Wiping your fridge can keep it looking neat and shiny. However, if you happen to catch the disgusting taste of other foods in a leftover piece of pie, it’s time to clean the whole refrigerator thoroughly!
Here are seven tips for a complete refrigerator cleaning routine.
Tip #1. Remember to empty the fridge!
If you want to clean your refrigerator effectively, you can’t leave your food inside, or it will obstruct your view. Empty the fridge and keep your items fresh inside a cooler. Also, check for removable trays, drawers, and bins and wash them in the sink with dish soap and water.
Tip #2. Use vinegar to wipe the inside
While searching for a good cleaning agent, some people might ignore natural alternatives like white vinegar. This household product works well against residue and even odors inside your fridge. Besides, since vinegar is used for cooking, you can trust it’s 100% non-toxic.
To make this DIY cleaner, mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of warm water. You can also pour the solution inside a spray bottle for future use!
Tip #3. Scrub tough stains with baking soda
Sometimes, residue on the fridge’s surface won’t go away so easily. This problem calls for baking soda and good old elbow grease. Turn this powder into a paste by adding enough water, then apply directly to the stains, scrub, rinse, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Pro tip: If you have a soft toothbrush ready for the trash bin, don’t throw it away; you can use it for detail scrubbing instead.
Tip #4. Clean the outside with soapy water
You’ll touch the refrigerator a lot, whether you’re rushing to fix a quick breakfast or looking for a midnight snack. For this reason, it’s crucial to wipe the outside surfaces to remove fingerprints and greasy buildup.
It’s pretty straightforward: add just a dash of dish soap to a quart of water, dampen a microfiber cloth, and you’re ready to go.
Tip #5. Don’t skip the handles!
Pay close attention to the door handles in your refrigerator; chances are that your dead skin cells have built up enough to become nasty grime. Never overlook these details for a complete fridge cleaning.
Tip #6. Dry with a separate towel
If your fridge shines but also highlights streaks, make sure you grab a second cloth and dry the outer surface after scrubbing. Paper towels could work, but your best choice to avoid streaks is a quality microfiber cloth.
Note: If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, follow the grain every time you wipe it. You’ll find the direction of the grain by looking closely.
Tip #7. Deodorize your fridge
Your stored food benefits a lot from an odorless fridge. You could leave a bowl with vinegar inside your fridge to neutralize the odor-causing particles. However, if you can’t stand the vinegar smell, open the side of a box of baking soda and place it inside the fridge.
How about letting us clean your refrigerator instead?
Sometimes you won’t have the time to do all the cleaning yourself. Illinois Valley Clean Team has an extensive checklist covering most homeowners’ cleaning needs. For example, did you know you can make special requests like fridge cleaning?
