How to Clean Your Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is the hardest working appliance in your home and the only one that runs around the clock. With all of the hard work your refrigerator does for you, it does need some reciprocation every now and then. Because it stores things such as raw meat, dairy, and leftover food, refrigerators can quickly develop odors and bacteria if neglected. Use the following 4-step process every 2-3 months to keep your refrigerator clean and tidy.

1. Remove all food. Before you can get started cleaning the refrigerator, it is essential that you remove all food items from it in order to have access to the entire interior of the unit. The full cleaning process should take less than 20 minutes, so it is okay to leave your food on the counter, but if you want to be sure that nothing spoils, you can put it in a cooler.
2. Remove and wash shelves and drawers. After the food is gone, slide out all removable shelves and drawers. Wash these with warm water and a mild detergent in your kitchen sink and place them on the rack to air dry while you finish cleaning the refrigerator.
3. Wipe down the interior. With the food and shelves now removed, all you should be left with is the bare interior of your refrigerator. Use this opportunity to give it a thorough wipe down with soap and a cloth or a disposable wipe. Make sure to get every corner and crevice, and remove all visible stains and residue build up. If your cleaning cloth is not doing the trick, use a spare toothbrush to eliminate the tough spots.
4. Dry and replace. To prevent mold from growing or unpleasant odors from developing, it is imperative that you completely dry the refrigerator with a towel before replacing everything. If the shelves and drawers are not totally dry, towel them off before putting them back in. When restocking the refrigerator with your food, look at the expiration date of every item and throw away anything that has expired or will expire before you have a chance to eat it. Your refrigerator will now be clean, fresh, and neat!

For all of your other kitchen cleaning needs, you can call The Maids of Dallas at (972) 437-6253. We send teams of four to every cleaning job to ensure that your house is spot-free by the time we leave. We offer same-day appointments, one-room or whole-house cleanings, and recurring visits based on your personal needs. For more cleaning tips and advice, connect with us on social media – we are active on Facebook and Twitter.