The refrigerator is the backbone of the kitchen, but you probably clean it less frequently than other surfaces. Without regular cleaning, stains and food residue can accumulate on the outside surfaces or internal shelves and drawers, while forgotten perishables in the back give off unpleasant aromas every time you open the door. In this article we are going to show you how to clean a refrigerator quickly and easily.
How to Clean Refrigerator
There are a few things that you will need before getting started:
- glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner
- sponge or cloth
- dishwashing liquid
- warm water
- vinegar
The first step is to remove all of the contents from the refrigerator and place them on the countertop. If there are any shelves or drawers that can be taken out, do so and place them in the sink. Now it’s time to clean!
Spray the glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner onto a sponge or cloth and wipe down the exterior surfaces of the fridge. Be sure to pay special attention to the areas where food residue tends to accumulate, such as the top and bottom of the door. If you have a stainless steel fridge, make sure to use a cleaner that is specifically meant for stainless steel.
Next, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip the sponge or cloth into the bowl and wipe down the interior surfaces of the fridge, including the shelves and drawers. Again, be sure to focus on the areas where food residue tends to build up.
Finally, mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto all of the surfaces that you have cleaned and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe everything down again with a sponge or cloth.
How to Clean the Fridge Interior
Use a mixture of 1 part baking soda and 7 parts water to clean your fridge’s insides. Commercial cleaners might leave a smell on food. To avoid drips falling on previously clean surfaces, work from top to bottom. Reach cracks and crevices that you can’t access with a cloth using a toothbrush designated for cleaning or toothpicks. Everything should be wiped down with a clean towel once it has been wetted.
How to Clean Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
Remove and hand-wash any detachable refrigerator shelves, wire racks, and drawers in hot water and mild dish soap. Allow any glass components to warm up to room temperature before putting them into the hot water; otherwise, they may shatter. For a few minutes, cover stubborn spills with a warm, wet cloth to help soften them before cleaning with a nonabrasive scrubber. Covering food stains on wire racks’ bottoms is especially important because it attracts debris.
How to Clean a Refrigerator Exterior
Keep your refrigerator gleaming with a thorough exterior cleaning. Wipe the handles with a cloth soaked in all-purpose cleanser for an extra bit of elbow work. Remember to clean the top of the fridge as well, despite its lack of use. Dust can accumulate in this area over time, even if it isn’t touched by the day-to-day traffic of the handles and doors.
The method for how to clean a stainless-steel refrigerator is different, so follow these tips for removing smudges and fingerprints. Wipe the surface first with a damp microfiber cloth then with a dry one for a fast cleaning. Try rubbing alcohol if the grime is more tenacious. Rubbing alcohol may be used instead of water when cleaning stainless-steel appliances. Always wipe in the direction of the grain when cleaning stainless steel products.
In Conclusion
Although refrigerator cleaning may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually quite simple when you break it down into smaller steps. By using a combination of glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, dishwashing liquid, vinegar, baking soda, and water, you can clean every surface of your fridge in no time. And don’t forget to clean the exterior of the fridge as well!