The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in our homes, responsible for keeping our food fresh and safe to eat. However, it’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning the inside of the refrigerator regularly. A dirty refrigerator can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can contaminate our food and even pose health risks. Moreover, a clean refrigerator not only looks better but also helps to maintain its efficiency and extend its lifespan. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to clean inside of refrigerator, including tips, techniques, and best practices.
Preparation is Key
Before you start cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, it’s essential to prepare yourself and your space. Here are a few things you should do:
- Take out all the contents of the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and bins.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals or bacteria.
- Clear a large, flat surface to lay out all the items you’ve removed from the refrigerator.
Removing Large Items
Once you’ve prepared yourself and your space, it’s time to start removing large items from the refrigerator. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Shelves and Drawers: Remove all shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash them in warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
Crates and Baskets: Remove any crates or baskets from the refrigerator and wash them in warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
Cleaning the Walls and Floor
Now that you’ve removed all the large items from the refrigerator, it’s time to clean the walls and floor. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Walls: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the walls of the refrigerator. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Floor: Use a mixture of equal parts water and baking soda to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime on the floor of the refrigerator. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Cleaning the Shelves and Drawers
Now that you’ve cleaned the walls and floor, it’s time to clean the shelves and drawers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Shelves: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the shelves of the refrigerator. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Drawers: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the drawers of the refrigerator. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Cleaning the Crates and Baskets
Now that you’ve cleaned the shelves and drawers, it’s time to clean the crates and baskets. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Crates: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the crates of the refrigerator. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Baskets: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the baskets of the refrigerator. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Reassembling the Refrigerator
Now that you’ve cleaned the inside of the refrigerator, it’s time to reassemble everything. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Shelves and Drawers: Put the shelves and drawers back in the refrigerator, making sure they are securely in place.
Crates and Baskets: Put the crates and baskets back in the refrigerator, making sure they are securely in place.
Contents: Put all the contents back in the refrigerator, making sure everything is organized and easy to find.
Recap and Conclusion
Cleaning the inside of the refrigerator is an important task that should be done regularly to keep your food fresh and your appliance running efficiently. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can keep your refrigerator clean and in good working order. Remember to always wash your hands before and after cleaning, and to use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the walls, floor, shelves, drawers, crates, and baskets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to clean the inside of my refrigerator?
A: The best way to clean the inside of your refrigerator is to remove all the contents, wash your hands, and put on a pair of rubber gloves. Then, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the walls, floor, shelves, drawers, crates, and baskets. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Q: How often should I clean the inside of my refrigerator?
A: It’s a good idea to clean the inside of your refrigerator every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use it. If you notice any spills or stains, it’s a good idea to clean them up as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming stubborn stains.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean the inside of my refrigerator?
A: No, it’s not recommended to use bleach to clean the inside of your refrigerator. Bleach can damage the surfaces and leave a harsh chemical smell. Instead, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the inside of your refrigerator.
Q: How can I prevent mold and mildew from growing in my refrigerator?
A: To prevent mold and mildew from growing in your refrigerator, make sure to clean it regularly and dry it thoroughly after cleaning. You can also use a dehumidifier or a product specifically designed to prevent mold and mildew growth in refrigerators.
Q: Can I clean the inside of my refrigerator with a dishwasher?
A: No, it’s not recommended to clean the inside of your refrigerator with a dishwasher. The high heat and harsh chemicals in the dishwasher can damage the surfaces and leave a harsh chemical smell. Instead, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the inside of your refrigerator.