Does a cluttered fridge = a cluttered mind? Regardless of your organizational style, a messy fridge can lead to a foodborne illness and your appliance working harder than it needs to. A clean fridge can keep both YOU and your appliance healthy! If the longer days of spring and additional sunshine have shed light on your dirty refrigerator, spend some time this month spring cleaning it.
Start with the Outside
It’s hard to keep stainless steel looking shiny and smudge-free of fingerprints, water spots and streaks! Before cleaning, check your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website to see what cleaners they recommend to avoid. When cleaning the outside of your refrigerator, avoid harsh abrasives, scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, and ammonia. Instead, opt for a soft cloth dipped in warm water mixed with a mild dish detergent. If you can still see fingerprints, spray a glass cleaner onto a soft cloth and wipe fingerprints away.
Don’t forget to clean underneath or behind your fridge as well! Dirt, dust, and pet hair can clog your refrigerator’s condenser coils, making your compressor work harder and longer than it’s designed to do. With Westside’s Premium Appliance Maintenance Package, we’ll remove all of the dust and debris from your condenser coils to help your fridge keep its cool.
Get a Cooler Ready & Start to Scrub
According to the FDA, foods that need to be refrigerated should never sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours. To play it safe, store the food you plan to keep in a cooler while you’re spring cleaning out your fridge. Once you’ve emptied your fridge, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and thoroughly wash the shelves, drawers, and pull-out compartments.
While all the compartments are drying, take a soapy microfiber cloth and scrub down the inside of your refrigerator from top to bottom. Rise frequently and repeat if necessary. Have a tough spill? Dip your cloth in soapy water and sprinkle it with a small amount of baking soda. This will act as a gentle abrasive to help you clean the mess up.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
As you start to refill your fridge, check your foods and condiments for expiration or best-by dates, and restock safe foods. Toss any items that look funny, feel or smell weird, have expired, or that you know you’ll probably never going to use. If you’re on the fence about an item, use the motto, “When in doubt, throw it out!” To keep your fridge clean, wipe down any sticky lids or spills on the packaging.
Let Westside help you with your spring cleaning!
Browse our different Maintenance Packages, with services including Dryer Vent Cleaning, Gas Fireplace Cleaning, Refrigerator Coil Cleaning, Washing Machine Refresh, Dishwasher Refresh, Garbage Disposal Refresh and a Refrigerator Water Filter Change.
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