Your refrigerator is a crucial appliance in your kitchen, responsible for preserving the freshness and safety of your food. A fridge must always be cleaner than it already is, especially if you have a child in the house. Lucky for you, we have drafted the ultimate list of cleaning tips for your refrigerator. So, stop worrying, grab hold of that cleaning
sponge, and let’s get cleaning!
Top Tips For Cleaning Out Your Refrigerator
The best cleaning hacks for refrigerators allow you to keep your fridge germ-free while also removing any kind of bad odour that may arise from it. Here is a list of tips for cleaning out your refrigerator:
Create A Home-Made Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution
Switching to an eco-friendly cleaning solution is a small change that makes a significant impact. Not only does it contribute to a healthier environment, but it also keeps harmful chemicals away from the surfaces where you store your food. Try a simple mixture of equal parts vinegar and water with a few tablespoons of baking soda.
Organise Your Fridge The Smart Way
Efficient organisation is the cornerstone of a well-maintained fridge. Start by categorising items, then label your shelves and drawers accordingly. This helps you find what you need quickly while also preventing spills and cross-contamination, ensuring a safer and more organised fridge.
Use Spillage Protection Mats
Spills are inevitable in a refrigerator, but protection mats can make cleanup a breeze. Invest in spillage protection mats for your shelves to contain and easily clean spills. These mats are often washable and save you from the tedious task of scrubbing sticky residues.
Vacuum Clean Your Fridge
Dust tends to accumulate in your refrigerator, affecting its overall hygiene. Regularly vacuuming your fridge with a small nozzle attachment ensures that you reach every corner, including coils, vents, and tight spaces. This simple step contributes significantly to the cleanliness of your appliance.
Place A Box Of Bicarb Soda
Unpleasant odours are a common issue in refrigerators. Combat them naturally by placing an open box of bicarbonate soda on one of the shelves. Bicarb soda is a natural deodoriser that absorbs odours and leaves your fridge smelling fresh.
Wash Shelves And Drawers In A Dishwasher
Cleaning refrigerator shelves and drawers can be tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. Many modern dishwashers are equipped to handle removable fridge components. Place these items in the dishwasher for a quick wash.
Clean With Baby Wipes
Keep a pack of baby wipes in your kitchen for quick and gentle cleaning. Baby wipes effectively remove spills and stains from the surfaces of your fridge without causing any damage, making them a convenient solution for busy households.
Label Opened Food Clearly
Prevent food waste by clearly labelling opened food items with the date of first use. This simple practice helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use items before they expire, minimising waste and saving money.
Weekly Clean The Drip Pan
The drip pan at the bottom of your refrigerator collects water and debris over time. Make it a weekly habit to clean the drip pan to prevent mould growth and maintain a hygienic environment inside your fridge. This small yet essential step contributes to the overall cleanliness of your appliance.
Coffee Grounds And Breath Mints Remove Bad Odours
Eliminate foul odours from your refrigerator with natural smell repellents like coffee grounds or breath mints. Place a small open container with either of these items inside your fridge to absorb unpleasant smells. This hack ensures a consistently fresh-smelling appliance.
Use Dishwashing Liquid
For stubborn stains or grease buildup in your refrigerator, a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water works wonders. Apply the solution with a soft sponge, effectively cutting through grease without harming the refrigerator’s surfaces.
Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Your refrigerator’s air filter is crucial in maintaining fresh and odour-free conditions. Regularly changing the filter ensures proper ventilation and circulation, contributing to the overall freshness of your appliance.
Don’t Forget To Clean The Gaskets
The gaskets on your refrigerator doors are often overlooked during cleaning. However, they play a vital role in maintaining the seal of your fridge. Clean the gaskets regularly to ensure their integrity, prevent cold air from escaping, and maintain energy efficiency.
Air Out Your Fridge After Cleaning
After completing a thorough cleaning session, leave your refrigerator door open. This allows fresh air to circulate inside, eliminating residual odours and ensuring an immaculate and fresh start.
Prevent Grease and Odour Buildup
To ensure a sparkling clean and odour-free space, apply a layer of paste wax on the refrigerator after cleaning. Buffing the wax into the surface creates a protective barrier, preventing the accumulation of grease and lingering odours. This simple step not only maintains a pristine appearance but also makes future cleaning endeavours easier.
Use Toothpaste for Tough Stains
Toothpaste isn’t just for your teeth; it’s a versatile cleaner for your refrigerator surfaces. Its gentle, abrasive nature helps remove tough stains without damaging the finish. Additionally, the pleasant odour of toothpaste leaves a refreshing scent behind, enhancing the overall cleanliness of your appliance.
Dust Bunny Removal Under the Refrigerator
Tackling those elusive dust bunnies under the refrigerator requires a strategic approach. Remove the grill and use a yardstick covered with pantyhose to reach underneath. This method clears away hidden dust and allows you to check the pan of water under the unit, preventing the buildup of unpleasant-smelling water.
Combat Odours with Activated Charcoal
Say goodbye to lingering odours by utilising activated charcoal from an aquarium store. Fill a clean old sock with the charcoal, tie a knot in the top, and place it in the back of the refrigerator. This natural deodoriser lasts for a month. It’s a practical and eco-friendly solution for a fresher-smelling appliance.
Why Are Cleaning Hacks For Refrigerators Important?
Prevent Mould Infestation
Mould thrives in damp and dirty environments, making neglected fridges a perfect breeding ground. By consistently cleaning and sanitising the surfaces, you create an inhospitable environment for mould growth. This not only protects the health of your household but also ensures that your stored food remains uncontaminated, preventing potential health risks.
No Breeding Ground For Germs
A clean refrigerator is a fortress against harmful bacteria and germs. Without proper cleaning, spilled liquids, food residues, and other contaminants become breeding grounds for these microscopic threats. Maintaining a clean environment within your fridge minimises the potential for bacterial proliferation, contributing to a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Improves Machine Longevity
Routine cleaning and maintenance are like giving your refrigerator a health check. A well-maintained appliance is less likely to malfunction and breakdown, translating to substantial savings on repair and replacement costs.
Dirt and debris can strain the internal components of your fridge, leading to inefficient operation and increased wear and tear. By dedicating time to regular cleaning, you extend the lifespan of your refrigerator, ensuring it remains a reliable kitchen companion for years to come.
Keeps Your Groceries Fresh
A clean and organised fridge isn’t just about appearances; it directly impacts the freshness and longevity of your groceries. Unpleasant odours, spills, and cross-contamination can compromise the quality of your stored food.
By implementing effective cleaning hacks, you create an environment that preserves the freshness of your groceries for a more extended period. This not only reduces food waste but also saves you money by minimising the need for frequent grocery shopping trips.
Energy Efficient
An efficiently cleaned and organized refrigerator in sydney operates more smoothly and consumes less energy. When the coils, vents, and internal components are free from dirt and debris, the appliance doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain optimal temperatures. By reducing energy consumption, you contribute to the overall effort to minimise environmental impact and promote a greener planet.
Final Words
By following these simple tips for cleaning out your refrigerator, you can keep it in top shape while ensuring that your food is safe to eat and free from any unpleasant smells.
So, why wait? Grab your cleaning supplies and start implementing these tips today for a cleaner, healthier, and more organised refrigerator!