Your refrigerator is an appliance that works hard day in and day out, keeping your food fresh and cold. However, just like any other appliance, it needs proper maintenance and care to keep it running efficiently and prolong its lifespan. One of the best ways to keep your refrigerator in good shape is by deep cleaning it regularly. In this guide, we’ll explain why you need to clean your refrigerator and how to deep clean it.
Why Clean Your Refrigerator?
Cleaning your refrigerator is an essential task to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts as long as possible. Over time, spills, stains, and lingering odors can build up, which can affect the quality of your food and the overall efficiency of your appliance. Here are some reasons why you should make sure to clean your refrigerator on a regular basis:
Prevent food contamination
A dirty refrigerator can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens that can make you sick. Cleaning your refrigerator regularly can help prevent food contamination and keep your family safe.
Improve efficiency
When your refrigerator is dirty, it has to work harder to keep your food cold, which can lead to higher energy bills and potentially even damage to the compressor. Regular cleaning can help improve the efficiency of your appliance and save you money in the long run.
Extend lifespan
Like all appliances, your refrigerator has a lifespan. By taking good care of it, you can help it last as long as possible and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Eliminate odors
Over time, lingering odors from spoiled food or spills can build up and make your refrigerator smell. Regular cleaning can help eliminate these odors and keep your refrigerator smelling fresh.
How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning, gather all the supplies you’ll need. You’ll need a cooler to store your food while you clean, a microfiber cloth, a toothbrush, a bucket, dish soap, baking soda, and white vinegar. You may also want to have some gloves and a mask if you’re sensitive to cleaning chemicals.
Empty Your Fridge
The first step is to remove all the items from your refrigerator. Place them in the cooler with some ice packs to keep them cold. Once everything is out, take out the shelves and drawers and soak them in warm soapy water.
Clean the Interior
Next, it’s time to clean the interior of the refrigerator. Mix some dish soap and warm water in a bucket and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the walls, ceiling, and floor. For tough stains or odors, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it for a few minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush and wipe it away with a damp cloth. For any remaining odors, you can wipe down the interior with white vinegar.
Clean the Shelves and Drawers
While the interior dries, clean the shelves and drawers. Scrub them with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry them thoroughly. You can also use a toothbrush to clean any crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
Clean the Exterior
Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your refrigerator. Use a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water to wipe down the doors, handles, and sides. You can also use a toothbrush to clean any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. For stainless steel refrigerators, use a specialized cleaner and wipe with the grain to avoid streaks.
Clean the Coils
Another important aspect of maintaining your refrigerator is cleaning the coils. Over time, the coils at the back of your refrigerator can become clogged with dust and debris, causing the refrigerator to work harder to keep your food cold. This can lead to higher energy bills and potentially even damage to the compressor.
To clean the coils, first unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils at the back. Use a vacuum or a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any buildup of dirt or dust. If the coils are particularly dirty, you may need to use a coil cleaning brush and a specialized cleaner. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when using these products.
Cleaning the coils on a regular basis can improve the efficiency of your refrigerator and help it last longer. If you’re unsure about how to clean your refrigerator coils or suspect there may be a problem with your appliance, don’t hesitate to call in the appliance repair professionals at iFiX for help.
Put Everything Back
Once everything is clean and dry, it’s time to put everything back. Make sure to organize your food and check expiration dates. You may also want to put an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb any remaining odors.
Call iFiX in Utah For Refrigerator Repairs
If you notice any issues with your refrigerator, such as strange noises, leaks, or temperature fluctuations, it may be time to call in the professionals. At iFiX Appliance Repair, we provide refrigerator repair services and can troubleshoot any issues with your appliance. Regular deep cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the need for repairs, but if something does go wrong, we’re here to help.
