Refrigerators allow you to keep your perishable foods longer and your drinks cooler. Unfortunately, these appliances can also be a breeding ground for awful smells and thriving bacteria. Cleaning your refrigerator may seem like a daunting task. However, proper care and cleaning will prolong the life of your fridge.
Before you begin the cleaning process, open your refrigerator, turn the temperature dial to off and discard all items that are no longer wanted, expired or molded. Expired and molded items are the most common cause of phantom refrigerator odors. It is not uncommon for items to get pushed to the back of your fridge and forgotten about. After a while, these items expire, become moldy and begin to take on a life of their own. While you are removing the unwanted items, place the items you are keeping in a cooler filled with ice. Take this time to store your leftovers properly in airtight containers with lids.
There are a variety of products that can thoroughly clean the inside of your refrigerator. Unfortunately, most of these products contain harsh chemicals that can leave behind a residue and harmful fumes. Instead of purchasing expensive chemicals, opt for an all-natural way--such as vinegar or baking soda--to clean the inside of your refrigerator. Vinegar and baking soda's ability to both clean and deodorizer without the use of deadly chemicals make them the two best methods for cleaning your refrigerator.
Begin the cleaning process by removing the shelving and drawers from the refrigerator. This will make cleaning the inside of the refrigerator easier. Place the shelves and drawers in a safe location. Fill a bucket with warm water. Add 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of white vinegar. Mix the contents with a wooden spoon. Submerge a clean sponge in the mixture and wring out the excess liquid. You want the sponge to be damp but not soggy. Begin scrubbing the inside of the refrigerator. Start at the top and work your way downward. For stuck-on grime, use an old toothbrush to scrub until it is removed. Wash the shelving and drawers that you removed in the same manner. Dry the refrigerator, shelves and drawers with a lint-free towel. Once you are satisfied that you have thoroughly cleaned the refrigerator, turn the temperature dial back to the desired temperature, and replace the shelves, drawers and perishable items.
Fill your sink with warm water and add 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap and ½ cup of baking soda. Baking soda has long been used to clean and deodorize a variety of item and is a common ingredient in many recipes. Swish the contents around with your hand until the baking soda is dissolved. This mixture will be used to clean the shelves and drawers that you removed from the refrigerator. Once you have cleaned, rinsed and towel dried the shelves and drawers, fill a bucket with 1-gallon of warm water. Add 1 cup of baking soda and stir with a wooden spoon until the baking soda is dissolved. The amount of baking soda can fluctuate depending on personal preference. Use a clean sponge saturated with the baking soda-water mixture and scrub the inside of your refrigerator. Start at the top and work your way down. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the refrigerator, wipe it dry with a towel. Since the baking soda is all-natural there is no need to rinse the inside of your fridge.
To keep your refrigerator looking and smelling its best, you should perform a regular cleaning and purging process. Once a week--preferably the night before your garbage is picked up--discard all unwanted and expired items. Clean any spills or drips that occur inside your fridge as soon as they happen. To remove fridge odors, place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will absorb odors. Replace the baking soda once a week.