How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the heart of the kitchen, quietly humming along as it keeps your food fresh and safe. But let’s be honest: it’s easy to neglect. With spills, expired items, and that mysterious odor that creeps in, your fridge can become a mess in no time.
A little regular care goes a long way, not only to keep your fridge clean but also to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts for years. What’s the best way to clean a refrigerator? Here's a practical guide packed with tips and a simple cleaning schedule to help you keep your refrigerator in tip-top shape.
Why a Refrigerator Clean Out Matters
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s talk about the “why” of it all. A well-maintained fridge is more than just a clean appliance. It’s about:
Food Safety: Proper cleaning prevents bacteria, mold, and other contaminants.
Energy Efficiency: A clean and organized fridge runs more efficiently, saving on energy bills.
Prolonged Lifespan: Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and extend your refrigerator’s life.
Reduced Food Waste: An organized fridge helps you track what you have, so items don’t go bad unnoticed.
How to Clean Your Refrigerator
Here are some of the golden rules to keep your refrigerator in prime condition:
Start Fresh with a Deep Clean
Every once in a while, your fridge deserves a fresh start. A thorough deep cleaning involves:
Unplugging the fridge for safety.
Removing all food items, tossing anything expired or unidentifiable.
Wiping down shelves, bins, and walls with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. For stubborn stains or sticky spots, a paste of baking soda and water works wonders.
Sanitizing with a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar to eliminate bacteria and odors.
Mind the Temperature
Set your refrigerator temperature to 37–40°F and the freezer to 0°F. Use an appliance thermometer if your fridge lacks a built-in display. This ensures your food will stay fresh while minimizing energy consumption.
Organize for Efficiency
A well-organized fridge reduces the amount of time the door is kept open, reducing food waste. Here’s the blueprint for a well-organized fridge:
Top Shelf: Store ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, drinks, and snacks.
Middle Shelves: Keep dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Bottom Shelf: Use this coldest area for raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Try to place them on a tray in case there are any leaks.
Crisper Drawers: Use one for fruits and another for vegetables to control humidity levels and prolong freshness.
Door Shelves: Store condiments, juices, and non-perishables, as this area is slightly warmer. Avoid storing eggs and milk here.
Use Labels and Clear Containers
Transfer leftovers and perishable items into clear containers, and label them with dates. This makes it easy to see what needs to be used up first.
Don’t Overload the Fridge
Overloading your refrigerator blocks air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and higher energy consumption. Although this becomes more challenging as the holidays approach, generally speaking, try to stick to about 70–80% capacity.
Keep Coils Clean
Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, forcing your fridge to work harder. The best way to clean fridge coils is to use a vacuum or a soft brush on them twice a year.
Seal the Deal
Check the door gaskets regularly to ensure they seal properly. A loose or cracked seal can let cold air escape, increasing energy use. Replace the gasket if necessary.
The Ultimate Cleaning Schedule for Your Refrigerator
To keep fridge maintenance stress-free, follow this easy schedule:
Daily Tasks (2–3 Minutes)
Wipe Spills Immediately: Any spills or leaks should be cleaned right away to prevent odors and stains.
Quick Check for Expired Items: Scan the fridge daily, especially for dairy and leftovers.
Weekly Tasks (15 Minutes)
Wipe Down Shelves and Drawers: If you’re wondering how to clean refrigerator shelves, the best plan of attack is to use a damp cloth with mild soap. This should clean any sticky spots.
Rotate and Rearrange Food: Bring older items to the front to ensure they’re used first.
Check Temperature Settings: Confirm your fridge and freezer are at optimal settings.
Monthly Tasks (30–45 Minutes)
Deep Clean One Section: Focus on one area – like the crisper drawers or door shelves – each month. This breaks the task into manageable chunks.
Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda or a few activated charcoal sachets in the fridge to absorb odors.
Inspect Gaskets and Lights: Ensure the door seals tightly and replace light bulbs if needed.
Seasonal Tasks (1–2 Hours)
Full Deep Clean: Empty the fridge, unplug it, and clean every nook and cranny. Defrost the freezer if necessary.
Check Coils: Clean the condenser coils and ensure there’s adequate space around the fridge for ventilation.
Stock Check: Take inventory of what’s in your freezer and toss anything that’s past its prime.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Fridge Care
As we all know, household appliances cost a pretty penny. But, the feeling of a new appliance is worth its weight in gold. Here are a few tips on how to extend the life of our beloved kitchen appliances.
Be Strategic About What You Store
Certain items, like avocados, bananas, and potatoes are best kept out of the fridge. Knowing what belongs in your fridge versus on your countertop can prevent overcrowding.
Avoid Placing Hot Food Inside
Allow cooked food to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Hot items can raise the internal temperature, affecting nearby foods.
Cover Strong Smelling Foods
Store pungent items like onions, garlic, or fish in airtight containers to prevent odors from spreading.
Plan for Power Outages
Keep your freezer full, even if it’s with bottles of water, to maintain a stable temperature during outages. Avoid opening the fridge unnecessarily to preserve cool air.
Troubleshooting Common Fridge Issues
If your fridge starts acting up, here are some quick fixes to try before calling a technician:
Excessive Frost In the Freezer: Check the door seal or defrost it.
Fridge Too Warm: Ensure air vents aren’t blocked and clean the coils.
Water Leaks: Clear the drain tube, which may be clogged.
A Clean Fridge Is Part of Holiday Prep
Our refrigerators work tirelessly to keep our food fresh, so giving it a little TLC is the least we can do. With these practical tips and a simple cleaning schedule, maintaining your fridge will feel less like a chore and more like a smart habit.
Not only will your kitchen feel more organized and your food stay fresher, but your fridge will reward you with better performance and a longer lifespan. Together, let's roll up our sleeves and show your fridges some love, especially before the holiday season goes into full swing.
Stay with us all season long! Our lifestyle tips will help you snag the best deals, prepare the perfect meals, and enjoy your time with your loved ones as we close out 2024 strong!