How to clean the fridge?

By Super Admin

It has always been just a 'No- No' business for many when it comes to cleaning a fridge, fearing the lurky zombie's, or the smell of the age old food or veggies. However it's easy to clean your fridge thoroughly when you tackle the project in an orderly way. Here are six basic guidelines to leave the most important zone of kitchen sparkling white.

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Step 1 :
Lower down the coolness of the fridge by a notch or two as the door is kept open during the cleaning process. This will help in preventing the fridge being warm. Remove all the food, and perform a "freshness audit'. Throw away anything that smells or is kept inside for a longer period.

Step 2 :
Take all the removable parts of the fridge out and place them in or by the sink for washing.

This includes the drawers, the racks and any compartments on the door which are removable. Wash them in hot, soapy water, removing any food debris and other stains. Use a clean soapy rag to wipe out the entire inside of the fridge. Make sure to rinse it frequently. Do not use any strong chemical cleansers here as the food is stored in a compact space. Ensure your cleansing rag has reached even the tinniest parts like the butter bins, egg holders...etc.

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Step 3:
Make a mixture of water and vinegar that is use 1 gallon of water with 2 cups of vinegar and wipe of the innards of the fridge again to make sure you've got rid of any soap suds. The vinegar-water solution is a safe way to get away with spoilt food odor.

For odor control, one can also use a solution of 2 tbsp. baking soda to 1 quart warm water to wash the inside of the refrigerator. Apply and rinse. A box of baking soda placed in the refrigerator will also cut down on odors.

Step 4:
Cleaning freezer: before cleaning the freezer make sure your appliances are unplugged. Not only is this safer, but the little bit of frost that accumulates on the freezer walls can cause your sponge to stick to the walls. Clean the bottom of the freezer really well, and remove the side shelves for cleaning if possible. Also, remove the ice tray and dump out all of the ice. To defrost the freezer, put a pan of hot water in the freezing compartment to help defrost quickly. You can also use a hair dryer on low temperature setting.

Never scrape or jab the ice with a sharp instrument as you will cause serious damage to the freezing unit. Allow it to melt. At the same time put a flat pan under the freezer to catch the drips or put a large towel in the bottom of the refrigerator. Although these methods are safe, its best to follow manufacturer's instructions for this part of the unit.

Step 5:
Before reinserting back in the refrigerator, wipe with soapy water, and then rinse-wipe with the vinegar water. Replace all the food promptly and turn the dial back down to a normal cooling setting.

Step 6:
The task is not over after replacing every thing back. Clean the exterior of the fridge with whatever is appropriate for the surface (409, stainless steel cleaner, etc). Clean the top, front, sides, and the bottom of the doors. Wipe out the grooves where the door meets the fridge frame. Use more soapy water followed by vinegar water to suction-y rubber zone as it tends to get grimy. Clean the coils on the back with the help of a duster. Also clean the floor underneath the refrigerator.

Several times a year move the refrigerator out from the wall and vacuum the coils on the back and underneath with the crevice tool, or dust thoroughly with a long handled brush.

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