Refrigerator Cleaning

There is a misconception among many people that refrigerator does not require regular cleaning as it does not attract much dirt and germs. Though the fact remains that it attracts as much grime as any other home appliances. Moreover, even though the interior temperature of the refrigerator is quite low, mold and harmful bacteria can still grow there. They mostly grow in the unclean crevices and corners of the fridge and in those areas where liquid spills occur. These bacteria can contaminate the foods that are stored in the refrigerator. Therefore, refrigerator cleaning is a must after a gap of every few months.

How to Clean a Refrigerator

Some people tend to put off cleaning their refrigerator as they consider it as one big hassle. However, if you carry out the task in a systematic manner, then it is not going to be a tough job. Here are the step by step instructions that can help you clean a refrigerator:

Step #1: First of all, you have to empty the fridge for the cleaning job. Turn off the temperature control knob and the light bulb inside the refrigerator and unplug it. Shift all the foods items in another refrigerator. Remove all the detachable parts like shelves and drawers. If there is a drip pan in your refrigerator, you have to take that out too.

Step #2: Now, clean up the inside of the refrigerator with the help of a soapy solution made of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Dip a clean terry cloth into this soapy water and wipe off all dirt and debris from its surface. Start working from the freezer at the top and move downward. Pay special attention to the problem areas like spilled spots, seams, hidden corners, etc. After cleaning up the body of the refrigerator, wipe off the interior side of the doors. For cleaning your office's refrigerator, you have to use an antibacterial cleaner as they are in a worse condition than your home refrigerator.

Step #3: If your fridge stinks, then cleaning with soap solution is not just enough. It should be followed by cleaning with a baking soda solution. To prepare the solution, add two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Soak a clean sponge into this solution and rub it all over the interior surfaces of the refrigerator. Then wipe off the excess water from the fridge by rubbing dry and clean paper towels. Alternately, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water.

Step #4: Now, it is time to clean up the detachable parts of the refrigerator. Fill up the kitchen sink with warm water and add dishwashing soap into it. Soak the drip pan, shelves and drawers into this solution for few minutes to soften up crusty food residues on them. Then scrub off with a washcloth or sponge and rinse off thoroughly. Make them dry with paper towels. Sometimes, you may have to use bleach to clean up the drip pan if there is any mildew growth.

Step #5: The next step is cleaning up the outer part of the refrigerator cabinet. Soak a soft rag in hot soapy solution and rub it vigorously on all the exterior surfaces of the refrigerator. Here, you have to give special attention to the gasket around the door as its crevices accumulates plenty of dirt and grime. You can allow it to air dry. Soapy solution is not suitable for cleaning stainless steel refrigerator, as it will leave behind white streaks. So, you have to use either vinegar or window cleaner and a soft non-abrasive rag for this purpose. Occasionally, you have to go for condenser cleaning. To clean up dust from the condenser coils located under the front bottom grille, use a vacuum cleaner.

Step #6: Finally, you have to reassemble the refrigerator. Put the drawers, racks and shelves in their respective places inside the fridge. Turn on the temperature control knob and lights inside the fridge. Then place the food items back into the fridge. Make sure you wipe off the cans, jars and other such containers with a clean piece of cloth before placing them back into the fridge.

To make your next refrigerator cleaning session less troublesome, you should follow some guidelines regularly. Clean up any liquid spills immediately when it is still wet so that they do not drip to other areas and cause problem of mold and mildew growth. Keep your food inside the refrigerator in covered containers to prevent spills. To control bad odor inside the fridge, keep some baking soda in an open container.