, like hot water and ammonia. Pour a small amount of ammonia into the hot water (a ratio of 1 to 5 should be more than enough) and allow the parts of the fridge to soak before scrubbing.
- Put the shelves and drawers to dry on the dish drainer before putting them back in the refrigerator.
Step 5. Clean the inside of the refrigerator with the cleaner of your choice
Remove the largest and most stubborn stains and wash the rest of the surfaces with a sponge or a clean cloth.
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It is best to avoid using harsh soap or detergents inside the fridge because the food will absorb the smell. Rather, use one of the following natural solutions:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 liter of hot water;
- 1 part of apple cider vinegar mixed with 3 parts of hot water.
- For stubborn stains and encrustations, try using some white toothpaste. It has a cleansing and abrasive action and also a good smell.
Step 6. Remember to clean the inside of the door
If it comes with shelves or containers that you use regularly, be sure to clean these parts as well using a normal detergent or a milder solution (see above).
Step 7. Dry the shelves and containers well before putting them back
With a clean rag, remove any residual moisture from the shelves and put everything back in its place inside the fridge.
Step 8. Clean the gasket using an equal parts water and vinegar (or bleach) solution
Do not soak it with undiluted bleach as it may deteriorate. Pat it dry and apply lemon oil, mineral oil, or body lotion to keep it soft and supple.
Step 9. Return the food to the refrigerator
Wipe the jars, bottles and plastic containers with a tea towel and place them back in the fridge. Check the expiration date of each perishable product before storing it in a cool place.
Part 2 of 5: Cleaning the Exterior
Step 1. Clean all exterior surfaces of the refrigerator, including the door, back, sides and top
- Pull the appliance forward to gain access to each side. To prevent it from scratching the parquet or tearing the linoleum, lay a special sheet on the ground to make it slide and move it away from the wall.
- Clean the exterior surfaces with a cloth and an all-purpose spray.
- If your refrigerator has coils mounted on the back, clean them following the directions in the next part of this article.
Part 3 of 5: Cleaning the Coils and the Fan
The task of the coils and the fan is to release heat into the external environment. If the coils are covered with dust, hair and debris, the heat will not dissipate properly, complicating the compressor's job. Remember to clean them every six months to keep the refrigerator in good condition.
Step 1. Locate the coils
To know their location, consult the user manual of your appliance. Depending on the model, they can be placed in various parts:
- On the back of the unit;
- Mounted under the fridge, with access via the rear panel;
- On the front, with access from the lower grille.
Step 2. Unplug the refrigerator
It is essential if you want to avoid getting shocked. If the fridge is built-in or does not pull forward easily, turn off the main power switch.
Step 3. Use a cylindrical brush to remove dust and debris from the coils
Be very careful not to pierce them.
After cleaning them, use the vacuum cleaner by mounting the connection with the brush to remove the residual dirt around the coils. Do not apply any detergent
Step 4. Use the cylindrical brush and a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from the fan
The fan's job is to help the coils disperse excess heat. If the blades are clogged, the coils will have a hard time releasing it.
Step 5. Clean the floor and surrounding area with a vacuum cleaner and a rag
Step 6. Plug the refrigerator back into the socket and put it back in its place
Part 4 of 5: Replace the Water Filter
It is important to replace the water filter every 6 months. Scale can clog the ice-making system, produce bad odors and contaminate the water.
Step 1. Consult the user manual to find out how to replace the water filter
Part 5 of 5: Keeping the Fridge Clean and Tidy
Step 1. Get in the habit of carrying out a seasonal (or quarterly) check of all the food in the refrigerator to keep it tidy and prevent unpleasant odors from forming
Empty it every three months, remove all or most supplies, and wash each surface using a baking soda or apple cider vinegar solution. Regular inspection will save you time and effort.
It should be understood, but if you notice a stain or fluid leak, remove it right away and get rid of the cause of the problem. If they are not cleaned quickly, leaks and stains can clump and become encrusted, so you will have a harder time removing them later
Step 2. Use a natural deodorant to absorb and neutralize bad odors
You have to act before the food goes bad and starts blowing whiffs all over the fridge. Here is what you can use to combat bad odor:
- A clean sock filled with activated charcoal (what you use in aquariums, not compressed charcoal briquettes for barbecues). Absorbs bad odors for a long time, up to 3 months.
- An open box of baking soda. Absorbs odors very well. Most baking soda companies recommend replacing the box every 30 days, but you can change it even after 2-3 months.
- Even a saucer filled with freshly ground coffee, placed at the bottom of the shelf, effectively absorbs odors.
- Unscented chlorophyll cat litter is another remedy for eliminating odors. A 1cm-high layer of clean litter tray at the bottom of the shelf should be sufficient to neutralize most odors.
Step 3. Add a delicate fragrance
Sure, not everyone likes it, but some people may like the subtle scent of vanilla when opening the fridge. The key word is "delicate". You don't want to use a scent that attacks you every time you want to take something. As with body perfume, it is much more pleasant to feel a mild aroma than a strong smell, especially if it mixes with that of food.
Take a cotton ball and pour a few drops of vanilla extract, tea tree oil, lavender essence, lemon or even bergamot, then place it on a saucer at the bottom of the fridge. Replace it a couple of times a month
Step 4. Roll up a brown paper bag (such as those used for bread) and place it in the drawer along with the fruit and vegetables
It can work wonders and is capable of absorbing unpleasant odors in the closed vegetable compartment.
Advice
- Try to clean the refrigerator about once a month.
- Place a small jar (without a lid) filled with baking soda to absorb excess moisture. It must be a glass jar or jar, not a cardboard box.
- Organize everything according to a precise scheme to easily find what you need. Put the milk, juice, and other drinks on one shelf, and the gravies, sauces, and other condiments on another.
- Check for spoiled foods every week to prevent bad odors from forming.
- Once the fridge is back to shine, an easy way to keep it clean is to empty and clean only a couple of shelves or drawers at a time. It may never be spotless, but it will stay clean enough and you won't have to spend a whole day washing it. Just be sure to alternate between cleaning the shelves.
- Make sure all shelves and accessories are securely fastened so they don't fall to the floor and break.
- Line the shelves with special sheets of paper to prevent them from getting dirty. If this happens, just remove the cover, throw it away and apply a new one.
- Store the sauces in a plastic basket. They are easier to take out in one go (for example when you have to barbecue) and, if they tip over or break, it will be sufficient to wash the basket, not all the dirty parts.
Warnings
- Check that water or cleaning solution does not fall into the fans.
- Put the throwaway food in a separate bag and close it before throwing it in the kitchen bin to avoid attracting rodents and other animals in case the bag is not knotted well or breaks when outdoors.
