Prepare yourself for the task
Make sure you’ve got all the necessary items to get your fridge looking (and smelling) like new. You’ll need:
- To empty your fridge out first. Throw old and expired food away, along with random sauce packets - does anyone ever end up using those, anyway? Temporarily store perishable food in a ice-cold cooler to keep it from going off.
- Rubber gloves. Get the heavy duty kind, depending on how messy your fridge is.
- Several clean cloths and a tub of hot water (alternatively, just use the sink).
- Washing up liquid, preferably the anti-bacterial variety.
- A powerful all-purpose cleaner.
- Toothpaste - you’ll find out why later.
- A non-abrasive plastic scrubber, much like the one you use on dishes.
- Window cleaner (optional).
Once you’ve removed everything from your fridge, remove shelves and drawers, too. This will make cleaning a little easier, as you’ll be able to reach all those oft-overlooked crevices and problem areas.
Use a damp, soapy towel to wipe down the interior. Pay special attention to the back of the refrigerator and shelves on the door, where crumbs and liquids often collect.
Dry surfaces using a soft cloth, replace shelves and drawers, and put the food back in the fridge. Carefully arrange food and drinks in a logical, accessible way, as this will motivate you to keep things neat and organised.
Finish the cleaning process by wiping down your fridge’s exterior. Use hot water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth to prevent scratching. You might want to use window cleaner to get rid of streaks, depending on your exterior surface and how much of a neat freak you are.
Commit to daily upkeep
A little spillage, if left for hours, can create a big hassle. Dried, stuck-on stains can be a nightmare to remove, especially if they’ve been left for days. To eliminate residual odour and prevent mold and mildew, use an all-purpose cleaner containing ammonia, baking soda and vinegar. Spray a little on and wipe off with a tea towel or absorbent paper towel.
For especially difficult stains, use a plastic scrubber and toothpaste - it contains a gentle abrasive. Plus, it’ll leave your fridge smelling minty fresh!
Additionally, get in the habit of throwing out old food once a week. This will make a huge difference in the overall cleanliness of your fridge and prevent nasty smells from occurring. After all, opening up your fridge to a wave of foul odour is pretty unnappetising - keep things fresh and tidy by committing to frequent upkeep. Your fridge is worth the effort!
© Axonn 2015