Even if you wipe down your fridge regularly, it deserves some extra attention at least once a year (ideally more frequently). Whether your fridge is very neatly organized or it looks quite chaotic, there are steps you can take towards a cleaner, better-maintained fridge this spring.

Essential Supplies

• Coolers for storing food while cleaning

• Microfiber cloths

• Bath towels

• Sink full of soapy water

• Bucket of soapy water

• Baking soda

• Scrub brush

• Trash can

• All-purpose cleaner

• Vacuum cleaner

Tips for Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Be Safe

Before you begin cleaning your fridge, you need to unplug it. You may need help pulling it away from the wall, as it is quite heavy. In addition, practice food safety. Throw away any expired foods as you sort through the contents of your fridge, and store the rest in coolers. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping meats separate from other items.

Cleaning the Inside

Then, remove the shelves and baskets from the inside of your fridge. Put them in the sink of soapy water, scrub, and rinse them all. Let them air dry on the bath towel. As they dry, dip the microfiber cloth into the bucket of soapy water and wipe down the interior of the fridge, rinsing as you go. Repeat this process with the inside of the door.

If there any tough spills inside your fridge, this is the time to treat them. Sprinkling your wet microfiber cloth with some baking soda can help you scrub away any build-up by acting as an abrasive. Follow but rinsing it with soapy water, then clean water. Finish by wiping dry.

Cleaning the Outside

You also want to make sure to clean the outside of your refrigerator. Start by cleaning the gasket and hinges. Your scrub brush will be the most helpful here. After scrubbing the gaskets, open the seal and rinse the crevices with a damp cloth. Finally, brush the hinges and dry them with a cloth. After that, you can close the door and clean the exterior. Use an all-purpose spray to wipe down the surface from top to bottom. Don’t forget under the handles!

Next, prioritize cleaning the coil. It may be on the front or the back bottom of your fridge depending on the model of your appliance. Use one of the attachments of the vacuum to suck up all the dust and dirt.

Finally, clean the area surrounding your fridge while it’s pulled away from the wall. You can dust and scrub down the wall behind it, and mop the floor. If you see any food stains, you can scrub them with baking soda.

Finishing Up

Once you’ve finished cleaning all around the fridge, you can return it to its place and put the shelves and baskets back inside. Plug it back in and allow it to cool for one hour before you put the food back inside.