Our Guide on How Often You Should Do a Fridge Cleaning
Once you have a fridge, it is easy to forget about it—most companies design units to have maximum durability and longevity. However, it is not enough to think about how much it costs for a fridge to run—maintenance means keeping your unit clean and tidying up spilled food, forgotten items, and small jars and packages from takeout meals. Here is our guide to help you start a cleaning schedule.
Frequent cleaning – daily or weekly
Wipe the trays and drawers of your fridge at least once a week. This helps prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, which leads to odors and slimy surfaces. If possible, take the trays and drawers out and wash these in the sink or in your yard. If not, strive for at least a weekly wipe down before you restock your unit with groceries.
Throw out spoiled food or items that you can no longer use—these will only crowd your fridge up and prevent you from maximizing your storage. What’s more, keeping expired food makes you prone to bacterial infestations.
Also, clean up spills as soon as possible. Use a sponge or damp cloth to mop up the liquid—if you leave the mess alone, it will get harder to remove. In addition, you should clean your fridge’s exteriors every so often. Pay attention to finger smudges and small stains on the handles or near the edges people use to open and close the unit door.
Occasional cleaning – monthly
Cleaning the top of the fridge is essential in keeping it clean. This area often turns into a catch all for knickknacks and packages, which makes it prone to collecting dust and grime. Wipe down this area at least once a month. You should also sweep and vacuum underneath the fridge, and pull the fridge away from the wall when you do.
Watch out for habits that keep your fridge’s electricity consumption high, such as leaving the doors open. If your fridge pops open intermittently, you need to check the door seals. Always clean this area with a damp washcloth—rubber seals can collect spills and food fragments, which might be affecting your door’s ability to stay sealed.
Deep cleaning – semi-annually
Aside from monthly and weekly cleanings, you should also have a deep cleaning session at least twice a year. During these sessions, you can perform your regular cleaning tasks with an additional wipe-down with diluted vinegar. Using a solution like this lets you disinfect your fridge without leaving a harmful chemical residue.
When deep cleaning, you must also attend to the dust coils. As time passes, your fridge’s condenser coils might collect dirt and dust, which keeps it from running optimally. These are usually under the refrigerator, or at the back of the unit. When cleaning these areas, you must unplug your fridge and vacuum up the dirt.
Alternatively, you can use a coil brush specifically for collecting dirt, hair, and dust balls. Coil brushes are long bristled brushes that are flexible enough to fit crevices. You can get these at any hardware store.
Conclusion
The fridge is among the most used and neglected kitchen appliances. If you seize up with embarrassment when a house visitor opens your fridge, or when you do not remember the last time you saw the rear of your refrigerator, it may be time for a cleaning.
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