This coming Sunday, Nov. 15, is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day – the perfect opportunity to get your fridge organized before the holidays arrive. A clean fridge is a healthy fridge. Plus, you can easily find the food and ingredients you need in a neatly arranged refrigerator, reducing the time you spend preparing meals.

Experts recommend that you clean your fridge every three months. An easy reminder is to do the chore at the start of each season. The process can take an hour or two, depending on the size and condition of your fridge. It’s a great activity for everyone in the household to help with. Like the old adage says: Many hands make light work.

Before you get started, check your fridge’s owner’s manual for cleaning instructions and warnings about any cleansing solutions that could damage the fridge. If you can’t find the manual, try searching online for a copy.

Cleaning Inside the Fridge

First, turn off your fridge. Remove all of the food items, sort them and place the ones you want to keep in coolers (for up to two hours) to maintain their temperature while you clean. As you sort, examine each item and discard anything that’s expired or spoiled.

Once the fridge has been emptied of food, remove the drawers and shelves. Allow them to come to room temperature before you start cleaning them.

Use a cleaning solution and rags to wipe the inside of the fridge and any pieces that cannot be removed. A spare toothbrush can help to scrub out smaller cracks and crevices.

In general, the following cleaning solutions are safe to use on most fridges and removable components:

• A 1:1 solution of white vinegar to water in a spray bottle
• Two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water, applied with a wet rag
• Hot, soapy water applied with a rag

Make sure to wipe away the baking soda mixture or hot, soapy water with a wet dishcloth. Air dry or use a clean towel to dry all parts before reassembling.

If your fridge has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, check your manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning those components. Inspect any water filters and change those if necessary.

Cleaning the Outside of the Fridge

Once the inside is clean, it’s time to move on to the rest of the fridge. Take everything off the top and front of the fridge. Wipe the outside and top of the fridge to remove dust and food debris. Pay special attention to the handles, as those are high touch points.

Don’t forget to clean under and behind the fridge, as well. Carefully pull the unit out from the wall and use a vacuum to suck up dust left behind. Check the owner’s manual for information about where the condenser coils are located (usually underneath or behind the fridge) and dust those.

Putting It Back Together

When everything is dry, push the fridge back into place and connect the power. Reinsert the drawers and shelves. Take the food out of the temporary coolers and restock the fridge.

Then, sit back and relax, knowing you’ve tackled an often overlooked – but important – part of maintaining your living space.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
GE Appliances
Whirlpool