Do you often put off cleaning your refrigerator because the task seems overwhelming? Or are you unsure how to clean a refrigerator? With the right approach, cleaning your fridge can be a breeze. We’ve found a great video on YouTube to illustrate this. It’s from Melissa Maker’s YouTube channel “Clean My Space,” which she started after she founded her own cleaning company in 2006, so she knows what she’s talking about! Say goodbye to a messy and dirty fridge and hello to a clean and organized one.
How to Clean a Refrigerator: Kitchen Cleaning Ideas
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to clean your refrigerator quickly and efficiently, resulting in a fresh and spotless fridge in no time!
#1 Remove Everything from Your Refrigerator
Grab your garbage can and throw away any items that don’t pass the smell test or have passed their expiration date. If it’s been stored in your fridge for six months or more, toss it. Place everything else you plan to keep on the kitchen counter or in a cooler.
#2 Remove Shelves and Drawers
Place all removable parts on the stove or kitchen counter for easier cleaning. If you can’t remove the shelves, be sure to clean the top and bottom by hand.
#3 Spray Down the Fridge
After removing the drawers and shelves (if possible), spray a liberal amount of all-purpose cleaner all over the inside of the fridge.
For stained areas, sprinkle some baking soda on top of them. While you’ve got the baking soda out, go ahead and prepare a new box to place back inside the fridge once you replace your food items. Baking soda is a great way to keep your fridge fresh and odor free. You should change the baking soda every three to six months.
#4 Clean Refrigerator Drawers & Shelves
Leave the fridge to soak and clean the drawers and shelves. Start by preparing your sink with warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge to scrub each piece, then rinse with clean water. If the drawers or shelves are too big for your sink, place them on top of a towel on your stove or countertop, rinse the soapy residue away with a wet cloth, and then buff dry.
#5 Wipe Interior Clean
Once you’ve finished cleaning the drawers and shelves, return to your fridge with the soft sponge or microfiber cloth and start wiping down the inside. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom. If there are a lot of food crumbs or other debris, move the garbage can nearby so you can wipe them into the can. Wipe with a clean cloth to remove the residue.
Bonus Tip:
To keep your fridge smelling fresh, apply a little bit of vanilla extract to a paper towel and wipe down the insides after wiping out the other cleaners.
#6 Put the Fridge Back Together
Start putting the drawers and shelves back into the fridge. Now is a great time to rethink the configuration of your shelves to ensure everything will fit nicely. Before you put any jars or containers back, wipe them down with a moist towel to remove any sticky residue.
Bonus Tip:
Line your crisper drawers with paper towels for easy cleanup each time you buy new produce.
*Don’t forget to clean the condenser coils!
If you have questions about how to clean a refrigerator or notice your refrigerator isn’t keeping your food fresh as long as it should, give the refrigerator repair experts at Action Appliance Service a call today!
For all of Melissa’s refrigerator cleaning tips and tricks, watch the full video below!
