With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a good time to make space in the fridge for all those dishes and ingredients for the big holiday meal. And what better day to do it than November 14—National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day?
The job may be dreaded, but it’s an important task, essential for your fridge’s optimal energy efficiency and cooling performance and one that ensures the health of you and your family.
So get together a bucket full of hot and soapy water, disinfectant, a sponge, towel, and garbage bag.
Here’s a checklist to help you get through the job efficiently.
- If your fridge needs serious scrubbing or the shelves are not removable, unplug it so you don’t waste energy while cleaning. If the shelves are removable, and you’re conscientious about closing the door between steps, you can leave it plugged in.
- Empty every shelf and bin.
- Wipe down the top and bottom surfaces of each shelf and the inside walls and bins.
- Remove, wash and dry the drawers. Wash and dry the surfaces underneath the drawers.
- Wipe the gaskets and seals around the doors. Check to see whether the seals are still tight. A simple way to test this is to close a dollar bill in the door. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is loose and needs to be replaced.
- Vacuum the condenser coils on the back of or underneath the fridge as well as any dust and crud from under the refrigerator.
- If you unplugged the fridge while you cleaned, don’t forget to plug it back in.
