As professional home cleaners in London, we’ve seen it all — overflowing cupboards, greasy cookers, and, yes, even the occasional fridge horror story! That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate fridge cleaning guide!
It will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to tackle a dirty and smelly refrigerator, eliminate unpleasant odours that might not be food-related, and even address common problems that could be hindering its performance. Let’s jump into the world of fridge freshness!
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Fridge Cleaning: Conquering the Clutter, Stains, and Dirt
With summer upon us, keeping your fridge clean and well-functioning becomes crucial. We store more food during the warmer months, from barbeque leftovers to refreshing salads, and a clean, well-maintained fridge ensures everything stays delicious and safe to consume. Here’s what to do to sanitise and freshen up your fridge step-by-step:
1. The Great Food Eviction
Before tackling the nooks and crannies, it’s time for a complete fridge inventory. Grab a basket or two and remove everything – yes, everything! This is your chance to identify expired items (guilty of forgetting that jar of mystery chutney in the back?), conduct a food safety check (goodbye, wilted lettuce!), and mentally note what needs restocking.
2. Sorting and Storing
While the fridge is bare, sort through your food and discard anything past its prime. Place leftovers in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or tainting other items. Group similar items together: fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers, dairy products on higher shelves, and meats at the bottom (to prevent any drips from contaminating other items).
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3. Deep Fridge Cleaning
Now comes the fun part (well, almost!). Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
- Microfibre cloths, scrubbing sponges
- Rubber gloves
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (optional)
- Spray bottle
- Dish soap
- Bleach (for the really messy situations)
First things first
Remove all shelves and drawers. Most fridge components are removable for a thorough cleaning. Wash them in warm, soapy water in your sink or the shower.
Pro tip: Avoid boiling hot water, which can warp some plastics.
For the fridge interior
Mix a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap in one bucket. Dip your microfibre cloth, wring it out well to avoid dripping, and wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, door shelves, walls, and the rubber door gasket (a breeding ground for bacteria!).
Tackling sticky stains
Baking soda is your secret weapon against stubborn grime. Apply baking soda and water paste to any sticky areas. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently with a damp microfibre cloth.
Dealing with mouldy patches
Use equal parts white vinegar and water solution on mouldy spots, gaskets, corners, or drip pan. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Deep fridge sanitisation
Power cut while you were on vacation, and now your fridge is filled with spoiled food and rancid or rotten smell? We’ve been there! Everything will be okay, but the fridge needs sanitisation beyond dish soap and baking soda. Mix 1 litre of water with 4 tbsp bleach and wipe every part of the interior. Use gloves when doing this.
Side note from our experienced end of tenancy cleaners who regulalry deal with deep fridge cleaning: If you plan to use any other cleaning products to clean your fridge right after you clean it with bleach, make sure they don’t contain ammonia.
Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve finished cleaning the interior, empty the soapy water bucket and rinse everything down with clean water. Use a fresh microfibre cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Leaving surfaces damp can lead to mould growth.
Read also: 4 Easy Steps to an Impeccably Clean Washing Machine
Exterior Fridge Cleaning
The fridge’s exterior also deserves some TLC:
- Wipe down the surface: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and splashes. For stubborn stains, a diluted vinegar solution often works wonders.
- Tackling greasy splashes: If your fridge is near a cooker, you might find oil or food splashes on the outside. Baking soda paste, oven degreaser, or a solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap can help remove these sticky messes.
Bonus Tip: Removing Children’s Art
We understand that little hands sometimes have a way of “decorating” appliances with stickers; some leave stubborn, sticky, adhesive residues. Here’s how to remove them without damaging the fridge surface:
- Heat it: A hairdryer set on low heat can loosen the adhesive on the sticker. Hold the hairdryer a few inches from the sticker and slowly peel off as the adhesive softens. Be careful not to overheat the surface, especially with stainless steel fridges.
- Treatment with oil: A little vegetable oil can go a long way. Apply a small amount to the edges of the sticker and leave it for a few minutes. The oil will help loosen the adhesive, allowing you to peel it off gently. Afterwards, clean the area with soapy water.
- The dental floss trick: Slide dental floss underneath the edge of the sticker and gently glide it back and forth. It can be a slow process, but it’s effective for removing stubborn stickers without leaving marks.
While these methods work well for existing artwork, a little prevention goes a long way. Consider using designated sticker areas on the fridge, like a small whiteboard section, to channel your little artist’s creativity.
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Dealing with Fridge Funk
Here are the most common sources of foul odours in your fridge and how to deal with them:
- Expired food: This is the most likely culprit. Double-check for forgotten food items, especially behind condiments and crisper drawers.
- Spoiled spills: Clean up any spills promptly to prevent odours and stains.
- Strong-smelling foods: Wrap pungent foods like onions, cheese, and fish in airtight containers to neutralise them. Consider using baking soda as a natural odour absorber in a small open container.
Freshening Up: Beyond the Baking Soda
While baking soda does wonders for most odours, there are instances where it might not be enough. Here are some additional options:
- Coffee grounds: Place a small bowl of fresh coffee grounds in your fridge to absorb strong-smelling odours like fish or garlic. Discard and replace when the coffee grounds lose their potency.
- Lemon halves: Cut a lemon in half and place it on a shelf. The citric acid helps neutralise odours and leaves a pleasant, fresh scent. Replace the lemon halves every few days.
The Mystery Stench
Sometimes, the culprit behind a smelly fridge isn’t a cleaning issue. Here are some additional tips to keep odours at bay: Here are some common culprits:
- Overflowing drip pan: the drip pan that collects condensation can start smelling mouldy or musky over time. Check your manual for its location and clean it regularly.
- Freon leak: If the interior of your appliance reeks of acetone or nail polish, you are most probably facing a more severe issue. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician immediately if you suspect a Freon leak. Freon is a refrigerant gas that can be toxic if inhaled.
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Maintaining Fridge Freshness: A Long-Term Strategy
Now that your fridge is sparkling clean and odour-free, here are some habits to keep it that way:
- Don’t let spills become breeding grounds for bacteria and odours. Address them as soon as they happen.
- Use airtight containers for leftovers and strong-smelling foods. Wrap fruits and vegetables in breathable storage bags.
- Schedule a quick fridge inspection every week. Identify and discard expired food before it becomes a source of odours or potential foodborne illnesses.
- Aim for a thorough fridge clean every 3 months or more often if needed. Deep cleaning ensures a hygienic environment for your food and keeps your fridge functioning optimally.
The Happy House Cleaning: Professional Expertise for Long-Lasting Freshness
Don’t have the time to clean? We can help! Our experienced domestic cleaners in London can do much more than tackle dirty appliances! Call us for a one-off cleanup or regular home cleaning. Let us take care of the cleaning so you can enjoy the summer with your family!