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How often should you clean your fridge? -

How often you clean your fridge depends on how full you keep it. A stuffed fridge has more chances for spills and should be cleaned monthly. A less frequently used refrigerator may only need quarterly cleaning.

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What you'll need -

Before you get started, make sure you have microfiber cloths, sponges, baking soda, a spray bottle, dish soap, a vacuum, and stainless steel cleaner (if your fridge is made of stainless steel). 

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Turn off or unplug the fridge -

Eliminate any risk of electrocution by unplugging or turning off the refrigerator while cleaning.

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Take everything out -

Before you begin cleaning your fridge, take everything out of it so you don't need to clean around bottles and jars. 

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Throw out the old stuff -

It can be easy to stock up on sauces or condiments and forget about them in the back of the fridge, so make sure to discard any expired food when you start cleaning.

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Remove shelves and drawers -

To properly clean your fridge, take out any removable shelves and drawers.

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Get rid of crumbs - The fridge can become a haven for food debris and dust. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe out all crumbs from the interior.

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Make your cleaning solution -

Add a drop or two of dish soap to a spray bottle filled with warm water and lightly spray it across the fridge's interior.

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Use your all-purpose cleaner -

If you have an all-purpose cleaner you'd like to use, feel free to use it instead of the dish-soap-and-water mixture.

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Wipe down your fridge -

Working from top to bottom, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution from your refrigerator's interior.

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Stubborn stains -

If you notice any stubborn stains, spray them a few times with your cleaning solution to help them dissolve, then wipe them away.

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Make sure everything is dry -

If your refrigerator's interior still looks a little damp, dry it with a microfiber cloth. Once there's no moisture left, plug in the fridge and place your food back in.

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Vacuum the crumbs -

Sweep or vacuum up any crumbs that have ended up on the floor during the cleaning process.

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Washing the shelves and drawers -

Before washing the shelves and drawers, let them reach room temperature. Using warm water on fridge-temperature plastic or glass can result in cracking. When the pieces are at room temperature, wash them with warm water, gentle dish soap, and a soft sponge or dishcloth. Use towels to dry them.

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Clean the gasket -

Refrigerator gaskets collect quite a bit of grime. To clean, dip a cotton swab into a cleaning solution, then run it along the gasket's seam and dry it with a microfiber cloth. 

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Clean the coils -

Check the appliance's manual for instructions on how to locate and clean the coils. This step typically only needs to be done once a year.

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Clean under the fridge -

Move your fridge away from the wall and vacuum or sweep the floor underneath it. Clean the floor with a mop dampened with an all-purpose cleaner, then wipe dry. 

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Clean the water line -

This step only applies to fridges that have built-in dispensers for water and ice. The best way to avoid mold outbreaks is to clean the water line at least once every six months with white vinegar. 

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Stainless steel exterior -

If your fridge has a stainless steel exterior, use a stainless steel cleaner. Be sure to follow product guidelines, as stainless steel can easily smudge or streak.

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Cleaning the exterior -

If your fridge is made from anything other than stainless steel, use your solution of dish soap and water. Spray down the exterior, then wipe it away, working from top to bottom.

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Put everything back -

Once your fridge's interior is dry and stain-free, re-insert any removable shelves or drawers, then add all your food items back.

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Odor-prevention -

Finally, place a small open container of baking soda on one of your fridge's shelves. This will prevent odors in the weeks to come.

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How to maintain a clean refrigerator -

Keep your refrigerator tidy and spotless between deep cleans by following some simple maintenance routines.

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Keep an eye on expiration dates -

Once a week, check expiration dates and remove anything old, such as takeout boxes, expired food, and leftovers.

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Clean any spills -

Wipe up any spills as soon as possible to prevent them from turning into a sticky, stubborn mess later on. The same goes for sticky jars or bottles.

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Make sure container lids are secure -

Before putting something in the fridge, ensure it's clean and in a container that won't spill easily.

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Be organized -

Utilize refrigerator organizers and bins to ensure your fridge is kept neat and tidy.
Sources: (The Spruce) (Southern Living) (Martha Stewart) 
See also: Disturbing things that happen if you stop cleaning your home

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