Having one of the best refrigerators is essential to keep our food and perishable products refrigerated and for longer. And because it is used daily, the refrigerator is often prone to spills, leaks or stains that can cause bacteria and bad odors.
That is why it is so important to know how to clean a refrigerator properly to ensure it stays clean, germ-free and works well. But do you clean your refrigerator often enough? If you can’t remember the last time you deep cleaned your refrigerator, then the answer is probably no; However, it doesn’t have to be a huge task.
According to experts, the refrigerator is the only appliance that should be cleaned more than we give it and should be part of a regular home care routine. In fact, not cleaning enough is one of the most common problems. refrigerator errors we do often.
So before you start tackling your kitchen, here’s how often you should clean your refrigerator, according to one expert, and his top tips.
How often should you clean your refrigerator?
Whether you have a large refrigerator, family size refrigerator, a compact refrigerator, or even a smart refrigerator, it is prone to getting dirty from time to time. “Try to clean your refrigerator once or twice a month and avoid common mistakes like using abrasive sponges or not following the manufacturer’s guidelines, including changing the filter regularly,” says Peter Hansen, hospitality industry expert and co-owner of Sparrow farm management.
Before doing a deep clean, it’s always best to tidy up your refrigerator by getting rid of expired, old, or unused food hiding in the back. “Ensure a thorough refrigerator cleaning by first discarding expired food and anything it has touched and sealing it in a bag for disposal.” Removing all items will also make the cleaning process easier and free up space.
Expert Tips for Cleaning Your Refrigerator
Biweekly cleanings
Experts suggest that biweekly scrubs can help you maintain a clean refrigerator. Ideally, before your next purchase, you should quickly wipe down the shelves or compartments with a soapy cloth or antibacterial wipe.
“Just because your refrigerator doesn’t smell doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be cleaned. This misconception can lead to overlooking nooks and crannies where bacteria and mold thrive, affecting food quality and safety,” says Hansen.
“Remove all items from your refrigerator every two weeks (checking expiration dates as you go) and thoroughly clean the inside. Be sure to pay attention to drawers and shelves where spills tend to accumulate.
Then, remove the remaining items and shelves, washing them by hand with hot soapy water before drying. Clean the empty interior with hot soapy water, then rinse with clean water and dry. Replace shelves and drawers and clean the exterior. Remember to wash your hands afterwards and clean the surfaces used.”
Before you make the purchase, you will also benefit from these 5 tips to organize your refrigerator so that food lasts longer.
Burn ice from the freezer every 90 days
Another important tip is to remember to defrost the freezer. According to experts, this should be done every 90 days. “Don’t worry. This doesn’t actually involve burning anything. Instead, you defrost your freezer to prevent ice buildup, which can affect the efficiency of your appliance.
“To burn off the ice, turn off the refrigerator, remove all items, and let the ice melt naturally. Clean the freezer well and then return all items so you have a freezer in perfect condition all year round,” says Hansen.
Before replacing items, beware of these 18 Foods You Should Never Store in the Freezer and 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Overfill Your Freezer.
Inspect and clean seals every month.
One area we often forget to clean thoroughly are the rubber seals around the refrigerator and door; These usually hide food particles, everyday dirt, and even mold. Through regular cleaning, this will also maintain an airtight seal and keep your refrigerator in good condition.
“Gaskets are often overlooked, but it is actually a good idea to clean them every month with a soft brush and a mixture of water and White vinegar to keep the doors sealed properly,” advises Hansen. “This helps your refrigerator seal properly, keeping food fresh and preventing any problems with your refrigerator.”
Also, take a cloth with the same solution to clean the outside of your refrigerator, removing any spills, stains, or dirty fingerprints. Pay close attention to the handles, where bacteria can accumulate, and even the top of the refrigerator, which is often neglected.
Review refrigerator organization and storage habits.
While it may be tempting to fill our refrigerator with food or batch cooking containers, it is important that we keep it well organized, without overcrowding it.
“Once a year, take the time to reevaluate how you organize your refrigerator,” suggests Hansen. “Keeping it well organized will make cleaning easier and improve air circulation and appliance efficiency. Consider the items best suited for different ps and drawers based on temperature and humidity levels.”
How to banish odors from the refrigerator
If your refrigerator has lingering smells of something bad, certain foods, or spills, a good tip is to leave a small bowl or mold of baking soda in the fridge. Baking soda absorbs odors and is a natural cleaning and deodorizing agent.
- Further, These are foods that you should never put in the refrigerator.
- If you’re cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator, here’s how to clean stainless steel.
- And these are 7 ultimate spring cleaning tricks that experts swear by.
