Every so often, a refrigerator needs to be cleaned inside. The shelves have to be washed down from milk spills, and food must be tossed out if they have outlived the shelf life.
Steps
- Take everything out of the fridge. Place it on the table. (Do one shelf at a time to avoid spoilage. Cycle things in and out of freezer as necessary). Do a complete toss out first to make room to keep things in.
- Throw out aged, moldy or inedible food, bagging securely. Toss anything you don't use regularly, too.
- Wipe your refrigerator inside and outside with a cloth and vinegar and water or baking soda and water solution, rinsing well with a washcloth rinsed clear with water. Soapy water works, too. Clean rubber door closure area too.
- Keep your refrigerator organized, with meats and cheese and butter in one shelf box, and vegetables in the crisper. Meats should be stored on the bottom shelf to avoid meat juices dripping onto the shelves below
- You can buy a deodorizer or just plain old-fashion baking soda to keep out old smells.
Tips
- Organize to make things easier to find. Put milk, juices, and other drinks on one shelf, and your dressings, sauces, and similar items in another place.
- Clean your fridge out approximately once every month.
- Once your fridge is clean, one easy way to keep it clean is to empty and clean just one or two shelves or drawers at a time. The entire fridge is never spotless all at once, but it can stay reasonably clean without being an all-day project. Just make sure to cycle through all the shelves.
- Keep a small jar (with the lid off) of baking soda in the fridge to absorb excess moisture. Please note that it has to be a jar and not a box.
Warnings
- Old food should be bagged securely and separately before placing inside your regular kitchen trash bag to avoid attracting animals/rodents if the garbage bag is not sealed securely or acquires a rip or tear while outdoors.
- Never wash a cold glass shelf with hot water. The sudden temperature change could shatter the glass. Instead, use cold water or remove the shelf and let it come up to room temperature before washing it.
- Don't let water or cleaning solution fall into any of the inside vents.
Things You'll Need
- Vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
- Water
- Plastic grocery or trash bag(s), if necessary
- Washcloth or sponge