You swing open the door of the fridge. A whiff of something... weird. "I'll clean it tomorrow," you grumble for the seventh consecutive day. Ring a bell? Don't worry; we've all had that moment. But today's the day. Whether it's the sticky spot under the milk with no identifiable origin, the odour of abandoned leftovers, or simply the general mess of half empty jars and leaking containers, your fridge is crying out for a good deep clean. And you’re finally ready to give it the care it deserves.
A well maintained fridge not only improves hygiene but also helps in preserving food better and keeping unpleasant odours at bay. Whether you're doing a spring clean, preparing your home for inspection or just want to refresh your space, cleaning your fridge thoroughly should be on your “to do” list.
This article will walk you through the steps of cleaning your refrigerator like a pro, but without the stress that frequently comes with it. From disassembling shelves to deodorising using natural treatments, you'll learn all you need to keep it clean, tidy and smelling fresh. If you're preparing for a round of cheap End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne, follow these suggestions to ensure your fridge is inspection ready and shining.
1. Preparation: Empty and Unplug
Before diving into the cleaning process, you need to start by unplugging the fridge to ensure safety and energy savings. Next, remove everything from within—the food, the containers and shelves/drawers. This gives you free access to completely clean out every corner of the fridge. Make it a point to sort through the packaged food products to see their expiration dates and throw away those that have expired or are no longer consumable. After having removed all items, place all the refrigerated items inside a cooler with some ice packs to preserve them while you clean the fridge.
2. Disassemble and Soak Removable Parts
Shelves, drawers and trays should all be taken out and soaked in warm, soapy water. If they are made of glass, allow them to reach room temperature first before reinstalling them in the fridge after the cleaning is done. This will help you avoid cracking them from the sudden temperature changes.
Let them all soak while you clean the inside of the fridge. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub them afterwards, paying special attention to corners and crevices where grime tends to accumulate. Rinse and let them air dry completely before putting them back.
3. Clean the Interior Thoroughly
Use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or a mild detergent mixed with warm water, to clean the inside walls, floor and ceiling of the fridge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach as these can leave behind strong odours that may affect the quality and safety of your food items.
Start from the top and work your way down, so that you can catch any stray drips and crumbs as you go. Don’t forget to clean under the crisper drawers and along the door seals, which are prone to trapping mould and bacteria. This is an important aspect that professionals consider during the conduction of a quality End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne, as attention to detail is crucial.
4. Deodorise for Freshness
Even after a good scrub, fridges can sometimes still retain unpleasant odours. A natural deodoriser like baking soda will work wonders in this case. Simply place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb smells, or wipe the interior down with a paste made from baking soda and water for an added freshening boost. You can also use activated charcoal or coffee grounds, kept in a small container to neutralise any lingering smells. Replace these regularly to maintain freshness.
5. Don’t Ignore the Exterior and Coils
The outside of the fridge deserves as much attention as the inside. Wipe down the doors, handles and the sides with a mild cleaning solution. Stainless steel surfaces can be polished with a dedicated cleaner or a vinegar and water mixture followed by dry cloth buffing to prevent streaks.
Clean the cooling system coils, which are normally found at the rear or at the bottom of the fridge, for a genuinely professional appearance. Dust and dirt can collect here, limiting efficiency. Use a vacuum or coil brush to gently remove the build up. This step can help reduce energy usage and prolong the lifespan of the appliance, which is especially helpful during stringent End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne inspections.
6. Reorganise and Restock Smartly
Once your fridge is clean and dry, it’s time to put everything back in their appropriate place. But don’t just shove things in—take the opportunity to organise everything smartly. Group similar items together, use clear containers to avoid spills and label leftovers with their dates. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent cross contamination and keep frequently used items in easy to reach spots. Use baskets or fridge organisers to maintain order and to make future cleaning sessions easier.
7. Establish a Maintenance Routine
To avoid the need for frequent deep clean sessions, get into the habit of following a regular maintenance schedule. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur, check for expired items on a weekly basis and give the fridge a quick wipe down once every fortnight.
Doing this will not only keep your fridge hygienic but also help save time in the long run. A little upkeep goes a long way, especially if you’re living in a rental property and want to avoid a hefty cleaning fee during your end of tenancy cleaning checklist.
A Complete Guide to Cleaning a Fridge Like a Pro
Wrapping Up
Cleaning your fridge requires a systematic approach, some patience and a little bit of elbow grease. With the steps outlined above, you can turn this dreaded chore into a manageable task that leaves your kitchen cleaner, your food fresher and your home more inviting. Follow this guide regularly, and your fridge will thank you for it—by running better and keeping your food fresher for longer. Happy Cleaning!