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Newsletters>
How to Clean the Refrigerator
May 2, 2007
By Susan M. Keenan ©2006
Maintaining a clean refrigerator is essential to
maintaining good health. After all, many of the foods we
eat are taken out of the refrigerator with the expectation
that they are germ free. Along with the convenience of
having edible foods right at our fingertips comes the
responsibility of keeping their storage space clean.
Fortunately, deep cleaning of the refrigerator is not a
daily chore. In fact, if you keep up with the daily chores
associated with the refrigerator, the deep cleaning chores
are much simpler and less time consuming. Follow as many of
the hints and tips listed below for daily and weekly
cleaning. Then, when you get to the annual cleaning tasks,
your job won’t be that difficult.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Wipe up any spills, wet or dry, immediately. Allowing it to
sit until later typically leads to a bigger mess.
Never put anything into the refrigerator that you know no
one is going to eat. Throw it away.
Wipe the outside of jars and containers that typically
experience dripping before placing them back into the
refrigerator. For example, such items as pancake syrup,
ketchup, jelly jars, honey, and barbecue sauce often end up
with a drip or two on them.
Avoid placing open containers, dishes, or bowls in the
refrigerator. These will create a bigger mess if they are
accidentally knocked over.
Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the
refrigerator to combat odors.
Weekly or Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Many of these tasks can be performed on a monthly schedule,
especially if your life is filled with other
responsibilities. Do the best that you can without
avoiding these tasks completely.
Wash the top of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and
a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean
cloth to dry it fully.
Go on a scavenger hunt for spoiled or outdated foods,
including condiments. Dispose of them properly.
Wipe down each shelf with hot, soapy water or a baking soda
solution. To make the baking soda solution, use 2
tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of hot water. Baking
soda helps to neutralize odors, so if the refrigerator has
a strong odor, use the baking soda solution. Remove
non-perishables to a clean countertop or table temporarily.
Perishables should be placed in a cooler temporarily with
an ice pack. Using a clean sponge or soft,
cleaning cloth, wash each shelf down completely. Using a
clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth and clean water, wipe
each shelf to rinse it clear of any cleaning residue. Use a
dry, clean cloth to dry the shelves thoroughly.
If you have time, repeat the above step for the sides,
tops, and floor of the refrigerator.
If you have time, wash any bins with hot, soapy water and
dry them thoroughly.
Replace everything to its proper place.
Annual Cleaning Tasks
Remove all spoiled and outdated foods, including
condiments. Dispose of them properly.
Completely empty the refrigerator. Remove non-perishables
to a clean countertop or table temporarily. Perishables
should be placed in a cooler temporarily with an ice pack.
Also, remove any shelves or bins that can be removed
easily.
Carefully remove the refrigerator from its location by
pulling it straight out. Wash the floor where the
refrigerator was located. Allow it to dry before returning
the refrigerator to its location.
At least once a year, vacuum the coils of your refrigerator
if they are accessible. This step will help to maintain
proper functioning of your refrigerator.
Wash the sides of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water
and a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean
cloth to dry them fully. You can also use an all-purpose
cleaner and paper towels or cleaning rags to clean the
outside of the refrigerator, especially if it is very
dirty.
Wash the top of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and
a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean
cloth to dry it fully. You might need to use an all-purpose
cleaner and paper towels or cleaning rags to clean the
outside of the refrigerator, depending on how frequently
you cleaned it throughout the year.
After you allow them to reach room temperature, wash all of
the parts that you have removed in hot, soapy water. Wash
any bins (produce, snack trays, and meat) with hot, soapy
water and dry them thoroughly.
Wipe down each shelf with hot, soapy water or a baking soda
solution. To make the baking soda solution, use 2
tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of hot water. Using
a clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth, wash each shelf
down completely. Using a clean sponge or soft, cleaning
cloth and clean water, wipe each shelf to rinse it clear of
any cleaning residue. Use a dry, clean cloth to dry the
shelves thoroughly.
Repeat the above step for the sides, tops, and floor of the
refrigerator.
If your refrigerator has an external, accessible drip pan,
remove it for cleaning. Wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy
water. Dry it thoroughly.
Handy Tips and Reminders
Wear rubber household cleaning gloves to protect your
hands.
When cleaning the refrigerator, begin at the top and
continue downward.
Wipe the outside of all containers, especially the bottoms,
before returning them to the refrigerator.
Never use cleaning products that contain liquid chlorine
bleach on the interior of the refrigerator since it can
damage the gaskets, seals, and linings.
Replace the open box of baking soda on a regular basis.
This will depend on the amount of use the refrigerator gets
as well as the passage of time.
Do not place removable refrigerator parts in the dishwasher
unless the manufacturer’s booklet for the refrigerator
indicates that they are dishwasher safe.
To remove dried on food easily, use a cloth soaked in hot,
soapy water or the baking soda solution. Place it on the
area and allow it to sit for several minutes to soften the
food. Then, try again to remove it.
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