When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? Like, REALLY cleaned it? (Throwing away one bottle of old milk doesn’t count.) Most of us have no idea where to start, and yeah, it can take a little work, time, and know-how. But we guarantee cleaning your fridge will make you a lot more excited about spending time in the kitchen. The best part? It’s actually pretty easy. Here’s how.
1. Out with the old.
First things first. Make some room. Take everything out of your fridge! Yep, even that bottle of ketchup from 2006. Any food you want to keep can go in a cooler, but it’s ok to toss the old stuff — cleaning your fridge is a fresh start!
2. Time for a soak.
Now that the food is gone, take out the drawers and shelves. (Just ignore those bits of onion peel and lettuce that have been there since you moved in.) Next, soak those drawers in dish soap and warm water. If they won’t fit in the sink, try filling a cooler or large plastic container. They should only have to soak for a few minutes, but some of those tougher stains might need a little longer.
3. Clean the inside.
The messiest part of your fridge is probably still inside. Sticky sauce on the walls. Crumbs on the bottom. Ew.
Before you start cleaning, be sure you grab a brand new sponge. Old sponges can get a ton of gross bacteria built up inside. You can totally just use dish soap and warm water to clean, but if you’re feeling extra earthy, you can also use natural cleaning products like vinegar or baking soda. (One easy way to use natural cleaners is mixing vinegar and water in an old spray bottle. A 1:1 ratio works great, but you can add more vinegar for a stronger mix.) Definitely avoid disinfectants, chemicals, or bleach-based cleaners. Don’t want those anywhere near your food.
4. Get the tough stuff.
If you’ve really procrastinated, there’s probably some crusty stuff that won’t come out with soap and water no matter how hard you scrub. The trick to getting these out is actually pretty simple: baking soda mixed with a small amount of water. It makes a great paste for tackling those stubborn places.
5. Fill up your fridge.
Once you’ve rinsed and dried your drawers and shelves, it’s time to put them back in and fill up your fridge! A clean fridge can inspire clean eating. Since you’ve thrown out some old stuff, try filling your newly cleaned fridge with fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. Need some new recipe inspiration? Check out these quick, budget-friendly dinner recipes!
Looking to start fresh with a new fridge? Be sure to check out our wide selection of brand name refrigerators! We offer flexible payment options to fit right into your budget. Plus, we offer free delivery so your only worry will be what to cook for dinner.
