Essential Steps For Cleaning a Dirty Refrigerator

If you want to give your fridge a deep-clean, there are several essential steps that must be taken.

The initial step in cleaning your refrigerator is to take out all food items. Doing this will give you plenty of space for thorough cleaning.

1. Empty the Refrigerator

First, empty your fridge of any perishable items such as jars of food, milk, and condiments that have gone past their use-by dates. Keeping your refrigerator clean and empty is the most effective way to prevent bacteria, micro fungus, and germs from forming.

Next, remove all shelves and drawers inside your refrigerator to gain more access to its interior. Doing this will allow you to thoroughly scrub down and disinfect this area for optimal sanitation.

You can also use a sponge or brush to scrub away stubborn stains and odors with hot water that contains a few drops of ammonia. After rinsing, pat the shelves and drawers dry with a towel or leave them to air-dry naturally.

Once all removable components have been cleaned, start scrubbing the interior of your fridge. Begin at the top and work your way down, paying special attention to built-in fixtures as well as any nooks or crannies where crumbs accumulate.

Door seals are particularly vulnerable to collecting crumbs and grime, so it’s worth taking the time to wash and dry them. Use a soft cloth or cotton bud to get in crevices and folds as well as around the rubber gasket.

Once you’re finished scrubbing, wipe down both interior and exterior of your fridge to eliminate any trace of soap or detergent residue. If you’re worried about vinegar smell, add a drop of baking soda into water before scrubbing to help neutralize lingering aromas.

Now that your refrigerator is clean, it’s time to put all of your food back in. Make sure you throw out anything expired or unused and watch closely for any jars of leftovers so they don’t spoil.

2. Remove the Shelves and Drawers

When cleaning a dirty fridge, it’s essential to take all shelves and drawers off so you can thoroughly clean the interior. Doing this also gives you an opportunity to throw out any expired food items or spoiled foods in the back of your fridge.

After taking out shelving and drawers, spray the interior with a solution of hot water and dish soap. Wipe down shelves and door bins with either damp cloth or microfiber cleaning cloth. If any sticky gunk remains stuck to fridge door bins, try applying vinegar solution (which is cost-effective and also eliminates germs):

Next, empty out crisper drawers to create space for fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. Line them with paper towels or absorbent liners for effortless cleanup – especially helpful in areas like the bottom of drawers that tend to accumulate moisture buildup.

Once the refrigerator has been emptied, use a sponge or rag soaked in hot water to gently scrub away dried-on food and other grime. If the shelf or drawer is particularly difficult to clean, mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water and gently scrub the surface.

Once dry, rinse and reassemble shelves and drawers back in their proper places. Your fridge should now be spotless and organized!

Maintaining a dirty refrigerator can be tedious, so take the time to keep it looking its best on a regular basis. Doing so will not only make your fridge more presentable but will help it remain cleaner for longer.

3. Clean the Interior

Your fridge interior can be one of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen. It’s a breeding ground for germs that thrive on six things: moisture, food, comfortable temperatures, time and oxygen, plus proper acidity.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep the inside of your refrigerator smelling fresh and spotless. Start by emptying out the entire contents of your fridge.

Once all the dirt and stains have been rinsed away, use a solution of water and baking soda to wipe down the interior of the fridge. This will make it much easier to spot any stubborn grime or spots that have developed over time.

If your refrigerator is stainless steel, Bell suggests using a cleaner specifically made for this material. Otherwise, use either an all-purpose spray cleaner or all-purpose cleaning product.

Once you’ve cleaned the inside, give shelves and crisper drawers a good scrub. For hard-to-reach places, try using a toothpick, cotton bud or old toothbrush as tools.

If you find any mold, switch to a bleach-based cleaner instead of water and dish soap.

After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. You may wish to apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly or mineral oil onto the seal to keep it from drying out.

Once the fridge’s interior is spotless, replace its shelves and crisper drawers and replenish any food that must be refrigerated. Additionally, it would be beneficial to clean your fridge’s drip pan (if applicable) as well as vacuum its surrounding floor; dust can accumulate over time there.

4. Clean the Door Handles

Door handles are prime targets for dirt and germs, so cleaning them is a good idea. Try some traditional housekeeping hacks like using a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar or baking soda/water paste to eliminate these grime buildups.

Some refrigerators feature plastic door handles which may become yellowed with age or stained with grease or cigarette smoke.

If your fridge door handles are yellow, there are a few easy steps you can take to restore them back to their original color and prevent further deterioration. Plus, with some household cleaners you’ll have an attractive new shine in no time!

To remove grease or food residue, you can clean your refrigerator doors with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Doing this helps maintain a good seal and keeps the fridge cool.

You can also use a bleach-based cleaner to eliminate any mold and bacteria present. Finally, rinse the doors and rubber gasket thoroughly to eliminate any remaining grime or contaminants.

Another option is to spray them with clear coat paint to protect them from oxidizing. This method should keep your white door handles looking fantastic for at least 2-3 years.

Refrigerator door handles often collect dirt and germs from dirty hands and cooking grease, so it’s important to keep them clean in order to avoid unpleasant situations in the future. Plus, your fridge will look better too; if desired, you can even replace old ones with new ones for a complete makeover!

5. Clean the Rubber Gasket

The rubber gasket on refrigerator doors creates an airtight seal to keep cool air inside and warm air outside, helping regulate internal temperatures and conserve energy.

Over time, spills and food particles may accumulate on the rubber gasket, interfering with its ability to provide a tight seal. It could also loosen or tear over time due to wear-and-tear.

Regular cleaning of a rubber gasket is essential to maintain its quality and integrity, which in turn saves you money in the long run.

To clean the gasket, spray it with a hydrogen peroxide solution and let sit for 15 minutes. This will help eliminate any dirt or stains that have built up over time.

Once the hydrogen peroxide has dried, use a cotton swab to reach into corners and recesses of the gasket. Doing so will help remove any stubborn stains or mildew buildup.

Another effective way to clean a refrigerator door gasket is by mixing vinegar with water. This will help remove mold and bacteria without harming the seal.

Once the gasket is cleaned, you can add a small amount of petroleum jelly to keep it moistened. This will also make the seal more flexible and enhance its ability to seal securely.

Maintaining your refrigerator gasket is one of the most essential preventive maintenance tasks that will save you both money and time in the long run. It is recommended to clean your gasket quarterly, or more often if there are visible spills or mold growth.