A Complete Guide On Deep Cleaning Your Fridge

The refrigerator is one of the most used kitchen appliances in any household. It ensures food freshness and less wastage. It is often stocked with fruits, vegetables, condiments, raw and cooked meats, beverages, and leftover food. However, daily wear and tear can lead to food spills and splatters, causing bad odours, lingering germs, and mould infestation. As an essential electrical appliance, a fridge requires routine maintenance and cleaning for optimal performance.

Of course, the entire deep cleaning process can be overwhelming, but it plays a pivotal role in promoting a hygienic environment. To make your much-loved appliance run efficiently, de-clutter regularly and tackle stains and grime proactively. A dirty and overcrowded fridge leads to bad airflow, diminished energy efficiency, and unpleasant stenches.

Fret Not! Here is a comprehensive guide to deep cleaning your refrigerator inside and out using proven methods. The best part is that you don't need fancy and expensive products and tools to achieve sparkling results.

1. Cleaning Materials You’ll Need

You can't win a battle without weapons; the same goes for refrigerator cleaning. Before getting started, ensure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies.

• Sponges
• Assorted brushes (scrub brush, an old toothbrush, etc)
• Microfiber cloth(s)
• White vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Coffee grounds
• Spray bottle

Professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts prefer choosing eco-friendly products over store-bought cleaners. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products and store-bought deodorisers, as they can release toxic gases , leading to hazardous side effects like respiratory disorders and allergies.

2. Empty Your Refrigerator

Start the process by removing everything from your fridge. Make sure you turn off your appliance to prevent electrical hazards. It is good to store perishable food items in a portable cooler until you deep clean.

When de-cluttering, check the expiry dates on the packages and toss stale food in the trash as soon as possible. Following easy cleaning habits can make a world of difference in maintaining a clean and well-organised fridge.

Ensure you wipe down the bottles and jars with a damp cloth to prevent nasty stains and marks. Once the fridge is empty of food items, remove all of the drawers and shelves for deep cleaning.

3. Gently Scrub the Shelves and Drawers

Mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap and one part of warm water in a bucket. Dampen a clean sponge and scrub all sides of the shelves and drawers to dislodge stuck food particles, stubborn stains and spills.

You can also scrub using baking soda paste to effectively remove grease and mould stains. Ensure you rinse the compartments under running water to remove soap residue. Dry the shelves with a clean cloth and keep them aside until you clean the entire appliance.

4. Clean the Interiors With Vinegar

Prepare a DIY cleaning agent by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Next, spray the solution inside your fridge, including the interior walls, built-in side drawers, and grooves, to break down dirt and grime. Let it sit for a few minutes before using a soft cloth.

For stubborn stains in nooks and crannies, use an old toothbrush to scrub the area gently. You can also use a wet sponge to remove the cleaning solution and wipe the area with a dry microfiber cloth.

5. Pay Attention to Exterior Part

Do not forget to check your appliance's manual guide before cleaning the exterior, as instructions and methods may vary. It is always good to use mild dishwashing soap and warm water to remove smudges and gunk from the outer part of your fridge.

If the appliance has streak marks, spray the white vinegar solution and buff the surface with a paper towel. Clean all sides, edges and top of your fridge to leave a great impression on your final rental inspection.

6. Clean the Rubber Gasket

Most people forget to clean the gasket of their fridge. This particular spot tends to collect grime, gunk, and stains, leading to mould and mildew growth if left untreated. To clean the gasket, dip a cotton swab into the white vinegar solution and run it along the gasket's seam. If required, you can repeat the process and dry the area with a microfiber cloth.

Tip: Do not use sharp tools, as applying excess force to dislodge gunk can damage the gasket.

7. Vacuum the Coils

The coils are responsible for keeping your appliance at the preferred temperature. Unfortunately, accumulated dust and gunk can cause your fridge to overwork, leading to higher electricity bills and decreased durability.

To maintain your fridge's efficiency, vacuum clean the coils regularly. Check the manual instructions on how to clean and locate the coils.

8. Clean Under the Appliance

Unplug your fridge and slide it away from the wall to access the underneath area. Ensure you sweep or vacuum the floor under your appliance. A dampened mop is good for thoroughly cleaning the floor. Now, return your fridge to its original position. It is good to include deep cleaning your fridge in a seasonal cleaning checklist for efficient outcomes.

9. Organise and Restock

Once all of the parts of your fridge have been cleaned, take time to re-arrange the shelves and drawers and return food. If an unpleasant smell is still lingering, place a bowl of coffee beans or grounds inside your fridge. This will banish bad odours in a few hours. Ensure you organise all food items systematically to cut down on food waste.

Keep your refrigerator clean and organised at regular intervals. To streamline the entire process without a hint of stress, it is good to outsource a professional end-of-lease cleaning Melbourne service.

How to deep Clean Your Fridge?

Wrapping Up

There is no rocket science behind deep cleaning a refrigerator. Follow this simple and effective guide and address every nook and cranny for sparkling results. Consistency in cleaning can boost efficiency, boosts performance, and saves electricity bills in the long run.