The holidays are over, the guests have gone home, and you’ve finally worked up the courage to open your fridge. There’s that cheese platter from Boxing Day, something unidentifiable in a Tupperware, and a stale smell that hits you the moment the door swings open.
Don’t worry, though, because we’ve all been there. Deep cleaning your fridge might seem like the last thing you fancy doing, but it’s actually easier than you’d expect.
So, if you’re ready to tackle this without losing your entire weekend, here’s how to get it done properly, step by step.
1. Empty Your Fridge
You can’t clean around stacks of containers and the half-empty takeout boxes your kids keep shoving there, so everything needs to come out.
Grab a couple of coolers or insulated bags if you’ve got them, and chuck your cold items in there to keep them safe while you work. No coolers? Just pile everything on the kitchen counter and work quickly.
As you’re pulling things out, this is your golden opportunity for a quick sort-through. So, check those expiry dates. That jar of olives from 2022 and the yoghurt that expired three weeks ago? Bin them straightaway.
To make things easier, create three piles: keep, toss, and the maybe pile for things you’re not sure about. When in doubt, if you can’t remember buying it, it’s probably time to let it go.
Group similar items together while they’re out. Keep condiments in one spot, dairy in another, and sauces grouped together. It’ll make restocking infinitely easier, and you’ll actually be able to find the butter when you need it later.
2. Remove and Soak the Removable Parts
Now that you’ve got a clear view of what you’re dealing with, it’s time to tackle those shelves and drawers.
Pull out everything removable, including the shelves, drawers, and door racks. Fill your sink or a large washing-up bowl with warm water and a good squeeze of washing-up liquid.
Then, pop the shelves and drawers in for a soak; 10 to 15 minutes should do the trick, giving that dried-on gunk time to loosen up.
For stubborn spots that won’t budge, grab a soft brush or sponge. However, don’t go at it with anything too abrasive, or you’ll end up with scratches.
Once they’re squeaky clean, rinse all these parts well with fresh water. Any soap residue left behind can leave a film or weird smells, so take your time.
Pro tip: let them dry completely before putting them back to avoid mould and bad odours. You can either stand them up against the draining board or lay them out on a clean tea towel.
3. Tackle the Interior
While those shelves are drying, turn your attention to the inside of the fridge itself. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix your cleaning solution. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with about 500 ml of warm water. It’s gentle, effective, and won’t leave behind strong chemical smells.
- Wipe from top to bottom. Grab a microfibre cloth, dip it into your solution, and start at the top of the fridge. Working downward means any drips or crumbs fall onto areas you haven’t cleaned yet, so you won’t have to wipe the same surfaces twice.
- Get into the corners. Don’t ignore the edges and crevices. That’s where residue tends to build up. A cotton bud dipped in your cleaning solution works perfectly for those tight, awkward spots.
- Clean the door seals. Run your cloth along every fold and groove of the rubber seals. They trap crumbs and spills, and if they get too dirty, the seal won’t close properly, forcing your fridge to work harder and pushing up your energy bills.
- Check the drip tray. If your fridge has a removable drip tray at the bottom, pull it out, wipe it down, and make sure there’s no standing water lurking there.
Congratulations-your fridge is now clean and efficient. So, step back and admire your handiwork. Not bad for something that only took 15 minutes, right?
4. Sort Out the Freezer
If you’ve made it this far and you’re on a roll, you might as well tackle the freezer while you’re at it.
The same principle applies. Take everything out, check the dates, and bin anything that’s been in there since the last Ice Age.
If you’ve got serious ice buildup, it’s time to defrost your freezer. Turn off the power, leave the door open, and pop some towels down to catch the melting ice. This can take time, especially in winter, so be patient.
Wipe down the inside with your baking soda mix once it’s defrosted. Just don’t use anything too harsh or hot to avoid damaging the interior.
Sure, it’s not the most thrilling task, but a quick, thorough reset now will make it far easier to grab what you need the next time you go hunting for dinner.
5. Put It All Back
Now comes the satisfying bit: putting everything back in an organised fashion that’ll actually make your life easier.
Start by making sure the shelves and drawers are completely dry before sliding them into place. Once they’re secure, restock with intention rather than just shoving everything back.
Keep dairy and eggs on the middle shelves where the temperature is more consistent, use the crisper drawers for vegetables, and store condiments and jars in the door.
Also, put your everyday essentials at eye level. When it comes to milk, butter, and leftovers you plan to eat soon, keep them front and centre so they don’t get forgotten.
If you want to go a step further, fridge organisers like small bins or turntables can help keep categories contained. They’re not essential, but they will make the space easier to manage.
And if you’ve read all this and think it’s too much of a hassle, you can always find a cleaner to help you.
Many professional cleaners include fridge deep cleans as part of a full kitchen service. Sometimes the most efficient move is letting someone else handle the details while you enjoy the results.
Conclusion
Your fridge is now cleaner than it’s been in ages. Everything is organised, and you can actually find what you’re looking for without digging around for 10 minutes.
Yes, it took a bit of effort. But now you’ve got a system that works, and keeping it maintained is nowhere near as daunting as that initial deep clean.
So, admire your handiwork and celebrate with a cold drink from your sparkling clean fridge.
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