When’s the Best Time to Clean the Fridge?

When’s the last time you cleaned your fridge? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long. Between leftover food smells and spills, dirt and grime can linger on the shelves, in the drawers, and in between door crevices. Keep these tips in mind to help keep your appliance clean enough to eat out of.

When to Clean Your Fridge

The best time to clean your refrigerator depends on your cleaning and grocery habits. Of course, any noticeable crumbs and spills should be wiped up immediately. But the entirety of the fridge should be cleaned out at least twice a year. Not only will this help keep the space fresh and clean, but it could help with clearing out expired food and restocking what’s needed. Keep these cleaning tips in mind:

• Spot clean spills immediately to prevent them from becoming harder to remove later.
• Wipe down empty drawers and shelves before you restock them.
• Deep clean seasonally by removing all the contents, shelves, and drawers for a thorough wash. Take care of this task during one of the colder months so you can unplug your fridge to clean and not worry about food spoiling. It could also be a good idea to clean before filling the fridge with holiday feast fixings and leftovers.
• Disinfect the interior and exterior, especially the high-touch handles.
• Dust vents to help the appliance work more efficiently.

Keeping your fridge clean is not only important to help keep it running smoothly, but it provides a fresh area for your fresh produce and everyday nourishment.