The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Fridge: Step-by-Step Process
Are you tired of facing the chaos of expired food, sticky spills, and lingering odors every time you open your fridge? It’s time to tackle the challenge with a deep clean! A well-organized and thoroughly sanitized fridge not only presents a more inviting sight but also plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness of your food for longer periods. But where do you even begin this daunting task?
Worry not! Our comprehensive guide is here to walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you can transform your fridge into a pristine haven in no time. From clearing out the clutter to scrubbing away stubborn stains, we’ve got you covered. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your cleaning supplies, and bid farewell to those mystery stains once and for all. Let’s embark on this journey to reclaim the cleanliness and freshness of your fridge!
Step 1: Gather Supplies Needed
To deep clean your fridge, you must first gather the supplies needed. These supplies may include gloves, a sponge, dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, a curved spatula, and a toothbrush.
Additionally, if you have any shelves or drawers that need removal, make sure to have a container available to place them in. When gathering these items, ensure that they are all food-safe, non-toxic, and odor-free.
Also, think about your work area before beginning. Make sure to clear out a space to have all the supplies and food readily available. Having the necessary supplies and a designated workspace will make deep cleaning your fridge a much easier and more efficient process.
Step 2: Empty and Unplug the Fridge
If your fridge is anything like ours, it’s full of food and who knows how old some of it is? The first step to deep cleaning your fridge is to empty it.
Take everything out, including the shelves and drawers, and give them a good wipe-down. Don’t forget to unplug the fridge before you start cleaning!
Now, there might be scenarios where a thorough cleaning is an absolute necessity, such as when preparing for a relocation, in which case enlisting the assistance of professionals can be a game-changer. If you find yourself in such a situation, considering the expertise of a move out cleaning service in nyc (or corresponding to your location) could be a wise move, as they possess the skills and experience to meticulously clean your fridge and other appliances, ensuring a seamless transition to your new abode.
Step 3: Remove and Clean Drawers, Shelves, and Bins
Removing and cleaning drawer shelves and bins is a critical step in deep cleaning your fridge. First, remove shelves and bins from the fridge and then run them through the dishwasher or clean them with warm soapy water and a scouring cloth.
If needed, you can use a natural cleanser such as baking soda and vinegar to remove stubborn stains and odors. After cleaning, you want to thoroughly rinse and completely dry all components before returning them to the fridge.
Next, if you can, line your shelves and bins with wax paper, aluminum foil, or cling wrap. This will help protect them from moisture, odors, and possible spills.
Finally, if your refrigerator has adjustable shelves be sure to return them to their original position before placing all bins and shelves back in the refrigerator. With these steps, you can easily deep clean your fridge and keep it smelling fresh and clean.
Step 4: Clean the Interior Walls
Before you start cleaning the interior walls of your fridge, make sure to unplug it and empty it completely. Once it’s empty, remove any shelves or drawers that are inside. If your fridge has a built-in water and ice dispenser, be sure to disconnect the water line before starting the cleaning process.
To clean the interior walls of your fridge, start by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild bleach solution to help remove them. Once you’ve wiped down all the surfaces, be sure to rinse them off with clean water.
Step 5: Replace Drawers, Shelves, and Bins in the Fridge as Needed
Replacing drawers, shelves, and bins in the fridge should be considered as part of your deep-cleaning process. Start by assessing the condition of the drawers and shelves. If they look worn or cracked, it’s time to replace them.
Look to replace like for like, for example, a glass shelf for a glass shelf, and make sure the new drawers and shelves fit the fridge. It’s essential to use the correct tools, such as a screwdriver, to disassemble the old shelf and drawer and install the new one. Using the correct tools will help to avoid damaging components of the fridge in the process.
It’s also essential to wipe away any dust, dirt, and debris from the excess parts left over from the old drawers and shelves before going ahead with the replacements. Once the replacements are fitted, you then have to cover any gaps and corner seams with insulation foam to stop cold air leakage.
Step 6: Reassemble and Plug-In Refrigerator
Last but not least, once you’ve gone through all the cleaning steps, it’s time to reassemble and plug in your fridge. Start by replacing all the drawers and shelves, taking care not to damage any of the items inside.
Next, reinstall the lower panel and plug in your fridge. Make sure to verify that the electricity is working by checking to see if the light is on.
Lastly, give the door handle a good clean and make sure the doors can open and close properly. And that’s it! You can now bask in the joy of a cleaner, neater, and hopefully cooler fridge.
