Cleaning fridge: Deep cleaning

Your fridge is an item in constant use and need regular cleaning, but once in a while a deep cleaning is needed

Planning

You need to review what is safe to leave on the counter top and what should stay in the fridge as much as possible. If you have access to a second fridge, you can move the most critical items there

Best time to clean the fridge, is a few days before your next big grocery. As that's when the fridge is normally most empty and less food to worry about

Empty out the fridge

While you're emptying the fridge, this is a good time to also check expiry date and if the product is still in good quality

Cleaning removable parts

I bring these into the shower, as these are big items and I can clean the properly

If they're really dirty, I cover them in dishwashing liquid and let them rest a while, so the dirth can loosen up

Some areas have an unfriendly design, when it comes to cleaning and work arounds are needed. I'm certain these can be taken more apart, but they also feel like they'll break when I try to do it

Fridge

I get a bucket with warm water and dishwashing liquid

Then I remove all remaining items from the fridge and starting cleaning with a rag

Then I'll use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, to clean in hard to reach spaces

Freezer

Here I'd either empty all, then just be very quick or I'd do one by one drawer. Then just leave the food in the freezer, as long as possible

Excaust fan and underneath

Since this normally requires the fridge to be pulled out, it's a good opportunity to clean properly under the fridge

Outside areas

I'd also make sure to clean rubber gaskets, as these can get pretty dirty over time. These I recommend wipe over regularly, to prolong their life