Hey everyone! Here is a breakdown of my tips on how to keep your fridge clean and odor-free
For product recommendations of my fridge cleaners, you can refer to my article 'Fridge cleaner essentials'
RULE 1: CLEAN FREQUENTLY
I always clean out and re-organize my fridge whenever I stock my weekly groceries.
This helps me to keep track of all food items I have, food items I am keeping and if there is anything that needs to be thrown out.
Depending on how much organization your fridge needs, you can also do this once in a month or every two weeks.
RULE 2: EMPTY DURING VACATIONS
Try to keep your refrigerator dry and devoid of any perishable food items whenever you go on vacation. Finish all fruits and vegetables, dairy and poultry.
If you choose to turn off your fridge, make sure you place a deodorizer so that odors dont build up when you are away.
RULE 3: HAVE DESIGNATED SPACE
A well organized fridge will stay clean for longer. Have designated spaces or use containers to organize various items in the fridge to avoid any spills or food being pushed behind when you are using your fridge everyday. You can check out my 'How to keep your refrigerator organized' article for organization tips and the 'Refrigerator organizing essentials' for my favorite product recommendations.
RULE 4: USE THE CORRECT PRODUCTS
A lot of times, I recommend my friends to clean their fridge and they complain that the fridge smells like soap. It is essential that spaces that store food products should be cleaned with food-space and specialty cleaners. There are plenty of tried and tested products available that are meant specifically to clean your fridge and remove odors, use them only. You can check out my article 'Fridge Cleaning Essentials' for a list of my recommendations.
HOW I CLEAN MY FRIDGE?
My fridge is one of my favorite organized spaces, but also the most tiresome because it tends to get messy very fast.
The first and foremost, obviously is to remove all items from the fridge.
Remove all dry spills, such as dried herbs, any food crumbs, wrappers etc.
Remove all the shelfs and douse them with water and a fridge cleaner. I usually prefer to use them a nice cleaning with a sponge and odor-free dishwashing soap.
Once the fridge is emptied out, check for any wet or hardened spills such as dried gravy, sauces, food leaks etc.
Spray and soak them with a fridge cleaner and spray the entire interior of the fridge with the same cleaner (If your fridge isn't stocked up yet, I would recommend washing all storage containers as well)
For product recommendations of my fridge cleaners, you can refer to my article 'Fridge cleaner essentials'
Leave it on for a few minutes (with the fridge door open) while you quickly get rid of any expired or rotten foods that you pulled out from the fridge)
Then take kitchen rolls (or a dishcloth, for a more environment friendly option) and wipe down the entire fridge
Repeat process for tough stains
Use more or multiple sprays for the freezer unit
Tip: If you freezer has an uncanny odor, give it a scrub with half a lemon topped with some baking soda
Once the fridge is clean and dry, wipe down the washed shelves and containers and put them back in the fridge.
Place a fridge deodorizer or a small open container with some baking soda in it, which will absorb any bad smells.
Tip: you do not wish to use any store bought cleaners, you can sprinkle baking soda in the fridge and scrub them lightly with a lemon and wiping down with a wet dishcloth.
For the exterior of the fridge, I usually remove all magnets on the fridge, make sure it is dust free and then give it a good wipe down with a steel cleaner. You can check out the product in my article 'Fridge cleaner essentials'
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