Fridge Cleaning Tips

It's a chore many of us dislike, but something that must be done. Here's a few short simple tips to get your fridge in sparkly like-new condition again! 

Step 1) Prepare a Staging Area
You will need to remove the food out of your fridge to get a good deep clean. If you don't have a lot of counter space, you'll need to set up a little folding table or even use a few chairs. If you think the cleaning is going to take a while, consider putting your food items into a cooler to keep them colder. Also don't forget to make sure your kitchen sink is empty, and your garbage is nearby with enough room for any expired items, you'll more than likely need it! 

Step 2) Gather Your Supplies
Vinegar is a great cleaning supply for this job, it's an easy food-safe cleaner. Just mix the vinegar in a spray bottle with hot water. You'll also need some cleaning cloths or paper towels, and possibly a scrubbing brush or sponge. 

Step 3) Work Shelf by Shelf
This is especially true if you don't have much counter space, or if the cleaning is going to take longer. (You don't want those perishable food items out too long!) If your sink is large enough, take the shelfs out and clean them in the sink with warm water and soap, then dry them with a microfiber cloth. If your sink is not large enough, spray down the shelfs and wipe them clean using your cleaning cloths and vinegar spray. 

Step 4) Doors and Drawers
For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. If they won't fit in your sink, spray them down and wipe them clean. Make sure they are dry before putting them back. The spray bottle and a cloth will work great for the door. Start at the top and work your way down. 

Step 5) Clean Items Before Putting Them Back!
If you are going through all this work to clean the fridge, why put those sticky jam jars and messy ketchup bottles back in your fresh and clean fridge? Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. If those messy jam jars are sticky, run them under warm water and wipe them clean and dry. 

Do not forget to check all items and if anything is expired, use this opportunity to toss it! 

Step 6) Wipe Down the Outside Too
Use the same vinegar spray to wipe down the exterior of your fridge as well. If you have a stainless-steel fridge, there is some cheap stainless steel cleaner options at your local dollar store as well. Don't forget those handles and especially the top of the fridge if accessible! 

Step 7) Keep it Fresh!
Now that your fridge is like new again, you'll more than likely want to keep it smelling that way for quite some time. Stick a fridge freshener in the back. Arm & Hammer baking soda in the box also works great for this! 

Congrats! Sit back and enjoy knowing your fridge is like new again!