Clean Kitchen Appliances Tips- Refrigerator Cleaning
Clean your refrigerator regularly to prevent odors, mold, and food spoilage, as air circulates between compartments. Organize items and remember to clean both the interior and exterior. A clean, organized fridge makes it easier to store and find ingredients, helping keep dairy, meats, produce, and other foods fresh.
How often should I clean my refrigerator? Clean your refrigerator every 3 months to keep it fresh and hygienic.
Can I use baking soda? Yes. Baking soda eliminates odors and cleans tough messes inside but avoid using it on stainless steel exteriors.
Can I use vinegar? A water and white vinegar solution safely removes grease and grime.
What are the steps to cleaning a refrigerator? Use mild detergent, hot water, garbage bags, baking soda, vinegar, and, optionally, stainless steel brightener to clean and sanitize your refrigerator.
Tools
- Clean sponge or soft cloth
- Clean towels
- Large container or bucket
- Toothbrush (optional)
TIP: Avoid abrasive cleaners, cleaning waxes, strong detergents, window sprays, scouring powders, flammable fluids, bleaches on plastic parts, interior surfaces, door liners, or gaskets.
- Remove food from the refrigerator. Begin by removing all items from the refrigerator, ensuring that perishable goods are placed in a cooler or an alternative refrigeration unit. Discard any expired products or leftover food promptly by placing them in a garbage bag for proper disposal.
- Unplug the refrigerator. Before cleaning, either unplug the refrigerator or turn the inside switch off. This step is important if you anticipate keeping the refrigerator door open for an extended period, regardless of whether its shelves and drawers are removable.
- Remove shelves and bins from the refrigerator. Extract any removable shelves and storage bins from the appliance’s interior. As designs vary among different refrigerators, refer to your manual to determine which components are detachable.
- Wash refrigerator bins and shelves. After allowing shelves and bins to reach room temperature, clean them with a mild cleanser, warm water, and a sponge, or place them in the dishwasher if appropriate. Handwashing with gentle dish soap is generally recommended for glass components.
Important: Avoid exposure to cold glass shelves or covers to warm water, as sudden temperature changes may cause breakage. If tempered glass breaks, it will shatter into small pieces.
- Hand wash interior surfaces and remove parts. Apply a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner to the refrigerator’s interior to remove mold, mildew, and bacteria. Alternatively, use a mild detergent solution, white vinegar, or a mix of baking soda and hot water with a sponge or cloth. Clean all interior walls, doors, and permanent shelves thoroughly, using a toothbrush for persistent debris if necessary.
- How to Clean the Channels Inside Your Refrigerator. Spillovers inside the refrigerator can reach small crevices. If there is significant spillage, use a soft cloth and mild dish soap to clean the frame. Follow these steps to clean drawer or shelf channels: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Warm water helps remove grime, while a paste of baking soda and water can be applied to persistent stains and left for at least 10 minutes before cleaning again. Thoroughly rinse the channels. Remove all soap residue with a towel before drying. Completely dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth to ensure the channels are dry.
- Wipe down and clean the exterior of the refrigerator. Use a solution of mild dish soap and water to clean the doors, door seals, and handles, then dry with a clean cloth. For stainless steel refrigerators, spray a microfiber cloth with stainless cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain. If stainless cleaner is not available, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge dampened with dish soap and water. Dry the exterior immediately to prevent water spots.
- Plug in the refrigerator. After confirming all interior surfaces and shelving are clean and dry, reconnect the refrigerator or turn on the switch. The appliance may take up to 24 hours to reach optimal temperature; store perishable items appropriately during this period. Before restocking food items, wipe containers and jars with warm, soapy water.
