The kitchen is the room where it all happens, and your refrigerator is the star. Unfortunately, it's only a matter of time before there is a spill or leak in the fridge. Sometimes you can catch it, but oftentimes little messes happen, and you won’t notice until it's a sticky situation. We’re here to help you find the best way to clean out and maintain your refrigerator.
According to the CDC, it is recommended that you clean out your refrigerator at least once a month. This will help eliminate any bacteria and germ build-up from transferring from your fridge to your food. For a simple clean all you will need is:
- Sealed Bags
- Hot, Soapy Water
- Clean Towels
- Vinegar (optional)
- Ammonia (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
First, you’ll want to clean out any expired or recalled food by simply putting the food in a sealed bag and disposing of it. From there remove the shelves and drawers and put them in a sink to be washed. With hot water and soap take a sponge or clean towel and wash both sides of the shelves and drawers. While the drawers and shelves are drying you can clean the inside of the fridge with hot soapy water and clean. Be sure to get the sides, top, and bottom of the fridge including the little light bulb. For more in-depth cleaning you make a mixture using a gallon of hot water, 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar, and ¼-cup baking soda. For tough stains try using toothpaste to gently buff out the stain. Once everything is clean, dry off the shelves, drawers, and inside of the refrigerator with a dry towel.
Once your fridge is sparkly clean you’ll want to keep it that way for as long as you can. A good way to maintain it is by putting paste wax on the shelves to prevent grease build-up, stains, and odors. Another way to keep your fridge fresh is by keeping a box of baking soda in corner or adding vanilla extract to a few cotton balls and placing them throughout the refrigerator.
Messes are always going to happen, especially in your refrigerator. The best way to stay on top of the leaks and spills is by keeping the fridge as clean as possible. Remember to clean it once a month and deep clean your fridge once every three months. All of these steps combined will help keep your fridge germ free and sparkly clean, so clean you can eat off it.