How to clean a fridge

The fridge became the “first-aid” appliance and it is integral part of the kitchen. If we want it to work properly, we need to defrost and clean it at least twice a year. It is not only ice removal ( new fridges have self-defrosting system) but mostly to get rid of unpleasant smells, dirt and all bacteria. Check the condition of your refrigerator. If you think that it is time to clean it, follow the instruction listed below or hire the professional Chicago maid service who could save your valuable time.

We definitely start with unplugging the fridge. Then we need to remove all products, drawers, shelves and leave the door wide open. Products should be wrapped in paper to keep the low temperature as long as possible. If you have a second fridge, remember to check what can be kept in the fridge and what we can put into the freezer. Shelves and drawers need to be cleaned by warm, soapy water, then rinsing and drying. It is not recommended to remove the ice using any sharp tools like a knife or a screwdriver because it easy to scratch and damage the interior. Don’t put any pot with boiling water or a hot iron!! The fridge must defrost by itself and we can only pour out the water.

After defrosting, we start cleaning the fridge interior by using warm, soapy water with soda ( four tablespoons of soda per one gallon of water) and soft cloth. Then we rinse with clean warm, water and then dry. Traces of mold on the walls of the refrigerator we need to clean with dish soap or water with vinegar ( ten teaspoons of vinegar per one gallon of water), then rinse and dry. Any scouring powders for sink cleaning is not recommended to use.

Next step it to wipe out the fully unfrozen fridge with alcohol damp cloth and wait until the fridge gets rid of the unpleasant smells. After that we can put back products on the shelves and drawers. Do not plug in the fridge if it is still moist. The wet parts could freeze up in the fridge and the whole process should be repeated.