by natenatmom

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

There isn't a job I hate more than cleaning out the refrigerator and I bet it's not on your list of favorite ways to spend the day either. However, unless food poisoning or a smelly kitchen is your goal, this is a job that must be done. There are a few ways to make it easier though.

PREPARATION

Before cleaning the fridge, you should make sure you have everything you need to do the job correctly. First and foremost, think about where to keep all the food while you clean. Most refrigerated foods can sit out for a short period of time without spoiling, but if you pile it all on the counter, you won't have room to work. A couple of large boxes or coolers that you can set out of the way work best.

You will also want to get your cleaning supplies ready. A good sponge, plain white vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush, and some paper towels are all you need.

Now you can go ahead and start removing the food. If you have more than one box or cooler, try to organize the food as it's removed. Put all the dairy items together, condiments, fruits and veggies, drinks, etc. That way, when it's time to put it all back in, it will much easier. As you take things out, check expiration dates and the food's smell or appearance to see what needs to be tossed. If you have duplicate items, such as two bottles of mustard, condense them into one if possible.

CLEANING

The fridge should now be completely empty. Start by wiping up any spills or pieces of food with a paper towel. Once all the loose stuff is wiped up, you can really get down to work. If the shelves and drawers are removable, take them out and wash them in the sink with hot soapy water. If not, sprinkle them with baking soda and then scrub with the sponge soaked in vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will remove stuck on gunk and deodorize at the same time.

Once the shelves and drawers are clean, move on to the cracks and crevices. Use the toothbrush dipped in vinegar to get into tight spots. Another important area to clean is the rubber seal around the door. When the seal gets dirty, your refrigerator doesn't close as tightly as it should. This lets air and cold seep out and results in a higher electric bill. The toothbrush will do a beautiful job of getting the seal clean.

While you have everything out of the fridge, now is the time to rearrange your shelves or drawers if you like. Take a good look at where you want to keep your tall containers. A shelf for small jars and containers doesn't need to take up two feet of a space. Raise or lower the shelves to maximize the area.

PUTTING IT ALL AWAY

Now that your refrigerator is clean, it's time to put everything back. Start by putting an open box of baking soda somewhere in the rear. This will help keep it smelling fresh all the time. Next, put your larger items in, followed by smaller containers and condiments. Keep like things together so they are easier to find, with the items you use most often in front. Fruits and vegetables should go in their own drawers if your refrigerator has them. Some drawers have humidity settings. If so, set them according to what is in the drawer. A general rule of thumb is that anything that gets moldy or mushy easily needs low humidity. High humidity is for leafy greens, onions, garlic, and hard squashes and root vegetables.

Cleaning the refrigerator doesn't have to be a painful chore. Once you've followed these steps, a little routine maintenance will keep it fresh and clean year-round.

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