subject: Kitchen Fridges - Tips For Cleaning [print this page] Following is a quick guide to getting the best out of your kitchen fridge with cleaning and maintenance tips for preserving your appliance.
Cleaning: The drawers and shelves of your fridge can be cleaned either manually, using hot water, or by placing them into the dishwasher (use a low temperature and a short cycle). The inside of the fridge can be washed with bicarbonate of soda and tepid water, and remove bits of dried on food by softening with water first. Refrain from trying to scrape off the dried bits of food, as this may damage the interior of the fridge. Also remember to clean inside the seals, as mould can grow in these places.
If you want your fridge to continue smelling fresh and sweet, try putting a fridge deodoriser into the corner of the fridge, these are very effective.
To clean the outside of the fridge, use a damp cloth and small amount of detergent for the best results. If you are going to be away from your house for any length of time, remove the contents of the fridge, switch it off and leave the door ajar to stop it from getting a musty smell.
Defrosting: Many fridges nowadays can be automatically defrosted, but older fridges, or ones containing an ice compartment, will still need to be manually defrosted.
This is achieved by unplugging the fridge and switching the thermostat off. Remove all the contents and store them in a cool box until you have finished. Take the shelves out and leave the door open so that it can defrost. Remember to put down a towel at the bottom of the fridge to soak up any water, and if you want to speed up the defrosting process, place a bowl of hot water on a shelf. Once the fridge has defrosted, clean it using a cloth.
Moving: If you want to clean behind the fridge, unplug it from the wall, then slowly manouvre it away from the wall, getting help if required. Once this is achieved, clean up all the fallen food and debris from the floor, then scrub the floor with a cloth and hot water, and wipe down the walls as well. Clean off all the dust that accumulates on the rear of the fridge. Once all this is done, again get help to slide the fridge back into its position in the kitchen and put the power back on.
Hopefully this has been helpful and given you a few tips on looking after your fridge.
