Working 24/7 to keep your food and drinks preserved, the refrigerator is among the most-used appliances in nearly every American home. That’s why it’s essential that you clean and care for your refrigerator to ensure it’s always operating at its best – especially if you want your food to stay as fresh as possible.
Follow these simple tips when cleaning your fridge.
Tips for cleaning the inside of your refrigerator.
Every few months, take some time to clean out the interior of your fridge. Plan to clean your refrigerator just before you go grocery shopping, this way you don’t have to move as many things around. If you haven’t been keeping up with expiration dates, now’s the time to do it.
On that note, it’s highly recommended that you check for expired products daily. This can save you a ton of time and trouble overall, reducing the likelihood of unwanted odors and bacteria growth. It can also help protect you and your family from accidentally eating something that has long since expired.
Once you’ve tossed out all expired items, you can begin cleaning the inside of your fridge. Experts prefer a simple mixture of hot water and a small amount of baking soda to clean the shelves and interior, as detergents and vinegar may influence the flavor of your food. Baking soda, on the other hand, is odorless.
Remove each shelf from your fridge and give it a few minutes to reach room temperature. Then wipe it down using your mixture of baking soda and water. You can use this same mixture to clean the interior walls of the unit. Dry each shelf thoroughly before you place it back in your refrigerator, and make certain to dry the refrigerator’s interior as well.
You also want to wipe down the seals around the edges of the door. This is best done using hot water and a mild dish detergent. Be sure to dry these seals completely to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from growing.
Tips for cleaning the outside of your refrigerator.
Cleaning the outside of your refrigerator is relatively simple. If you have a stainless-steel refrigerator, use a household cleaner specifically intended for stainless steel appliances – make sure you follow the instructions thoroughly.
As for other finishes, wiping the outside with a damp cloth and a mild detergent or appliance cleaner should do the trick.
Further suggestions for keeping your fridge clean.
Always clean spills inside your refrigerator when they happen, well before they dry up. Likewise, you’ll want to ensure everything you store in your fridge is completely clean after use. Condiments like ketchup, jelly, and other sauces or spreads should be wiped off before you place them back into the fridge.
Finally, a box of baking soda is your friend. Keep one open in your refrigerator year-round to reduce unwanted odors. Just be sure to replace it every couple of months.
