Cleaning your refrigerator from top to bottom may seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. One thing to know is if you tidy your refrigerator daily and give it a weekly wipe down, the big spring cleaning should not be so burdensome. Here are some things to do to deep clean your fridge.

First, Turn Off the Fridge and Take Out the Food

Before you do anything else, unplug the fridge and turn it off at the circuit breaker. Then, take out the food. Place it in coolers while you work. Add ice or gel packs to coolers holding food that needs to be kept frozen.

Pull Out the Shelves, Drawers and Bins

Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Then, fill your sink or tub with warm, sudsy water. Put the bins, drawers, and shelves within them, and wash them with a sponge. Don’t put them in the dishwasher.

Clean Behind the Fridge and Clean the Drip Pan

Pull the refrigerator out from the wall, and vacuum behind it. If there are condenser coils back there, clean the coils. You can buy a special brush that’s made to clean refrigerator condenser coils. Clean out the drip pan tray. If there’s moisture in the tray, empty it and then clean it with warm, sudsy water. If there’s mold in the tray, kill it with a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water. Let the tray dry, and vacuum its area before replacing it.

Clean the Interior

Make a solution of baking soda and warm water. Pour it into a spray bottle, and use it to scrub away stains inside of the refrigerator. When the stains are gone, use soapy warm water to clean the rest of the inside of the refrigerator. Always use a sponge and not a scourer to clean the fridge, as a scourer can scratch both the inside and outside of the appliance.

Clean the Outside and Door Seals

Next, clean the outside of the fridge, removing magnets and other items from the door and whatever is stored on the top of the fridge first. You may need a step stool to reach the top of your refrigerator. Be especially careful of the door seals, which can collect debris. Make sure they are sound so as not to let cold air escape. Use hot soapy water to clean the seals and then dry them thoroughly.

Dry the Shelves, Drawers, and Bins and Replace Them

Dry these components and then put them back in the refrigerator. Finally, move the fridge back where it belongs, plug it in, turn it on at the circuit box, and put the food back in.

Call the Pros for More Ways to Keep Your Refrigerator Clean

Spring cleaning your refrigerator isn’t that bad, especially if you make a habit of giving it a regular wipe-down. If you need help with your fridge or other appliance, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at Signature Appliance in Chattanooga, TN.