Cleaning the fridge

The best way to clean your refrigerator is the way that works best for you. There isn’t one way that's better than another, if it works for you, use it.

Are you one of the people who put off cleaning their refrigerator until it is a big job? Ideally, if you keep up with every spill and dispose of every leftover, each week ,you will never need to worry much about the big cleaning. 

As everyone knows, life isn’t ideal and while you may have good intentions, every day events interfere. The time has come to deal with cleaning your fridge. Where to begin is the issue.

• The first step is to open that door and start to remove any food that has mold growing on it. Let’s face it, most people have those unidentified leftovers. Have your garbage pail nearby to empty the “food” into. If you can’t remember what it is or when you served it, it’s time to dispose of it. In some cases, it may be best to just throw away the whole container, opening it will release some smells that you may not want to have to deal with. If you must, dumping the content into a zip top storage bag will keep the odor from spreading throughout your entire house.
• Moving on to step two, check the dates on anything else that is in the fridge. You may have three-month-old sour cream, four-month-old cream cheese, condiments way beyond their expiration date. Dump the contents and then recycle the containers.
• By now you probably need to take a coffee break and get ready for step three. It is helpful if you have a cooler or a thermal bag to store any of the items which could spoil, especially of if it is warm out.
• Clear off the top shelf and place the items in the cooler. Remove the shelf and place it in your kitchen sink and wash it well with a sponge and your favorite cleaning solution. You may need a plastic scrapper  for dried-on spots and spills. While it is soaking, wipe down the sides and back walls of the fridge above the level of this shelf. You can use most any cleaner that you like. If you want to be greener just vinegar and water will work or something antibacterial like Lysol kitchen cleaner is a favorite. 
• Dry the shelf and place it back in the fridge. Wipe down any jars or containers you are replacing. Repeat this with every shelf and then move on to any drawers that you have. This is the time to get rid of the wrinkled veggies and fruit that seem to have a life of their own going on in your produce drawer.
• The next step is the door. Remove the shelves as well and wipe down. Before you finish up the inside it is a good idea to place a freshly opened box of baking soda inside. This will help to absorb and strong odors that may arise.
• The freezer can be cleaned at the same time or saved for another time. This is when you will really need your cooler. Make some fresh ice cubes if you still use trays and if you have ones made by the freezer, empty your basin, rinse and start fresh.
• The top of the fridge is a great place for dust, dirt, and grease to accumulate. You will need to use a grease-cutting cleanser to make sure that it sparkles. Spray down the exterior and dry with a lint-free towel or paper towels.

You now have a sparkling clean fridge and if no one uses it, it will stay that way. In the real world, you will need to keep a very close watch to keep it looking clean and fresh. This is a great time to invite your mom or mother-in-law over for a visit and make sure you cook so you can open your fridge!