The warmer weather will be in full swing before we know it. To handle the jam-packed weekends simply better, set the tone with a fresh slate – a clean home. A clean and organized space could make the home a more productive and welcoming environment. We know the importance of giving the house a deep clean before guests come over and ensuring that the whole home is ready for the spotlight. Some items on the cleaning checklist include tidying up the living room, bathrooms, and guest rooms – but what about the kitchen?
The kitchen is not only the place where the culinary creations will happen, but it can also be the center for core family memories so it is important that it is in tip-top shape for the holiday season. Let’s make room for new beginnings in the kitchen by showing our appliances some extra-loving with a thorough cleaning. One of the best ways to do this is by cleaning out the refrigerator and making room for ingredients and meals to come. Let’s bid farewell to those forgotten leftovers and expired condiments. Out with the old and in with the fresh as we make room for some mindful habits.
By the end of the journey, we hope you are able to take a moment to appreciate the clean and organized space you’ve created. By regularly cleaning and organizing, you not only contribute to a more mindful living environment but also promote a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite cleaning playlist, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of refrigerator rejuvenation!
Remove Everything From the Fridge
Before jumping into the action, be sure to unplug the power supply before cleaning the interior. Once the refrigerator has been unplugged, the fun can begin.
Remove everything from the refrigerator. This is the perfect time to purge forgotten, expired items and hold onto items that are still good. Place items that you wish to keep in a safe spot.
Wipe Down the Inside
Once everything is removed, it is time to get to cleaning! Use a soft cloth or a sponge to clean the inside of the fridge, with two tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water. Then rinse the water and wipe clean/ After cleaning, open the door and let it air dry before applying the power supply.
For areas that are difficult to clean in the refrigerator (such as the narrow spaces, gaps, or corners), it is recommended to wipe them regularly with a soft rag, or soft brush. etc. and when necessary, combined with some auxiliary tools (such as thin sticks) to ensure no contaminants or bacterial accumulation are in these areas.
Add a Deodorizer (Optional)
After cleaning out the inside of the refrigerator and before adding the food back in, you can place a deodorizer onto one of the shelves. There are a few options on the market, but Reader’s Digest suggests using baking soda to help reduce unwanted odors in your fridge.
Wipe Down the Outside of the Fridge
Remove any magnets or items hanging on the refrigerator and place them in a safe place. Wipe the outer surface of the refrigerator with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water, detergent, etc., and then wipe dry. Be sure to wipe all the sides – including the top!
Clean the Floor Under the Refrigerator
The last step in the cleaning process is moving the refrigerator out from its designated home and giving the entire area a good clean. Move the refrigerator, dust and give the walls a good wipe down, vacuum, or sweep the floors, and don’t forget to mop, too! Once you’re happy with the cleanliness of the area, make sure to dry the floor before moving the refrigerator back into place. Once the refrigerator is back in place and you are finished cleaning, plug in the refrigerator, and restock the fridge with your favorites.
BONUS: Refrigerator Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- Regularly clean the dust and debris behind the refrigerator appliance and the floor to improve cooling performance and energy savings.
- Check the door gasket regularly to make sure there is no debris. Clean the door gasket with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water or diluted detergent.
- Unplug the power supply before cleaning the interior, and remove all foods, drinks, shelves, drawers, etc.
- Do not use soap, detergent, scrub powder, spray cleaner, etc., as these may cause odors in the interior of the refrigerator or contaminate food.
- Clean the bottle frame, shelves, and drawers with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water or diluted detergent. Dry with a soft cloth or air dry.
- Wipe the outer surface of the refrigerator with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water, detergent, etc., and then wipe dry.
- Do not use hard brushes, clean steel balls, wire brushes, abrasives (such as toothpaste), organic solvents (such as alcohol, acetone, banana oil, etc.), boiling water, acid or alkaline items, which may damage the refrigerator interior. Boiling water and organic solvents such as benzene may deform or damage plastic parts.
- Do not rinse directly with water or other liquids during cleaning to avoid short circuits or damage to electrical insulation after immersion.
- The water filter must be replaced every 6 months or if a noticeable reduction in the water flow occurs.
- The interior of the refrigerator should be cleaned regularly to avoid odor.
Now that the fridge is prepped, let the start of another busy holiday season begin. Here’s to a fresh start and a fridge that’s ready to support your culinary adventures.
