Here’s a quick guide to cleaning the fridge:
1. Preparation
- Turn off the fridge: If possible, turn off the fridge to save energy during cleaning.
- Empty the fridge: Remove all food and drinks. Place delicate items in a cooler or on a cool surface. Dairy products, meat, chicken, etc., need to stay cold, while jam and marmalade can stay on the counter while you clean.
2. Remove shelves and drawers
- Remove all removable parts, such as shelves, drawers, and compartments. Let them reach room temperature before cleaning to avoid cracking.
- Anything that comes in contact with food should be cleaned with fragrance-free products. Fragrances can be pleasant, but they are not something we should eat or ingest. Make it a habit to clean all surfaces that come into contact with food with fragrance-free cleaning products.
- Glass shelves can be easily cleaned with window cleaner. Västerbottenssåpa’s window cleaner contains neither color nor fragrance.
3. Clean the inside
- Use a mild cleaning solution, fragrance-free soap spray for example: Mix a solution according to the instructions. A kitchen soap refill is mixed with 0.5 liters of water, which creates a usable solution with a pH of around 9, which is perfect for cleaning. More info on this
- Wipe down: Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the fridge. Don’t forget to clean the door seals and small corners.
4. Clean shelves and drawers
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Wash thoroughly: Wash shelves and drawers with warm water and kitchen soap (fragrance-free). Rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back in the fridge. Kitchen cleaning without fragrance
5. Wipe the outside
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Use soap spray: Wipe down the outside of the fridge, including the handle and door edges. If the fridge is made of stainless steel, use an appropriate cleaner to avoid stains. Window cleaner works well for this.
6. Sort the food
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Check expiration dates: Go through the food before putting it back. Throw away anything that’s old or inedible. Food goes in the compost. Packaging should be sorted: glass, metal, plastic.
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Organize: Place the food back in an organized manner. Store older food items in the front so they’re used first.
For example, you can store all dairy products on one shelf, meat on another, and so on. Fridges often have dedicated drawers for vegetables.
7. Turn the fridge back on
- Once you’re done, turn the fridge back on and enjoy a clean and organized fridge!
Regularly cleaning the fridge helps keep food fresh and extends the life of the fridge.
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FAQs
1. Can I spray cleaning products or air fresheners in the fridge if it smells bad?
Answer: No! If the fridge smells bad, it needs to be cleaned. Identify the source of the odor and clean it away. Fragrances should never be used where food is prepared or stored. The fridge should always be cleaned with fragrance-free cleaning products.
2. Can I wash the fridge’s drawers?
Answer: Yes! These can usually be removed and washed with fragrance-free kitchen soap.
3. Can I clean the fridge’s exterior with window cleaner?
Answer: Yes
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