As we all know, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook. It’s the hub of the home, where we gather to share meals, swap stories, and make lasting memories. And the heart of this hub? It’s our reliable, always-on-the-job refrigerator. This essential appliance gets a lot of use, and the old food, spills, and grime can build up fast. Luckily, we’re here to guide you on how to deep clean a refrigerator! So, let’s get those sleeves rolled up and dive in. By the end of this, your refrigerator is going to sparkle like the first day you bought it.
The Essentials of How to Deep Clean a Refrigerator
Before we roll up our sleeves and get to work, let’s set the stage, shall we? If you want to learn how to deep clean a refrigerator properly, it involves a few key steps.
Break It Down
Start by emptying out your fridge. Get rid of expired items, leftovers that you’ve been ignoring, and that mysterious container at the back of the fridge. This is your chance to start fresh!
After that, it’s time to remove the shelves and drawers. Most refrigerators allow you to easily slide out or unhook these parts. You can clean these separately in the sink with soap and water.
Cleaning Your Fridge
Now that you’ve got your fridge all cleared out and stripped down, it’s time to get down to business. We’re talking about a good, old-fashioned scrub. How do you deep clean a dirty refrigerator? Here are the steps:
- Make your cleaner: What is the best thing to clean the inside of a refrigerator? Grab some warm water and mix in mild dish soap. This mixture is tough on dirt but easy on your fridge.
- Grab your tools: You’re gonna need a soft cloth or sponge for this mission.
- Get scrubbing: Now, here’s where the elbow grease comes in. Wipe down all surfaces with your soapy water mixture.
- For stubborn stains: We’ve all had that moment where a spill got overlooked, and now it seems like it’s part of the fridge. What is the best product to deep clean a fridge with stubborn stains? Don’t worry; we’ve got a secret weapon: baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and warm water and dip your sponge into it before scrubbing, and you’ll see those tough stains start to give in.
- Don’t forget the hidden spots: The door seals can be a sneaky spot where crumbs like to hide. Get a toothbrush, dip it in your soapy water, and gently scrub to clean these areas.
Rinsing and Drying
After the scrubbing comes the rinsing. Use clean water and a fresh cloth to rinse off the soap mixture. Then, dry everything thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent mildew.
Cleaning the Exterior
We can’t forget about the exterior! Wipe down the outside with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. For stainless steel fridges, you can polish the surface with a little bit of mineral oil on a soft cloth. It’ll shine like new!
Cleaning the Coils
While you’re on a roll with this deep clean, don’t forget about your refrigerator’s coils. These are typically located either on the back of the fridge or underneath it. Over time, they can become coated in dust and other debris, which makes your fridge work harder to keep things cool. You may even experience issues like your fridge not cooling right or your refrigerator freezing your food!
To clean the coils, start by unplugging your fridge for safety. If the coils are at the back, pull the fridge away from the wall. Use a coil brush (you can find these at most home improvement stores) to carefully remove any dust and debris. If the coils are underneath, you might need to remove a grille or kickplate to access them.
Organizing Your Fridge
Now that your fridge is cleaner than a new pin, it’s time to put everything back together. But wait a minute! This is also the perfect opportunity to give a thought to how you’re organizing your refrigerator. A well-organized fridge not only looks good but also helps keep your food fresher for longer. Here’s how you can do it:
- Separate your items: Keep fruits and veggies in their designated drawers, and don’t mix them up. They give off different gases that can cause the other to spoil faster.
- Eye-level is eat-level: Try to keep the items you want to eat more of at eye level. This way, every time you open your fridge, you’re more likely to reach for them.
- Use clear containers: This helps you see what’s inside without having to open them. Plus, it’ll prevent any forgotten leftovers from becoming science experiments!
- Remember the temperature zones: The upper shelves have the most consistent temperatures, while the lower shelves are the coldest. The door is the warmest part of the fridge.
And there you have it; now you know how to deep clean a refrigerator! With your freshly deep-cleaned and organized fridge, you’re all set for simpler, more efficient cooking.
Now if you’re ever having an issue beyond a dirty fridge, that’s where the experts come in. We recommend getting in touch with us at Callahan’s Appliance for any refrigerator service and maintenance needs. We’ve got the knowledge, the tools, and the know-how to get the job done right.
