Effective Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Refrigerator

Maintaining your refrigerator is essential for keeping your food fresh and hygienic. Poor refrigeration can lead to contamination and foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. If you’re wondering how to clean your refrigerator efficiently, PuroClean of Northeast Houston – Beltway has you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide practical tips for organizing, cleaning shelves and drawers, and eliminating odors from your fridge, ensuring it stays fresh and functional.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator: Step-by-Step Guide

Empty and Sort Your Contents

The first step in cleaning your refrigerator is to empty it completely. We know this can be a process. Remove all food items and sort them. Discard any expired or spoiled items, and place perishable goods in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh during the cleaning process.

Remove and Clean Shelves and Drawers

Next, remove all removable shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge. For stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water. Remember to rinse thoroughly and let them dry.

Take out any removable shelves and drawers that could be hiding stains or rotten food. 

Clean the Interior

Spray or wipe clean the refrigerator’s interior. Wipe down all surfaces, including walls, shelves, and door seals. Pay special attention to corners and crevices.

Eliminate Odors

To keep your refrigerator smelling fresh, place an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally. 

How to Organize Your Refrigerator

Clear containers will help you check food before it goes bad. 

Organizing your refrigerator is the next step to maintaining cleanliness and efficiency. Here are some tips:

• Group Similar Items Together: Keep your dairy, meats, fruits, and vegetables in separate sections to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use Clear Containers: Store leftovers and prepped foods in clear, airtight containers so you can easily see what’s inside and reduce food waste.
• Label and Date: Label and date all stored items to keep track of their freshness.
• Adjust Shelves: Adjust the height of shelves to accommodate taller items or create more space as needed.

Clean the Exterior

Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your refrigerator. Wipe the doors, handles, and sides with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove fingerprints and smudges for stainless steel surfaces.

Maintain Regularly

To keep your refrigerator in the best condition, aim to clean it every 3 to 4 months. Regularly wipe up spills and check for expired items weekly to maintain cleanliness and organization.

Additional Tips for Refrigerator Maintenance

• Check the Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) to keep food fresh and safe.
• Defrost the Freezer: If you have a manual defrost freezer, defrost it regularly to prevent ice buildup.
• Clean the Condenser Coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, making your refrigerator work harder. To improve efficiency, vacuum the coils at least twice a year.

Choose PuroClean of Northeast Houston – Beltway for your Property Restoration Today!

Following these cleaning steps, you can maintain a hygienic and well-organized fridge that keeps your kitchen running smoothly. Regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your refrigerator. Need help with your refrigerator or other property damage? Call PuroClean of Northeast Houston – Beltway at (713) 250-8800 or visit our website to see our services.