Fridge cleaning is one of those chores people tend to push back to the last minute. You can easily clean, sanitize, and disinfect your fridge with common household items like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda.
In this article, we'll guide you through cleaning your fridge with different household items. Your best bet in creating an all-purpose fridge-cleaning solution is to use baking soda and dishwashing liquid for the best clean!
Removing the Contents of the Fridge Shelves
The first step in the deep cleaning process is to completely empty out your fridge contents. Place all the temperature-sensitive foods in a cooler or another fridge, if possible, and use a basin to prevent condensation from dripping everywhere.
Cleaning out the contents of your fridge allows you to access the back of the fridge, the fridge door, the shelves, and other areas easily. You'll clean better, and get to thoroughly wipe away every spill, stain, and speck of dirt. Start by removing the contents of your fridge - you don't need to shut the appliance off either!
Helpful tip: If you have no other option but to keep the food items inside the fridge, then try condensing all the items in a couple of shelves so you can clean the fridge one shelf at a time.
How to Clean Fridge with Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Using baking soda and dishwashing liquid is a classic method of cleaning the fridge with household items, and may work better than using vinegar and baking soda. Both baking soda and dishwashing liquid are bases, and work together to clean spots and stains unlike acidic vinegar, which may clash with baking soda. Here's how to clean your fridge with baking soda:
Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Solution with Mild Dishwashing Liquid
Create a baking soda solution by mixing together a cup of hot water, 1/3 cup baking soda, and 1/3 cup mild dishwashing liquid, or castile soap. Mix the soapy water solution thoroughly, dissolving the baking soda. This all-purpose cleaner is safe for most surfaces, and can be used on natural stone, stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and other materials as well.
Step 2: Use a Damp Sponge
Carefully dip a clean sponge into the soapy water solution, making sure the solution is cool enough to handle. Wring out the excess solution. Using a clean sponge will help prevent the spread of bacteria, mold, and germs that used kitchen sponges tend to have.
Step 3: Scrub the Fridge Clean
Start scrubbing the fridge clean, starting from the back of the fridge, working your way towards the fridge door. Rinse and clean your sponge as it gets grimey, and dip the sponge in the baking soda solution if it feels dry.
Step 4: Use Baking Soda Paste for Spills and Stains
For spills and food stains that have dried out, use a cleaning paste made with baking soda and water. Mix enough baking soda in water to create a thick paste, then slather the paste directly on stained spots. Leave the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes, and scrub the spot out. The stains should lift away easily.
Step 5: Wipe Away the Baking Soda Solution
Lastly, wipe away the baking soda solution with a clean cloth dipped in warm water. Rinse the cloth a couple of times to remove any remaining cleaning solution, then wipe the fridge dry with a microfiber cloth. Place the food items back into the fridge.
Helpful tip: Place a container filled with dry baking soda inside your fridge, placed in an out-of-the-way location to deodorize your fridge from smelly foods. Baking soda is good in absorbing odors, so change out the baking soda once or twice a month.
How to Clean Glass Fridge Shelves with Vinegar
If your fridge has glass shelves, chances are they have gotten dull and murky over time due to regular use. Using vinegar to clean will keep the fridge fresh, and remove any fingerprints, grime, and mold from the shelves. Vinegar is known to kill mold and mildew as well, and leaves a neutral scent once wiped away.
To clean the fridge with vinegar, simply mix equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar together in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on the fridge shelves, door, and other areas, or use a cloth dampened with the solution to wipe the fridge clean. Spray the solution on door seals and crisper drawers as well to kill mold and mildew spores.
How to Sanitize Refrigerator with Rubbing Alcohol
You can sanitize your cleaned fridge with rubbing alcohol for an extra boost, and to keep bacteria away from your food. Make sure you remove all the food contents from your fridge before doing so as the rubbing alcohol may affect the taste and safety of the food.
Place rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, and spray it directly on the fridge, or use a clean towel dampened with alcohol to spread the solution. Let the solution air dry before placing the food back in the fridge. Make sure to give your fridge a deep clean before sanitizing for the full effect.
How to Maintain a Clean Refrigerator
Cleaning is the first step in maintaining a clean fridge. To keep your appliance sanitized as you use it, consider making a habit out of cleaning up spills immediately, and giving your fridge a weekly wipe down to prevent grime accumulation.
- Place food in airtight containers to prevent pungent odors from wafting around your fridge.
- Clean up spills immediately with a damp cloth.
- Place activated charcoal, cat litter, or fresh coffee grounds in the fridge to eliminate odors.
- Give the fridge a good scrub weekly with a damp cloth.
- Use a wet towel to clean dried spills, then wipe dry with a paper towel.
- Eliminate funky odors from your fridge with a fridge deodorizer, or use a vinegar spray.
- Have your kitchen cleaned on a routine basis to maintain a clean fridge.
Having trouble cleaning your fridge? Our experienced cleaners at Luce Home are here to help! We'll give your kitchen that spotless, squeaky clean finish that will bring you comfort in your own space.
Give us a call today to schedule your next cleaning appointment!
