I’m not a fan of a dirty fridge, so I try to stay on top of cleaning mine. Here’s how to clean a refrigerator regularly so you only need to deep clean it a few times a year.
Clean before you shop.
Wipe out the fridge the night before you grocery shop. Typically the fridge has less food in it and can be cleaned a few minutes.
Clean spills when they happen.
It is easier to clean spills right away before they harden and stick to the shelves and drawers.
Wipe off jars and containers before putting them back in the fridge.
Many times the fridge gets dirty from sticky jars. Wiping the container (especially the bottom of the container) before you put it back into the fridge will help keep the shelves cleaner.
If you don’t wipe the bottom of containers before putting them back in the fridge all your cleaning will be for nothing!
Use storage containers instead of foil or plastic wrap.
Ditch your old mismatched plastic containers and invest in a good, sturdy set of square and rectangular shapes (round containers take up more space). Your refrigerator will look more orderly, and it will enable easy stacking, both in and out of the fridge. Clear containers are best; if you can see what’s in them, you’re more likely to use it.
Not only will it be easier to see the food in your fridge, tightly sealed containers mean less spills.
Eat the leftovers.
Foods smell and leak when they go bad in the fridge. Eating your leftovers keeps food from going bad which keeps messes to a minimum.
Deep Cleaning
Follow these steps to deep clean your refrigerator.
- Remove all food from the fridge.
- Remove drawers and shelves.
- Scrub shelves and drawers with warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the walls and interior space of the fridge with a mild cleaner.
- Once shelves and drawers are dry, put them back in the fridge.
- Throw away any food that is expired.
- Wipe down food containers and place back in the refrigerator.
For more ideas to help you simplify and organize one day at a time, visit the Organized in 365 Archives.
crystal says
I saw a tip on Pinterest that I am going to try with my fridge. Cover the shelves with Saran wrap! Easy clean up 🙂
TheHappyHousewife says
Hmmm, that’s interesting. I just picture the saran wrap getting all bunched up. I might have to try it though.
Lori says
another great tip for saran wrap is to clean the top of the fridge and cover with saran wrap. No more scrubbing the top of the fridge. It get pretty nasty up there. Just change the saran wrap every other month and VIOLA!!
Mickey (female) says
Wonderful info and would like more info. Thanks a “heap” (a southern word for a whole lot”