A refrigerator is an indispensable home appliance.
You cannot afford to live without having a refrigerator to keep your food in a healthy and fresh state.
When it comes to how often a refrigerator should be cleaned, however, it seems most people get it wrong altogether.
So, How Often Should The Refrigerator Be Cleaned (Inside, Outside, Behind, Under)?
Well, the inside of the refrigerator should be cleaned as soon as you notice a deposition of food particles in it-which is often not more than a week. Other parts of the refrigerator, the outside, underside, and behind the refrigerator require cleaning depending on whether you are doing a casual cleaning or a deep periodic cleaning.
This article is tailored to help you explore when and how to clean your refrigerator. And there is more!
How Often Should You Clean Under And Behind The Fridge?
It is recommended to clean behind and under the refrigerator at least once a month.
The main reason why it is a good idea to clean behind and under the refrigerator is to keep bits of food and dust at bay.
In turn, bad odors are prevented from developing behind the fridge.
It also helps to eliminate any dampness behind and under the fridge that could lead to mold development.
Additionally, it helps keep pests and allergens away.
See Also: Why Does Your Fridge Smell Like Rotten Eggs or Fish?
How Do You Clean Under & Behind The Fridge?
You need to master appropriate cleaning tips for your fridge. This is especially true since the back of your refrigerator is where you plug it into electricity.
Care must be observed when cleaning this part.
Here is a comprehensive guide to getting this right:
1. Unplug The Refrigerator
The first thing you want to do is unplug the refrigerator from the electric connection.
The least you want to do is tamper with electricity.
Once it is unplugged, pull it some distance away from the wall. This allows you enough space to clean its back properly.
Remember to keep the doors closed to maintain appropriate temperatures.
2. Remove The Vent Cover/Grill
The best way to clean this critical part is to use a hand-held vacuum.
It clears off all dust that might have accumulated in the vent’s coil over time.
Use a smaller duster to wipe the coils clean.
Concentrate your efforts, especially on the coil brush.
While you do this, check for any potential loose seals and rips. Should you find some, make sure they are fixed immediately.
3. Wipe Down The Wall Behind The Refrigerator Using A Microfiber Cloth
To keep the back of the fridge spotlessly clean, thoroughly wipe with a microfiber cloth along with some disinfectant.
It is designed to clear off the grease that hangs stubbornly on the back of the refrigerator.
It also prevents permanent stains on the refrigerator. Do not forget to wipe down the back panel in a similar way.
4. Clean Under The Refrigerator
The bottom of the refrigerator should be thoroughly cleaned as well using a gentle brush.
Any particles and dust deposited on this part should be wiped away.
Simply brush away any residues in it with a soft brush.
It is easy to clean this part of your refrigerator on a raised beam.
You can even wipe it with your hand.
Reach under the refrigerator with your hand and run a piece of cloth over it.
Cobwebs can easily find their place in this part. So make sure they are wiped away.
5. Clean The Floor Space Upon Which The Refrigerator Was Sitting
Thoroughly sweep the placement floor of the refrigerator.
Clear off any dirt that might have accumulated on the seam boards.
6. Allow The Refrigerator And The Walls/Floor To Dry Before Taking It Back In Place
This is important to curb mold growth.
If you reinstall it in place without allowing the chance to dry, there is every chance that mold will start development as soon as you put it back.
Make sure it is dry first.
7. Return It To Its Placement at Point
This is the final step. Plug the refrigerator back to connect it to electricity. And that is not enough.
You must turn on the fan and make sure that all its cooling systems are operating properly.
How Often Should You Clean Inside The Refrigerator?
You should clean the inside at least 3 times a month.
If, for instance, food spills over on the refrigerator, you must make sure that it is cleaned at that particular hour. Be certain that it is cleared of any food particles.
Food particles can create a bad smell in the refrigerator. In some cases, depending on use, the refrigerator may need to be cleaned casually every week.
But thorough and periodic cleaning should be done at least 3 times a month.
How Do You Clean the Inside of Your Refrigerator
1. Empty The Fridge
You cannot clean the fridge with food in it. You must empty everything including ice cubes. Any expired or spoiled food should be discarded away.
Other food should be kept in good condition so that it can be returned to the fridge once it is clean. A thermal bag is the most ideal storage for food.
2. Take Out Removable Parts Of The Refrigerator
All removable parts of the refrigerator should be taken out, and disassembled. You have to pave way for cleaning to reach all corners.
Make sure that you clean all the removable parts as well.
Soapy water can help you accomplish a great job.
Water, vinegar, and baking soap are suitable for cleaning.
3. Place A Tower On The Bottom Of The Refrigerator
This will keep water from spilling over onto the floor. A towel will help absorb any drops of water that spills over.
4. Leave It To Dry
Including the disassembled parts, allow the refrigerator to dry perfectly before returning it to place.
Proceed to assemble all other parts and return them to the placement point.
5. Lubricate The Door Seal
First, make sure that it is absolutely dry. Then lubricate it with oil.
Only use a few drops as they can spill over and make the fridge dirty.
How Often Should You Clean Outside The Refrigerator?
A deep clean of the outside of the refrigerator should be executed every 3-4 months.
Of course, you must keep wiping its surface every time you spot something dirty on it.
But a periodic deep cleaning should be executed at least every three months.
All you need is some disinfectant. And of course a microfiber cloth or a homemade soft cloth.
Wipe over the surface of the refrigerator gently. Clear any spot to leave the surface sparkling clean. Give it a little time to dry.
Other Useful Ideas When Using a Refrigerator
1. Do Not Place Food Against The Walls Of The Refrigerator
This is a hygienic measure to ensure that your food is safe.
2. Do Not Overload The Freezer Compartment
This part is designed to handle only a certain capacity of stuff at a time. Overloading it means straining the refrigerator which may compromise its working efficiency.
3. Make Sure That Food Is Distributed Evenly In The Refrigerator
An even distribution of food allows a flawless circulation of air in the freezer. Consequently, optimum cooling conditions are guaranteed.
4. Uncovered Food Should Not Be Placed Directly On The Fridge Shelves
Only put covered food in this compartment. Uncovered food should be placed in the open compartments.
Final Words
Cleaning your refrigerator often is not only necessary to keep the appliance in ambient appearance always, but it also keeps it in proper working conditions.
Besides, it ensures a high level of hygiene both for the food you store in there and for the general operation of the refrigerator.
Always make sure you clean it for optimum refrigeration and to ensure that you keep healthy food in it.
References
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-clean-behind-refrigerator/
