Tips to clean your refrigerator
The refrigerator stands as the unsung hero of the kitchen, tirelessly preserving our perishables. Yet, within its icy confines, spills, lingering odors, and forgotten items can accumulate over time, compromising its efficiency and cleanliness. Regularly cleaning your refrigerator not only ensures the freshness of your stored goods but also contributes to a healthier kitchen environment. Here's a step-by-step cleaning guide for you.
Clear out your refrigerator
Empty your refrigerator of all food before beginning the cleaning process. Instead of cleaning it in parts, it is easier to start on an empty refrigerator. This will make your work lot simpler and faster. Slowly start removing the refrigerator shelves and trays (if removable) and keep them aside. Begin cleaning the refrigerator's interior in the interim.
Cleaning shelves and drawers
Soak the detatched drawers, wire racks, and shelves into warm water and some dish soap. Before placing any glass parts in hot water, allow them to come to room temperature to prevent cracking. Cover them with a warm, moist cloth for a few minutes to soften any stains. Then wipe the food stains off using a nonabrasive scrubber.
Cleaning the interiors
Now you can focus on the interiors. Avoid using hot water here as this could cause the refrigerator's temperature to rise. The refrigerator's shelf-resting grooves often accumulate food particles and dirt. Pay special attention there. An effective instrument for extracting stale food from these is a cotton bud. Use paper towels or a clean tea towel to dry the interiors of the refrigerator.
Remove fridge odor
There's no worse odor than that of an opened refrigerator that hasn't been cleaned for a while. However, a simple hack can eliminate it. Place half-cut lemons in any section of your refrigerator to prevent unpleasant smells. Alternatively, use essential oils for a persistent fresh scent: dip a cotton ball in your preferred aromatic oil and place it on each shelf.
Clean outer surfaces
Keep in mind that frequent hand contact can spread germs to places on the surface of the refrigerator, such as the handle and door edge. Clean the surface with a damp microfiber cloth first, followed by a dry one. For stubborn dirt, consider using rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a gentle cloth and gently rub the stains with it.
Remember to clean condenser coils
Condenser coils, located at the back of the refrigerator can be easily cleaned. To get rid of the dust, just turn off the refrigerator and vacuum the coils. These coils should be cleaned at least once a year, to keep them from being clogged. Clogged coils means your refrigerator has to work harder which increases your energy consumption which thereby drains your finances.
