If there’s one thing that gets neglected the most in our cleaning routine, it might just be the fridge and freezer. Being that it’s one of the most important appliances in your home since it keeps your delicious ingredients cool and fresh, it deserves some extra attention from time to time. Here’s a guide to cleaning out your fridge and freezer to keep it sparkling and odor-free!

Why Cleaning Your Fridge and Freezer Matters

Why do the fridge and freezer not get the attention it deserves? First, it’s kind of a pain . . . you have to take everything out, literally get on your hands and knees, and put everything back in time before it has time to melt. Second, you sometimes have to deal with some stubborn messes. If contents from a bottle spilled a couple of weeks prior, it’s likely to be near solid by the time you go in for cleanup. There are also a few other reasons why you might want to pay attention to it.

1. Food Safety

The cleanliness of your fridge and freezer directly impacts the safety of the food you store. Bacteria and mold can thrive in neglected spaces, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Cleaning regularly helps maintain a hygienic environment for your perishables.
Also, keeping your fridge and freezer spotless minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria.

2. Energy Efficiency

A clean fridge and freezer work more efficiently. When ice accumulates and dust settles on coils, your appliances have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills. You might not realize it, but a layer of ice buildup in your freezer can make it less efficient. Your freezer’s job is to keep things frozen, but when it’s clogged with ice, it can’t do its job properly.

3. Odor Control

We’ve all opened the fridge to be greeted by some offensive odor at least once. Maybe it’s from old leftovers that got crammed in the back, out of sight, or veggies that got waterlogged in the crisper for too long. It’s a no-brainer that regular cleaning eliminates mystery smells and keeps your fridge smelling fresh.

Cleaning Out Your Fridge

The moment you decide to clean out your fridge, the clock starts. Here’s how to go about it quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To begin, gather the following supplies:

• Warm soapy water
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Toothbrush
• Trash bags

Step 2: Empty the Fridge

Start by removing all items from your fridge. Yes, even that half-empty jar of pickles at the back! Check expiration dates and toss out anything past its prime.

Step 3: Remove Shelves and Drawers

Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and trays. Wash them in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. If there are a few hard-to-remove stains, soak them for a while to soften things up while you move on to the next step.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Using your microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior of the fridge with warm, soapy water. Pay extra attention to spills and sticky spots. For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush to scrub them away gently.

Step 5: Deodorize

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on a plate and place it in the fridge. Baking soda helps absorb odors and keeps your fridge smelling fresh. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and works wonders in keeping your fridge smelling pleasant. It’s a simple yet effective trick to maintain a fresh-smelling fridge.

Step 6: Restock Mindfully

Organize your items neatly, with the oldest ones at the front for easy access. If you think about it, restocking your fridge is like a mini inventory check. You get to see what you have, what you need to use up, and what needs replacing. This organized approach ensures that you never have to deal with expired items again.

Cleaning Out Your Freezer

The freezer is somewhat of a different beast. If it helps to break it up into different days, it might make the task feel less labor-intensive, but it’s up to you! Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Unplug and Defrost

Ice buildup can compromise its performance and increase energy consumption, so defrosting is almost like giving your freezer a tune-up. If you have a manual-defrost freezer, unplug it and let it defrost. This may take some time, so be patient. You can speed up the process by placing bowls of hot water inside.

Step 2: Remove Contents

Just like with the fridge, remove all items from your freezer. Check for any expired or freezer-burned items and toss them.

Step 3: Clean the Interior

Once the freezer is defrosted, use warm, soapy water to clean the interior

Step 4: Reorganize

Before putting items back in, take this opportunity to organize your freezer. Use labeled containers or bags to keep items easily identifiable.

Step 5: Plug Back In

Plug your freezer back in, and let it reach the desired temperature before reloading it with your frozen goods!