How to Clean a Fridge Like a Pro

Keeping a sanitary and organized fridge is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing wastage. However, a busy lifestyle and neglect can cause food residues, spills, and unpleasant odors to build up in your fridge over time.

Unfortunately, to say that fridge cleaning is most people’s least favorite housekeeping tasks would be putting it mildly. It’s no surprise that many homeowners in Wellington, CO, prefer to avoid it entirely and outsource it to professional house cleaning services instead.

In the following article, we’ll help you make this task at least somewhat less time-consuming by sharing an effective 6-step guide on how to tidy up a refrigerator like an expert. Keep reading to learn more!

How do you deep clean a refrigerator?

Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your fridge and prevent foodborne illnesses. While cleaning a dirty fridge may seem like a daunting task, you can make it that much less exhausting by using these 6 simple steps:

Step 1: Empty the Fridge

Start by removing all the food and drinks, and placing them on a clean countertop or table. Discard any expired or spoiled items and sort the rest into categories such as meat, dairy, produce, and condiments. This step is also an excellent opportunity to take stock of what you have, make a list of what you need, and reorganize if necessary.

Step 2: Remove the Shelves and Drawers

Next, remove the shelves, drawers, and any other removable parts, and soak them in warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or residue, and rinse them with clear water. Dry them thoroughly before putting them back in.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior

Use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild solution to wipe down the interior, including the walls, ceiling, and door. You can make a homemade solution by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar or by using a mild dish soap diluted in water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the fridge’s surface or leave residues that can contaminate food.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Door Seals and Handles

The door seals and handles are often overlooked, but they can harbor bacteria and grime. Use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub away any dirt or residue, and rinse with clean water. Wipe them down with a dry cloth to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold growth.

Step 5: Deodorize the Fridge

Even after cleaning, your fridge may still have lingering odors caused by strong-smelling foods or spills. To deodorize it, place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal in the back. These natural adsorbents will neutralize any odors and keep everything smelling fresh for several weeks. You can also use citrus fruit like lemon or orange by slicing them and placing them in a container or baggie in the fridge.

Step 6: Replenish and Organize

After you’ve finished cleaning, it’s time to replenish and organize the food. Group similar items together, and place them in designated areas, such as the top shelf for leftovers, the middle shelf for dairy, and the bottom shelf for raw meat. Use clear containers or labels to keep track of food expiration dates, and make sure to rotate older items to the front for easy access.

Where in Wellington, CO, can I schedule detailed house cleaning services?

Knowing the above steps is all well and good, but what if work, commute, and other obligations simply don’t leave you with enough time or energy to worry about tasks such as oven cleaning or tidying up the interior of your kitchen cabinets? Here at Reliable Cleaning Services of Fort Collins, we say: no worries! Our expert team will happily handle your housekeeping in Wellington for you while you take a much-needed breather and enjoy the finer things in life instead of dusting and scrubbing all day long. Contact us today!