How to deep clean your fridge

Fridge fresh

The fridge is one of the hardest-working appliances of any kitchen, but how often do you give yours a deep clean? The good news is a regular spot of household maintenance doesn’t take too much effort, and can help keep your fridge freezer safe and sanitary. Here’s how.

Get in behind

The space behind your fridge is a magnet for dust, debris and worse, so it’s a good idea to clean behind your fridge every three months (or if something spills there, asap), says Toby Schulz of Maid2Match (maid2match.com.au). “This ensures there’s no food debris and dust bunnies building up that could lead to mould or attract pests. It’ll also prevent bad odours,” he says.

Unplug the appliance and be very careful when moving it away from the wall. Remove the grill and dust the coils – Toby suggests using a duster, a specialised coil brush or a crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner, taking the opportunity to check for broken components as you clean. Use mild all-purpose cleaning products to wipe down the back.

“For any stubborn stains and gunk, try a silicone scraper or a bicarb soda paste,” says Toby. Lastly, sweep and mop the floor, letting it dry before moving the fridge back into place.

The inside job

Empty the fridge of all food – use an esky or insulated cold bag to keep perishables such as deli and dairy products chilled – then remove the shelves and drawers. Let the glass warm to room temperature (to avoid cracking), then wash in hot soapy water. Use soapy water and a soft cleaning cloth to wipe down the fridge interior or try a 1:1 mix of cleaning or white vinegar and water if the fridge is a bit whiffy.

“Avoid using bleach inside the fridge, as it can compromise food or even damage the surface,” says Toby. “If you must use bleach to tackle mould, make sure it is heavily diluted. Rinse the surfaces thoroughly, then wash them with dish soap and hot water before returning any food.” Don’t use scourers, as this will damage the surface – a paste of bicarb soda (also known as baking soda) and water is best if you really need it.

Scrub the seals

Give the door seals a clean at least every three months, says Toby. Push the folds apart and check for mould. If present, put cleaning vinegar in a spray bottle and saturate the rubber seal. “Let the vinegar sit for around an hour, then wipe off the solution,” says Toby. “For a more potent solution, use heavily diluted oxygen bleach. Don’t let the bleach sit on the seals for longer than the recommended time, as this could damage them.”

Scrub off dirt or mould with an old toothbrush, then wipe with a damp cloth. “Dry the seals afterwards to prevent mould or mildew from coming back,” Toby adds.

Pong gone

Getting rid of spoiled food should be enough to eliminate bad smells, but if the fridge is still stinky Toby says there are a few tricks: “You can use a few chunks of charcoal (or activated charcoal sachets), a container of loosely poured bicarb soda or a saucer of freshly ground coffee,” he suggests. “If you can leave your fridge unstocked for a day, stuff crumpled newspapers onto the shelves and in the bin. Leave overnight, then remove in the morning and clean surfaces with vinegar and water.”

Make it sparkle

Finally, clear mess off the top of the fridge and magnets from the front. Any sticky or greasy marks can be tackled with isopropyl alcohol. Wipe it clean with a damp microfibre cloth. Done!

Keep in mind:

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for accurate dilution of strong cleaning solutions. Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks. Store cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
• Check manufacturer’s manual for advice before cleaning appliances.

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Photo Credit: GAP Interiors/Veronica Rodriguez