Quick Tips for Cleaning a Fridge

There is nothing worse than a stinky-smelling fridge hoarded with bacteria and fungi. The presence of a functional refrigerator in a kitchen is not only convenient but also a thing to worry about when it comes to cleaning. Cleaning a disorganized fridge can seem like a hassle but it is vital to prevent foul-smelling fridges to keep your food fresh. Most of us nonchalantly stuff things into it with the sole idea of preservation in our minds. But hey! Don’t you worry about it! Because cleaning a fridge need not be an unachievable feat nor is it something that only a house cleaning service can do. Even though it’s not too difficult a thing to do, I do agree that fridge cleaning is not that easy either if you’re doing it for the first time. Well, nothing is easy for the first time, is it? However, with the few quick tips to clean fridge listed below, it can be something close to a piece of cake.

Pre-planning

The primary task of a fridge being preservation, the cleaning process also requires some pre-planning. Evacuating the fridge is a crucial prerequisite step in the whole process. If you have to evacuate it, then you should have another plan to preserve the food items for the time being. So it’s always better to plan your cleaning a few days before you go shopping so that you have the minimal quantity of items to be kept away. Storing these away in pre-chilled ice bags would be a good idea.

Make sure to unplug the refrigerator prior to the cleaning process. This helps to save energy if it needs serious scrubbing and cleaning. Gently remove the shelves and trays to wipe out trapped pieces of dirt with a thorough cleaning. A sprinkling of baking soda and an all-purpose cleaner can help in the easy stain removal process. Set up a counter space near the refrigerator for gathering your supplies used for cleaning.

What solutions to use

Your refrigerator can shine like a brand new one if maintained well by tackling the spills and food residues. Surface wipes containing natural extracts could be used to wipe the inside of the fridge such as drawers and shelves or even the walls. Strong chemicals or bleaching products could be avoided so as not to harm the stored food. While using a dishwashing liquid, the foam produced would come as a difficult task to get rid of. Instead, try using a solution of lemon and vinegar or baking soda solution (1:7 baking soda to water solution). This would prove to be easier to wipe with a soft cotton cloth. And will remove the odor by keeping the appliance hygienic.

The outer surface of the fridge can also be cleaned with the same solution. But needless to say, make sure that you renew the solution after a few dips of the cloth in the solution so that you don’t wipe the dirty liquid over again and again. You can opt for multipurpose cleaning sprays that are food-friendly for eliminating stubborn stains.

How to reach those deep crevices and joints

Keep in mind to get into every nook and cranny of the refrigerator to complete the comprehensive cleaning process. Ensure to get in the cracks, under the shelving, gaskets, and rubber seals around the doors to swipe out the accumulated food particles. It would be advisable to use a toothbrush, a toothpick, or any other object with a pointy end or bristles to reach deep into those crevices or joints inside or outside the fridge. Finally, give it a wipe with the microfiber cloth for a dry finish.

Cleaning and vacuuming the coils

If your refrigerator is running cold but not cold enough, then it is high time to clean and vacuum your condenser coils. They are more likely to collect dust at homes with pets and dusty surroundings. Coils may be present at the top, bottom, or back depending on the model of the refrigerator. Ensure twice to unplug the refrigerator to avoid any possibility of electric shocks and remember to restore the power when you are done.

Browse through the machine-guide manual to check on the specification of the model. Most often the coils are found behind the refrigerator, in that case, you need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall. Stay away from hurting yourself with the sharp edges of the condenser fins. Use gloves and coil- cleaning brush for safely wiping away the dust before vacuuming. The condenser coil should be cleaned at least twice a year. Refrigerators with coils on top need to be cleaned more often.

Clean exterior

Pay special attention to sticky and dirty areas around the door handles while cleaning the exterior part. You can clean the outside of a refrigerator using mild cleaning liquids and dampened cloth. Make sure to choose stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel refrigerators. Never forget to clean the top area of the fridge. In the end, dry the moist area using a microfiber cloth.

You may want to follow these tips:

• While hot water is a good disinfectant, using it to wipe may result in more cooling time for the fridge while restarting. So plan that extra time much in advance.
• Leaving an open container of dry baking soda in the fridge will absorb any future odor that could build up in the fridge.
• Remember to cover whatever you store in the fridge.
• The handle of the fridge is the most prone to dirt with regular use. Remember to clean it regularly with some kitchen cleaning liquid or a normal surface wipe.
• Removing the water from the tray underneath the fridge will prevent any odor arising from stagnant water.
• Make sure to wipe all the bottles before putting them back to avoid stickiness on the surfaces of the fridge.
• Do not overload your refrigerator. A better space is required for air to circulate for efficient cooling.
• Ensure to dry all the trays before putting them back to avoid excess moisture in the fridge.
• The baking soda solution can also be used for cleaning any mold accumulated on the inside
• Cleaning up any spill immediately will help this regular fridge cleaning process much easier. That will save you the nine stitches if you mend to the first one in time.

Let’s be neat and cool while keeping our things neat and cool!

Significance of Deep Cleaning your Refrigerator

It is important to know and learn more about certain parasites or bacteria that contaminate food with unsafe food handling behavior. You need to prioritize keeping your refrigerator in top shape for keeping up with hygiene. Cleaning the inside and outside of the work-horse of the kitchen must be a part of your weekly cleaning routine.

You can save money by not rebuying the same food item that you have buried in the fridge long back. Not just that, you can also save up with more efficient working and cost-effective appliances for a longer duration. Plus, most importantly, you can follow a healthy lifestyle for keeping you and your family healthy and safe.