How to clean your fridge: A step-by-step guide  

Picture this: you open your fridge after a long day of work and it is nothing short of a crime scene. Spilled leftover food, expired condiments, and an unmistakable smell has taken over. If your refrigerator could talk, it would probably beg for rescue. Fret not! In this guide, we will tell you how to clean your fridge step-by-step taking this daunting chore and making it manageable, maybe even satisfying.

STEP 01: Gather Your Tools

Any work requires the right set of tools and cleaning your refrigerator is no exception. Cleaning grime, stains, and persistent odors can be quite daunting without the right materials. So start with these must-haves:

• Gentle yet effective sponge (We love the soft side of the Sponge Daddy).
• Microfiber cloth
• Mild dish soap
• An unscented and nontoxic all-purpose cleaner like our favorite, Branch Basics. 
• A large sink or bucket of warm water.
• A scrubbing brush or scrubbing side of your sponge for those stubborn, baked-on stains.
• A trash bag to discard expired or unwanted food items.
• Paper towels or a dry microfiber cloth.
  

By ensuring all your supplies are within arm’s reach, you’ll avoid unnecessary interruptions, making the cleaning process smoother.

STEP 02: Empty The Fridge 

Clear out your fridge entirely. Every bottle, jar, and container, no matter how insignificant they seem, needs to be evaluated.

• Start Fresh: Take everything out, shelf by shelf, to ensure no item gets overlooked. This allows you to assess the condition of each product.
• Sort with care: As you remove items, divide them into two categories –  keep and toss. Expired sauces, moldy leftovers, and suspiciously sticky jars go into the “toss” piles.  Salvageable items should be in the “keep” category for reorganizing later. 

• Pro Tip: Keep your perishable goods like cut meat and frozen produce in an ice bucket once you take them out of the refrigerator. This way you can keep your food fresh during the cleaning process.

While this step can be time-consuming, it is crucial for a thorough cleaning. Remember, you need a clean slate to start with.

STEP 03: Scrub Scrub Scrub

Time to use that elbow grease. Scrub down every inch of your fridge’s interior. Remember to unplug your fridge before this step.

• Take out shelves and drawers: First suspects for sticky spills, crumbs, and hardened stains, all of which can hide in these areas. Pull them out and wash them separately in your sink or bucket using warm, soapy water.
• Attack the interior: Spray a cleaning solution across the fridge interior. Make sure whatever you use is unscented and nontoxic – you do not want any of those fragrances or chemicals mixing in with your food!
• Focus on stubborn stains: Hardened gunk or dried spills can be tackled with baking soda. Sprinkle it directly on the stain, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and scrub gently with a brush. A scrubber sponge can be helpful here too – just be careful not to use it on stainless steel or glass.
• Clean door seals and gaskets: Their rubber linings collect grime easily. Wipe them clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Wipe down the exterior: Once you are done cleaning the interior, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. If your fridge is stainless steel, sprinkle some Bon Ami on the soft side of a damp sponge and gently scrub in circular motions. Wipe down with a wet microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain for a shiny finish.

By this point, your fridge should look quite different from when you started. Make sure to take your sweet time with this process. A fridge deep clean is not something you can get around to every day,so when you can carve out time for one, do it thoroughly and carefully. After all, it’s where you store what you need to feed your family!

STEP 04: Defreezing the freezer

Often overlooked, the freezer is the last area of the fridge to be cleaned. Though not as prone to spills as the main compartment, frost can build up, affecting the lifespan of your equipment. Here is how to go about cleaning your freezer:

• Defrost if necessary: If there’s a notable frost buildup, switch off the freezer and open the door to defrost. Put towels beneath to catch melting ice and prevent a watery mess.
• Remove shelves & repeat: Follow the same process used for the fridge in the freezer.
• Wipe and Sanitize: Clean the interior using a gentle all-purpose cleaner like Branch Basics. Be sure to wipe down every surface, including the walls, shelves, and corners.

Giving your freezer the same attention as that of your fridge ensures that every part of your appliance is spotless and ready to use. 

STEP 05: Reorganise Like a Pro

Now that we have deep-cleaned every nook and cranny of our refrigerator, it is time to put everything back in its rightful position. Here is how to go about reorganizing your condiments, produce, dairy, and meat.

• Group similar items: Store dairy, beverages, condiments, and snacks together to make finding things easier.
• Clear storage bins: With transparent bins, you can view what is inside directly. This often reduces food wastage because they won’t be “out of sight, out of mind” anymore.
• Maximize your space: Adjustable shelves allow for greater flexibility. Shift them to accommodate taller items, like juice bottles or meal prep containers.

The secret to keeping a clean refrigerator is in the making of an organization system that works for you and sticking to it.

The Final Reveal: Secrets To Long-Term – Term Maintenance

Congratulations, you now have a clean and odor-free fridge. But the journey doesn’t end here –  maintenance is key to ensuring your hard work isn’t undone. Here are some tips:

• Clean spills at the moment they occur. This helps prevent stubborn stains.
• Check for expired items weekly and throw them out. This helps maintain a clutter-free space.

The best way to maintain a clean fridge is consistency and vigilance. With these habits in place, you’ll never face another fridge crime scene again. And if you ever fall behind in your regular cleaning routine and have no energy to get it, don’t worry! Vella’s skilled housekeepers are here to clean and reorganize your fridge and kitchen. Book a session with us today!

Why Choose Vella?

At Vella, we know just how much time and effort goes into maintaining a clean house. From refrigerator deep cleaning tips to full-house household care, our housekeepers take pride in delivering top-notch service based on your specific needs. Our professional housekeepers are well-versed in the individual requirements of different houses and take the time to understand your needs. 

We only use eco-friendly non-toxic products and are ready to tackle all your cleaning needs. If you’re ready to take your cleaning game up another notch, explore our customizable services today.