Let’s face it, most of us will probably rank doing this chore among our least favourite things, somewhere between oven cleaning and manually tackling the HVAC filters.Still, having a clean fridge is way more important than you think. It works better, keeps the food fresh for longer, and doesn’t require as much electricity to operate properly. When you think about it, all these things, when they add up, save you money.
Plus, no one likes to have friends and family over and get embarrassed when they take a peek inside. So, quick and easy tips on how to clean your fridge so it always looks and works great.
Cleaning Supplies Checklist
Before you start, you need to gather all your gear, as this will make the cleanup easier and quicker. Be sure to grab a sponge, some microfiber cloths, and a bucket of warm, soapy water.
A soft brush can really help with those hard-to-reach spots, too. If you’re into natural cleaners, white vinegar and baking soda can do wonders, too. Otherwise, go for store-bought cleaners, but still, try to opt for non-toxic or biodegradable ones.
Lastly, don’t forget a trash bag for any old or spoiled food. A cooler can also help keep your good food fresh while you clean.
How to Empty the Fridge Efficiently
Doing this properly can save you both time and effort. Start by taking everything out and putting it on the table so you can see it all. This makes it easier to sort through all of it.
Check out the expiry dates and how fresh everything is. Sort items into three piles: keep, toss, and donate. This keeps things neat and stops clutter from sneaking back in.
When you’re doing this, keep an eye on items that spoil quickly. Place perishables, such as dairy and meat, in a cooler to prevent spoilage while you clean.
If you have good food that you won’t use, consider donating it to a local food bank. Having a compost bin is another great alternative, especially if you have a yard and an outdoor garden.
Sort through everything to ensure you know what stays and what goes. Once the fridge is empty, it’s ready for a good clean. With everything sorted, you’ll be all set to store fresh food, keeping your fridge tidy and easy to manage.
Clean The Removable Parts
Let’s start with the shelves and drawers, as they’re crucial for keeping your fridge looking good and functioning properly.
Take them out carefully and pop them into a sink or big tub. Fill it up with warm water and add some dish soap. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes so all the grime can loosen up.
While they’re soaking, grab a sponge or cloth and gently scrub off any leftover gunk. Make sure to rinse them well to get rid of all the soap.
Drying them properly is key to stopping any moisture issues. Use a clean towel to thoroughly dry everything, as any remaining water could cause mould.
You may want to let them air dry for a bit before returning them to the fridge. A really clean fridge not only looks and smells nice, but it also helps keep your food fresh and safe.
Cleaning The Interior
Start by mixing 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of warm water. This easy solution works great for cleaning up stains and eliminating odours without using harsh chemicals.
Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down everything, especially the corners, top shelf, and sides, where messes are most likely to occur.
Don’t skip the door seals and fridge drain, as they can become quite grimy over time. After using the baking soda mixture, wipe off any remaining residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Doing this regularly will keep your fridge smelling fresh and prevent bacteria from accumulating, ensuring your food stays delicious and your kitchen remains healthier.
Alternatively, delegate this ordeal to local cleaners, who can also tackle your oven and give your cooking space an overall refresh. That can be especially helpful after holidays and big gatherings, when usually all these appliances work harder and tend to get a little dirtier.
Practical Tips for Regular Maintenance
If you clean the fridge periodically, you will prevent grime and old food bits from accumulating. This will make your job much easier, as you won’t have to lose an entire weekend to scrubbing.
During your weekly tidy, give the shelves a quick wipe, reorganise the items so you can see everything, and ensure that the food isn’t expired and still good to eat.
To keep things in order, try the “one in, one out” rule. When you buy something new, take something old out. This keeps the fridge from getting too crowded and makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
If you stick to this routine, your fridge stays neat and your food stays fresh and ready to use.
Store Food Properly To Prevent Odours and Spills
Imagine opening the fridge and being greeted by a pleasant aroma instead of a mysterious, unwanted smell. That’s where airtight containers come in handy.
These handy kitchen heroes help keep your food fresh and lock in those delightful aromas while blocking the unwanted ones. Whether you prefer glass or plastic, you can find them in various sizes to suit your needs.
Try to opt for clear, stackable containers so you can easily spot what’s inside without having to open each one. It’s a real time-saver and it also makes everything look neat and tidy.
Labelling your containers with what’s inside and when you stored it can be a game-changer as well. A simple sticky label or even a marker will usually suffice.
This little step ensures you know exactly what needs to be eaten first, so nothing goes to waste. Give these tips a whirl and see how they transform your fridge into a fresher, more organised space.
Conclusion
Congrats on finally having your fridge cleaned. We hope you used these tips and gave it the thorough treatment it deserves.
Remember, once proper cleaning becomes a habit, you’ll find cooking more fun and less of a chore, and give your cooling appliance just what it needs to work better and serve you longer.
Enjoy all the perks that come with that, and do try to make regular cleaning a habit.
