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Our guide: how to clean your Fridge

February 8, 2024-4 min read

Smell something funky every time you open your fridge or freezer? It’s probably time to give your refrigerator a good clean-out. A clean and organised fridge not only ensures optimal food storage but also makes your kitchen a more pleasant place to spend time in, especially if you cook a lot. Here are the essential steps to maintain a spotless refrigerator, so you can ensure your food stays fresh and your kitchen odour-free.

A man sprays and wipes down the interior of his fridge

Benefits Of A Clean And Organised Fridge

There are many benefits that extend beyond the realm of cleanliness when it comes to your fridge and freezer.

Food Safety - Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of harmful bacteria, ensuring your food remains safe for consumption.
Freshness - A clean fridge preserves the freshness of your food, maintaining its flavour and nutritional value.
Odour-Free Environment - Regular cleaning eliminates odours from spoiled food, creating a more inviting and pleasant kitchen atmosphere.
Efficient Operation - A clean fridge operates more efficiently, maintaining the right temperature for optimal food storage.
Stress-Free Meal Prep - Easily locate ingredients, avoid the frustration of forgotten items hidden in clutter, and make shopping for new groceries easier.
Aesthetic Appeal - The gleaming surfaces, well-arranged shelves, and thoughtfully placed items contribute to a Pinterest-worthy look that will be the envy of all your guests.

Gathering Supplies

Before diving in, make sure you’ve gathered the essential supplies for a thorough fridge clean. Opt for a mild detergent that can effectively cut through grime and stains without leaving behind harsh chemical residues. Baking soda is known for its natural deodorising properties, making it a powerhouse when it comes to neutralising unpleasant odours such as spoiled food. Vinegar is ideal for tackling tougher stains. Plus, its natural antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for maintaining a hygienic refrigerator. Lastly, a microfiber cloth has fine fibres that provide excellent absorption and are gentle on surfaces, ensuring a streak-free clean without causing any damage.

Remove & Clean All Shelves & Drawers

Most fridges have removable shelves and drawers, making them quick and easy to clean. Carefully remove and wash them using warm, soapy water (if it’s an option, it might be easier to wash them in your laundry sink). Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth instead of a brush to prevent scratches and make sure to dry them thoroughly.

Woman cleaning the interior shelves of her fridge.

Clean Interior

While your shelves and drawers are drying, shift your focus to the interior of the fridge, including walls, the back panel, the door, and any compartments. Use a solution of water and mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar for more stubborn stains and odours. Rinsing with clean water is crucial to eliminate any cleaning residue and drying the interior thoroughly ensures a fresh and hygienic environment.

Now that you’ve cleaned the interior of your fridge, you can put the dry shelves and drawers back. This is a good time to consider the configuration. Does your current layout work, or is there a different set-up that could optimise your fridge for increased usability?

How to Clean a Stainless-Steel Fridge

For those with stainless-steel fridges, achieving a streak-free finish is essential. Employ a soft cloth and a solution of water and mild detergent, avoiding abrasive materials that could cause scratches. Consider specialised stainless-steel cleaners for an extra shine, removing those pesky fingerprints and enhancing both the cleanliness and aesthetics of your fridge.

Shop Fridges

LG 635L Side By Side Refrigerator

Hisense 417L Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Samsung 635L Side By Side Refrigerator

Time For A New Fridge?

Sometimes not even a deep clean can save an old fridge. Maybe it’s not running as well as it used to, your family has out-grown your fridge’s size, or you’ve realised you’re missing out on the latest features and innovations. As you consider these things, it's also worth contemplating whether it's time to welcome a new refrigerator into your kitchen. Our Fridge Buying Guide has everything you need to know to choose the right fridge for you and your family.

Know any good tradies? We do! The Good Guys Home Services can send a licensed and insured tradie to take care of your refrigerator installation. Once they’ve taken care of the fridge installation, they can even take away your old one, and take away all the rubbish with them. Whether you need help installing the water line to your fridge, connecting up the ice maker or a simple fridge installation, The Good Guys Home Services take care of your fridge installation from start to finish, so you can kick back with a cold drink sooner.

A well-maintained fridge isn't just a kitchen necessity; it contributes to a healthy, organised, and inviting home. Discover The Good Guys range of fridges and freezers in-store and online. Happy fridge cleaning!

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