How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

At first glance, our fridge doesn't look so bad, but let me tell you, it is so dirty. Cleaning it may lookĀ like it's a really big job, but I promise you it isn't.

The Ultimate Refrigerator Cleaning Prep Guide

Cleaning the refrigerator is a task that often gets postponed. But when the time comes to finally tackle it, preparation is key. Before diving into the deep cleaning process, there are several essential steps to ensure the task is efficient and effective. Here's your ultimate guide to prepping for a refrigerator deep clean.

  1. Timing is Everything: Choosing the right time to clean your fridge can make the process smoother. Ideally, schedule your cleaning session right before your next grocery delivery or shopping trip. This ensures that the fridge is as empty as possible, giving you ample space to work. If you have a combined fridge-freezer, aim to have the freezer compartment nearly empty as well. Remember, a regular cleaning routine is crucial. Experts suggest cleaning your fridge every 3 to 4 months. In between these deep cleans, be proactive by wiping up spills immediately and regularly checking for expired items.
  2. Create a Temporary Storage Space: Before you start, clear a sufficient counter-top area to place items from the fridge. It's also a good idea to empty your kitchen sink; it's the perfect spot to hold any wet or dripping items during the cleaning process.
  3. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies: Knowing what to use to clean your fridge is half the battle.

Here's a handy list of essentials:

  • Tablespoons of dish liquid, Vinegar or Baking Soda: These cleaners are safe for food storage areas and effective in removing grime and odors.
  • Spray Bottle: Mix your chosen cleaner with hot water to create a homemade, food-safe cleaning agent.
  • Sponge or Cloth: For scrubbing away stubborn spots and dried-up spills.
  • Microfiber Towel: Place this at the bottom of your fridge during cleaning. It's excellent for absorbing any water droplets that might form.
  • Rubbish/Recycling Bin: Keep this close by. As you clean, you'll likely come across items that need to be thrown away.

In conclusion, a successful refrigerator deep clean starts with proper preparation. By following this guide, you'll ensure that your cleaning session is not only efficient but also thorough. So, gear up, gather your supplies, and get ready to make your fridge sparkle!

Let me show you How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes, and mark that baby off of your list!

how to clean your refrigerator

The kitchen is often said to be the heart of your home. That's definitely true for us, and if the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the refrigerator is the main hub. It holds most of our food and drinks, and I bet ours is opened and closed a gazillion times a day. When your refrigerator gets too full and cluttered, it's hard to know exactly what foods you have, and also harder to plan meals. Getting your refrigerator clean and organized will make meal planning, lunch packing and healthy snacking so much easier. Let's get started!

The first thing you need to do is empty your refrigerator out completely. This is a good time to throw out any old or expired foods, throw out any old leftovers, and take inventory of things you may have multiples of.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Be sure to check the expiration date on all of your condiments, sauces, salad dressings and any other packaged items. Don't forget to check your pickles too!

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Now onto our dirty little secret...well, not really a secret, but it's definitely dirty. This is our meat and cheese drawer. We mostly use it for cheese of all kinds, lunchmeat, hot dogs, sausages and bacon. This drawer gets a ton of use, obviously.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

This is one of the shelves inside of our fridge doors. Can you guess what used to be there? It was BBQ sauce...we have a sick obsession with different types of BBQ sauce.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Now that you've seen the filth, let's move on. Start by removing any pieces that can be removed, except for the main shelves. Remove drawers and any door shelves that you can, and place them near your kitchen sink. Some older models don't have the option to remove the door shelves, so if you have an older model, no worries...just remove the drawers. Our meat and cheese shelf is kind of hard to remove, so I just left in place.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Now, grab a large bowl and add two tablespoons of dish liquid to really warm water. You will need to grab a clean cloth or sponge too.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Gently scrub all surface areas. You may need to use a scrubber to loosen and really tough food spills.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Be sure to lift the glass on the shelves if they are removable and clean under the lips of the glass and where the shelves rest. Once you have wiped down the inside of your refrigerator with the soapy mixture, use a clean towel to dry and remove any moisture.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Time to clean those drawers. Simply take your soapy mixture and use it to clean the insides and outsides of your drawers and removable shelves. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Put all of the clean pieces back into your refrigerator, then stand back and admire your work! I'm telling you, once you've completely cleaned out your fridge, you will be so happy that you did!

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

Cleaning our refrigeratorĀ always feels like just the jumpstart I need to be more aware of the foods that I am eating, and it's the perfect time to organize our refrigerator so that it makes more sense.

Now that the inside of your refrigerator is clean, give the outside a nice wash down with some warm water and dish liquid. For tough stains, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove them.

organized refrigerator

Once your refrigerator is clean, you'll want to organize it, right? Check out my Easy and Inexpensive Refrigerator Organization Ideas HERE...it's a true game changer for meal prep, cooking and lunch packing!

How To Deep Clean A Refrigerator In 15 Minutes

If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, fin How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances and keep them fingerprint and smudge free HERE!

Now that our refrigerators are clean and organized, we can move on to the rest of the kitchen! Next up, pantries and countertops!

Also check out: How do you get spray paint off your hands?

Hundreds of cleaning hacks and home tips from Jess at mom4real.comFind all of my Cleaning Hacks and Home Tips HERE on my Home Tips Page!