A refrigerator looking (and smelling) like a science experiment gone wrong doesn’t please anybody, and frankly, using potentially harmful chemicals to clean it isn’t great, either. Luckily, there’s a way to make your fridge spotless and odor-free with vinegar, and here you can learn about it!
Step #1. Unplug the fridge
Prevention is key! Avoid shocking risks and thaw the freezer by disconnecting the fridge beforehand. A warmer temperature will also soften stains, making cleaning them much easier.
However, waiting for the fridge to change temperature takes time, so try to unplug your appliance half an hour before starting. If you can’t get to the plug easily, shut down the circuit breaker providing power to the fridge.
Step #2. Empty the appliance
After you unplug the appliance or cut the power, take out everything inside your refrigerator and freezer—including shelves and racks. Use this chance to discard expired items and clean containers from spills and drips (this will also help you remove foul smells!)
Note: Put any temperature-sensitive items inside a cooler until you finish. If you don’t have one at hand, clump all the items together and wrap them with aluminum foil.
Step #3. Clean the refrigerator
Vinegar will help you to weaken grime and food stains inside your fridge. To use this product’s full potential, heat it for a minute in the microwave before pouring it into a spray bottle. This way, the acid concentration will be higher and dissolve stains quicker.
Don’t let the vinegar get too cold! Spray it immediately all over your fridge and freezer interior, focusing on stained areas, and let it sit for five minutes. Then, grab a middle-bristled toothbrush or a rough sponge and scrub the stains until they’re gone. Finally, rinse with a clean cloth and water.
What if the stains are too stubborn?
Vinegar won’t cut through too much grease or tough stains effectively, but baking soda will. Harness its power by mixing one part baking soda, one part dish soap, and two parts boiled water—again, don’t let the mixture get too cold before applying it.
Don’t forget to clean the exterior!
You can use undiluted vinegar to clean your fridge exterior, too. To do it, spray the solution all over the surface (focusing on stains) and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away. Finally, rinse with clean water.
If your fridge is made of stainless steel: Dilute the vinegar in water (a 50/50 mixture) before using it on stained steel appliances. Wait five minutes, and then gently wipe along the grain for better cleaning!
Step #4. Wash the removable parts
It’s always best to wash shelves and racks after finishing with your fridge. Doing so can prevent accidents, as a sudden temperature change isn’t good for plastic shelves and can shatter glass.
One by one, wash the removable parts in your sink using warm, soapy water and the rough side of your kitchen sponge. There’s not much else to it, so take your time to clean every part thoroughly.
Step #5. Assemble and plug the fridge again
Ensure your fridge, shelves, and racks are dry before putting them back again (humidity can cause mold growth). As you return everything inside, you can check again for expired food and discard all those items just taking up space in your fridge.
Finally, plug in your appliance or restore the power to enjoy your freshly cleaned fridge.
Don’t have time to clean your fridge? Let us help you!
We get it. Between all your other chores and daily routine, there’s not much time left for cleaning. Mya Cleaning Services can help you to keep your fridge and house spotless thanks to our well-prepared cleaning experts. Get your free quote now!
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