Beyond the Basics: Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator Inside and Out

The kitchen is the heart of the house, and your refrigerator is the fuel that keeps you and your family going. We seldom clean the refrigerators. Today being the National Clean Out Your Fridge Day, it's a good idea to give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning and organization.

Inside The Refrigerator:

Begin by inspecting the seals on your refrigerator doors, as a pristine and intact seal is crucial for maintaining food safety. To eliminate grime and stubborn food residue in the seal crevices, use a toothbrush dipped in warm water to scrub them nice and clean. To assess the seal's effectiveness, check if a dollar bill can be securely held in place when the door is closed. Now, proceed with the overall cleaning of your fridge:

• Take out the shelves and drawers.
• Clean each component using warm soapy water, ensuring thorough rinsing, and then dry with a towel.
• Wipe down the interior of the fridge using warm soapy water, starting from the top and working your way down.
• For stubborn stains, create a paste by combining baking powder and water, applying it to the affected areas.
• Conclude the cleaning process by wiping down all surfaces inside your refrigerator with a clean, damp cloth.

Outside The Refrigerator:

Cleaning the outside of a fridge is more than just about looks. There are things you can clean on the outside that affect your health — and your refrigerator’s ability to keep food cold. From the germy buildup on a fridge’s handles to the bottom kick plate, here’s how to clean the outside of your fridge:

• Eliminate accumulated greasy dust from the top of the refrigerator.
• Take out the water dispenser tray and cleanse it with a mixture of hot, soapy water and vinegar for thorough cleaning and disinfection. (By the way, when did you last replace your filter for the water dispenser?)
• Cleanse the front and sides of your refrigerator using soapy water and use a glass cleaner to eradicate smudges and fingerprints on stainless steel surfaces.
• Detach the bottom kick plate, wash it in the sink with hot, soapy water, and ensure it is thoroughly dried.

Your fridge should look pretty good by now, but there’s one more cleaning step to help your fridge work less and last longer. Tackle the dust by giving the coils a gentle cleaning twice a year. Condenser coils are usually on the back of the fridge or behind the bottom front grill. Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment and use a long-handled brush made for this purpose.

Keeping Fridge clean and healthy between deep cleanings?

• Discard expired food weekly: Regularly inspect your fridge contents and dispose of any spoiled produce. While jarred items and condiments have a longer shelf life, if they've been in your refrigerator for an extended period beyond expiration date, it's best to throw them out.
• Wipe down drippy or sticky items: Before returning condiment bottles or beverage containers to the fridge, give them a quick wipe with a warm washcloth. This is especially important for items like ketchup, hot sauce, and mustard, which tend to be messy. Address any drips promptly to prevent them from settling on your shelves.
• Line shelves and crisper drawers: Avoid messes by proactively lining shelves with press and seal wrap or plastic mats. Use paper towels to line crisper drawers, helping absorb excess moisture and extending the freshness of your fruits and vegetables.
• Designate a leftover night: Combat food waste by dedicating at least one night a week to leftovers. Allow your family to choose from existing leftovers, including salad mixes, deli meats, and cheeses. This not only reduces the amount of discarded food but also saves time and money.
• Find an organization system that suits you: Explore various organization methods, such as using plastic tubs or bins to group similar items. Choose the system that simplifies your fridge organization.

Follow these tips for a thorough refrigerator clean, maintaining its freshness for months to come and to free you from frequent maintenance process, Airport Home Appliance carries a wide range of refrigeration appliances that cater to every need, style, and space, ensuring you find the perfect fridge for your home.

With eight categories of refrigerator, over 80+ brands, and hundreds of different features, you can be sure to find the ideal refrigerator for your needs at www.airportappliance.com. Our comprehensive selection of French Door Refrigerators, Side By Side Refrigerators, Top Freezer Refrigerators, Bottom Freezer Refrigerators, Freezers and ice Makers, Freezerless Refrigerators, Wine Cooler Beverage Centers, and Built-in Refrigerators come equipped with the latest technologies to keep your fridge not only clean but also last for longer.