Face it-the fridge can be pretty disgusting; especially a drawer fridge freezer. Who wants to store their food in a place that has a stink of old rotten food hanging around? Things spill and get old in there all the time, you definitely don’t want to be reminded of the gross things that happen to food when you are preparing to eat it!
You will need a mild dish soap, kitchen sponges and vinegar or baking soda. Consider buying green, biodegradable cleaning products-they are fairly affordable and much better for the environment.
First, turn the temperature-control knob to ‘Off’. If you have a drip pan underneath, take it out to clean.
Then, take everything out of the refrigerator and freezer. Be tactful to keep meat out of counters and in sink, as defrosting will not contaminate your fridge freezer. Try to do this when you don’t have anything highly perishable in there, because you want to take your time cleaning. If you rush, you will miss things and possibly have to redo the cleaning again soon.
Throw away any food that is moldy or spoiled. Be sure to check the expiration date on any jars or bottles and throw away anything that is past due.
Then, remove all removable components out of the freezer, including wire racks, shelves, and drawers.
Fill the sink with warm, soapy water. Wipe any out food from the drawers and hand wash them, drawers and the wire racks in the sink.
Wipe out the DC compressor fridge freezer, taking care to remove all food matter from the bottom of the fridge. Use a sponge with warm, soapy water and wipe out the entire fridge. Don’t forget the compartments and door racks as well. Squeeze out the soapy water and use water without soap to wipe the soap away.
Make a solution of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart warm water. You could also use one cup of vinegar and one gallon of warm water. You should apply the solution you choose and rinse it away. It will cut down on existing odors, but you should also put a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to keep the odor under control in the long term.
Put every wire rack, shelf, and drawers back into the freezer.
Wash the outside of the fridge and the rubber molding around the door with the warm, soapy water. Rinse with warm water and dry it carefully.
Fix the temperature knob back into the recommended setting and keep the food in the fridge. Wipe off jars and bottles that are sticky. Clean off the counter where you put your food.
Cleaning like this should happen at least once a month, so you don’t necessarily need to include a full fridge cleaning every time you clean your kitchen. Just do it properly once a month, and you will keep your fridge reminding you only of the amazing things it holds for you to eat!