Cleaning Your Fridge

The annual event of cleaning your fridge may not quite be annual for some people. However, a fridge sees a lot of use and abuse and cleaning it should be on your short list. Like any other appliance in your home, maintenance and cleaning are essential for proper operation.

A dirty fridge looks downright disgusting at times and remember you are storing food that you will eat in the fridge. This reason as well as many other reason suggest fridge cleaning should be something that you do often. A fridge is in fact more efficient if it is clean both inside and out.

To clean your fridge you will only need a few things. A disinfectant spray, some paper towel, and a long handled dust brush should do the job.

Begin by removing all of the items inside your fridge. Don't worry, they won't be left out for long. Once your fridge is empty, remove the shelves or racks for cleaning. Clean each rack in the sink with hot soapy water. Once clean, spray disinfectant on the shelves or racks to kill any remaining bacteria.

While the shelves or racks are drying, clean the inside of your fridge with a disinfectant spray and paper towel. Remove any dirt or food particles. Continue until the fridge is cleaned. It is satisfying to see the inside of a spotless fridge. Knowing that your food will not be contaminated by a dirty fridge should make you feel good about your cleaning job.

Now focus on the outside. The most important part to clean is the condenser unit which is located underneath on a side by side fridge and usually in back of a traditional freezer on top fridge. You need to remove the dust build up on the condenser so it can operate efficiently. To remove the dust, take a long handled duster and loosen any dust. Follow by vacuuming the area with a hose and extension.

Replace the shelves or rack and put the food items back in the fridge. Now is a good time to check any expiration dates and discard items out of date.

You have completed cleaning your fridge. I recommend doing this at least twice a year to keep you fridge in good operating condition. A clean fridge is also an efficient fridge. A fridge, in general consumes more energy than any other appliance in your home. Doing your part to keep its energy consumption as low as possible should help you save a few dollars on your electric bill.