Tips on Cleaning the Refrigerator

Most people can't imagine life without a refrigerator. We keep more and more things in it, with centrally heated comes often having nowhere cold for food, and with manufacturers now routinely recommending that products be stored in the refrigerator after opening. Here are tips on cleaning your refrigerator:

1. Wash the shelves and drawers either by hand in hot, soapy water or by putting them in the dishwasher. Wash the interior of the ref with warm water and baking soda. T remove dried-n bits of food, soften them first with water. Do not attempt to scrape them off because you might pierce the shell of the fridge. Rub stubborn marks with straight baking soda on a damp cloth.

2. Remember to clean the seals because they can harbor mold. If you do spot mold, wipe over with a very weak solution of household bleach. Check the drainage-hole on automatic defrosting models and carefully remove any blockages with a pencil or any similar objects.

3. Baking soda is used because it cleans, disinfects, and is odorless. It is also biodegradable and comparatively non-toxic, so it is the green option. Do not use perfumed detergents - it is amazing how they will linger and taint food. But if the fridge is really dirty, baking soda may not be strong enough. In this case, use warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Rinse with warm plain water and wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel.

4. To keep your refrigerator smelling sweet, tuck a fridge deodorizer into one corner. These contain activated charcoal or a special gel to absorb odors.

5. After cleaning the interior, remove from the ref door all novelty magnets, notices, and pictures of yourself looking fat which are supposed to act as a deterrent when you fancy raiding the fridge at midnight. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and a little detergent.

6. If you go away for a long period of time, empty the ref, switch it off, and leave the door open. This stops it smelling musty.

7. Most modern refrigerators defrost themselves automatically but older ones or those with an ice compartment will still need to be defrosted manually. To do this, switch off the thermostat and unplug the fridge. Empty the fridge and transfer perishable goods to a cooler with some ice packs. Remove the shelves, open the fridge door and leave to defrost. To hasten the process, put a bowl of hot water on one of the shelves. Put newspaper or an old towel in the bottom of the fridge to soak up drips. Once the defrosting is complete, clean the fridge and wipe as above.