When it comes to holiday cooking, a lot goes into preparing delicious recipes, but what about the leftovers? While you’re making lists of ingredients and scouring your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry for staples, notice the condition of these essential appliances. Cleaning your fridge and freezer now not only clears it for the oncoming storage containers, but it helps ensure freshness and prevents illness.

Benefits of Cleaning the Fridge & Freezer

When’s the last time you cleaned out the fridge or freezer? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time. There’s no better time than now to clear out the summer picnic condiments. And if you find items from last year’s holidays, then it’s time to toss those too. Here are some other benefits of a clean appliance.

1. Freshness. Even though food items that end up in the fridge and freezer and typically stored in containers, it doesn’t mean these areas don’t accumulate dirt and germs—especially if these containers leak. Plus, any forgotten leftovers, expired items, and produce stuck in the back of the drawers accumulate, release odors, and can contaminate other items. Clean these out to reduce the risk.
2. Healthier. Regularly cleaning the fridge and freezer also helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Both thrive in damp, dark environments—two characteristics of a closed fridge and freezer. By immediately wiping up spills and consistently wiping down seemingly clean surfaces, you help prevent bacteria that causes foodborne illness.
3. Energy efficient. Not only is a clean appliance better for your health, it’s also better for your wallet. A cluttered compartment forces the fridge and freezer to work harder to keep items cool. When the shelves are clean and organized, the appliance runs more efficiently.

Properly Cleaning an Appliance

Now that you know why a clean appliance is important, it’s time to get to work. Start by tossing all the spoiled, expired items from your fridge and freezer. If it’s unopened and still fresh, but you’re not going to use it, consider donating it to a local foodbank. It is the season of giving. In fact, why not give the rest of the work to someone else. Contact JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care about our disinfecting services. Once your fridge and freezer are sparkling, be sure to arrange the items in a way that’s easy to see and access. This way it’s less likely to be forgotten. An organized fridge and freezer is likely to hold more leftovers more efficiently, so you can relive the holiday deliciousness.