Cleaning your kitchen is a multistage process. Besides the floors, walls, oven, and countertops, you need to pay special attention to your fridge. The most reliable way to deep clean this appliance is to hire a Broomfield, CO, house cleaning team.
But what if you wanted to put your DIY skills to the test? If so, we’ll point you in the right direction by listing the top 5 steps for deep cleaning your fridge properly – read on!
How do you deep clean a refrigerator?
Scouring your fridge is just as important as other chores, such as cleaning your children’s room to perfection. If a local house cleaning company isn’t available, here’s what you can do to deep clean your fridge on your own:
Collect your cleaning supplies
You can use many commercial products to deep clean your fridge, but natural substances are much safer. One of your best options is vinegar. Mix it with water in your spray bottle, and you’ll get a powerful solution for breaking down grime and grease. Besides vinegar, you also need a microfiber cloth and a scrubby sponge. Additionally, get at least 2-3 microfiber towels.
When it comes to deep cleaning your refrigerator, using natural substances can be a safer alternative to many commercial products. One of the most effective and environmentally friendly options is vinegar. By mixing vinegar with water in a spray bottle, you can create a powerful solution for breaking down grime and grease.
To start the deep cleaning process, gather a few essential items: vinegar, a spray bottle, a microfiber cloth, a scrubby sponge, and 2-3 microfiber towels. These tools will help you tackle different areas of the fridge and ensure a thorough cleaning.
Begin by removing all the items from your fridge and placing them in a cooler to keep them fresh. Next, mix equal parts vinegar and water in the spray bottle. This mixture acts as a natural disinfectant and degreaser. Spray the solution onto the interior surfaces of the fridge, including shelves, drawers, and door compartments. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any tough stains or residue.
Using a microfiber cloth or scrubby sponge, gently scrub the surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Microfiber towels are great for drying and polishing. Wipe down the interior thoroughly, paying attention to corners and crevices where spills and buildup may have occurred.
For stubborn stains or odors, consider using a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, then scrub and rinse it off.
Once you’ve cleaned the interior, don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of the fridge as well. Use the vinegar and water solution along with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, smudges, and any other dirt or stains.
By using natural substances like vinegar and the proper cleaning tools, you can deep clean your fridge effectively while minimizing the use of harsh chemicals. This approach not only ensures a safer environment for your food but also promotes a healthier and more eco-friendly cleaning routine.
Do one shelf at a time
While some homeowners have enough space to empty their fridges before cleaning, this can be problematic. For instance, you might not have a large cooler or backup fridge for storage. In this case, cleaning the appliance one shelf at a time is the best way to preserve your food.
If there are any spills on your shelf, remove the frame or brackets from the glass, depending on the model. Scrub both sides with a sponge and vinegar mixture. Don’t forget about the edges and dry the shelves with your microfiber cloth when you’re done.
Not all homeowners have the luxury of emptying their fridges before cleaning, and that’s understandable. In such cases, cleaning the appliance one shelf at a time is a practical solution that allows you to preserve your food while maintaining cleanliness.
If you come across any spills or stains on your fridge shelves, start by removing the frame or brackets that hold the glass in place, depending on the model of your refrigerator. This will give you better access to clean both sides of the glass effectively.
Create a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bowl. The acidity of vinegar helps break down grime and eliminate odors. Using a sponge or scrubby sponge, dampen it with the vinegar mixture and scrub away any spills or residue on the shelves.
Pay attention to not only the surface of the glass but also the edges and corners where debris might accumulate. These areas are often overlooked but can harbor dirt or dried-on spills.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the shelves, dry them with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber towels are excellent for absorbing moisture and leaving surfaces streak-free, ensuring a clean and polished appearance.
While it may take a bit more time to clean one shelf at a time, this method allows you to maintain the freshness and integrity of your stored food. By using the vinegar and water mixture, along with the proper cleaning tools, you can effectively remove spills and maintain a hygienic environment within your fridge.
Remember, regular maintenance and cleaning of your refrigerator shelves contribute to a healthier kitchen and help prolong the lifespan of your appliance.
Move on to drawers
Fridge drawers are notorious for accumulating debris, especially those that store produce. To clean them in-depth, remove your drawers and put them in your kitchen sink. Add water and soap and let the elements soak for a few minutes.
While your drawers are out of the fridge, scour the floor and walls of the appliance. Do the same for any shelves inside the doors. Wipe shelves and drawers with towels before reinserting them into the refrigerator.
Next, move on to the shelves inside the refrigerator doors. Remove them and clean them separately. Use the soap and water solution to thoroughly wipe down the shelves, removing any lingering food particles or spills.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the floor, walls, and shelves, go back to the sink and scrub the drawers with a sponge or brush to remove any remaining debris. Rinse them thoroughly with water to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Before reinserting the drawers, dry them with clean towels to prevent moisture buildup in the fridge. Ensure the shelves are also dry before placing them back into their respective positions.
By taking the time to clean the fridge drawers, floor, walls, and shelves separately, you can achieve a deep and thorough cleaning of your refrigerator. This not only eliminates any potential odors or bacteria but also provides a fresh and sanitary environment for storing your food.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of these areas help prevent cross-contamination and ensure the longevity of your refrigerator while promoting a healthy and organized kitchen space.
Wipe jars and bottles
There’s no point in deep cleaning your fridge if you put sticky jars and bottles back inside. You’d have to redo the process. To avoid this scenario, make sure all the items are clean before returning them to your fridge. Even if they seem clean, wipe down the bottoms with a moist microfiber cloth.
If any jars or bottles have some grime on the outside, use warm water and a sponge to eliminate it. You may also need to remove the cap to clean the edges or seals.
If you come across jars or bottles with grime on the outside, such as sticky residue or food splatters, it’s best to give them a thorough cleaning. Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Submerge the dirty items and use a sponge or brush to scrub away the grime. Pay attention to the edges and seals, as these areas can harbor residue that may contaminate the fridge if not properly cleaned. If necessary, remove the cap to access hard-to-reach spots.
Rinse the jars and bottles thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains, as this could affect the taste or quality of the stored contents. Allow them to air dry or use a clean towel to dry them before placing them back into the refrigerator.
By taking the extra step to clean your jars and bottles before returning them to the fridge, you maintain a clean and sanitary environment for your food. This helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures that your refrigerator stays fresh and organized for optimal food storage.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the items in your fridge not only promotes food safety but also contributes to a more pleasant and efficient kitchen experience.
Clean the exterior
Once the interior is shiny, spray some vinegar mixture onto the outside of the fridge and clean it with a cloth. Wipe down everything, including the door, seals, handles, and edges. And remember, if the process seems too daunting, hire a professional cleaner. You’ll save yourself a lot of time, and experts will deliver fantastic results the first time around. Navigate effective cleaning with our insightful guide while enjoying top-tier printing services. Your go-to combination for pristine spaces and quality prints.
How can I find a dependable Broomfield, CO, house cleaning professional? Just dial our number!
You’re probably passionate about keeping your Broomfield fridge and the rest of your home in tip-top shape. However, housework is time-consuming and tedious. There are better ways to spend your day, like having a picnic at Lac Amora Park.
While you’re having fun, leave the cleaning to Blue Spruce Maids. We’ll scrub your place according to the highest industry standards, leaving no dust or dirt behind. With us by your side, you’ll no longer need to recruit your spouse or kids to clean the basement, bathroom, or any other part of your house. We’ll take care of all the work. Reach out to us today!