1 of 24

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

to three weeks, you can clean the entire refrigerator. Remove all contents, and place perishables in a cooler with ice. (In colder weather, you can store your refrigerator contents in the garage.)

Carefully lift out all refrigerator shelves and drawers. Wash them in the kitchen sink with warm, soapy water. (Do not use hot water, as it might crack plastic or glass fridge components!) Dry each component completely with a soft towel.

While your refrigerator is still empty, scrub down the entire appliance with warm, soapy water. (Dishwashing liquid soap works well for cleaning the fridge.) Wipe refrigerator shelves, doors, and hinges.

Clean the outside of the refrigerator with spray-on glass cleaner (or as baking soda and water paste), and wipe with paper towels.

Abrasive cleaning products or tools should never be used to clean your refrigerator or other household appliances, as they may scrape and scratch the finish of these items.

Most refrigerators come equipped with wheels, or gliders, so you can slide the heavy fridge away from the wall to vacuum and mop behind it. Many kitchen smells (and pests) can be eliminated by keeping this area clean.

UNPLUG THE FRIDGE ANNUALLY FOR DEFROSTING.

Mark your calendar! At least once a year, your refrigerator must be defrosted. (Older units may need this more often.) Although many marketers claim their refrigerators are self-defrosting, you will still want to do this, to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Place all perishable food items in a cooler with ice. Unplug the appliance. Prop freezer and refrigerator doors open. Place towels around the base of the fridge to catch melting ice.

As the unit defrosts, wipe away all accumulations inside both sections with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly before plugging the refrigerator in and replacing food.

Follow these simple steps, and your fridge will be fresh!

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to remove refrigerator odors?
We want to hear your view. Write now!