By Niveditha Kalyanaraman
December 26th, 2023
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The fridge is the kitchen's workhorse, and thoroughly cleaning a refrigerator takes more than a quick weekly wipe-down. Without regular upkeep, stains and food residue can build up on the outside surfaces and inside on shelves and drawers, while forgotten perishables in the back can give off funky smells every time you open the door. Here are 6 tips to clean a refrigerator.
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Remove (if removable) and hand-wash refrigerator shelves, wire racks, and drawers in hot water and mild dish soap. Let any glass components warm to room temperature before bringing them into contact with hot water; otherwise, they might crack. Cover stubborn food spills with a warm, wet cloth for a few minutes to soften the spills before removal with a non-abrasive scrubber.
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For drawers and shelves you can't remove, along with the sides of the internal compartment, grab baking soda and some water. Clean inside your fridge with a mixture of one part baking soda and seven parts water. Beware of commercial refrigerator cleaners, as their scent might transfer to food. Work from top to bottom to prevent drips from landing on already-clean surfaces.
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Your refrigerator can foster an ideal environment for foul odours unless you take the necessary action. Fortunately, you can tackle foul refrigerator smells without harsh chemical cleaners. Once you've rinsed and dried all surfaces, deodorize your refrigerator by filling an open container with dry baking soda and leaving it on the bottom shelf.
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Pay special attention to the rubber gasket around the fridge door. It needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain a tight seal. Use warm water and liquid dish soap for everyday grime and a bleach-based cleaner if you find mold. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
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Keep your refrigerator sparkling with a good exterior cleaning. Wipe with a cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner, using extra elbow grease on the handles where grime builds up. Remember to occasionally wipe down the top of the refrigerator, too.
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To continue enjoying fresh, filtered water from your refrigerator, occasionally give the water dispenser a good cleaning. Like refrigerator coils, you should consult the owner's manual before cleaning. Systems vary from model to model, and a manual is a good source for specific instructions and information for troubleshooting major water dispenser problems.
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