I struggle with keeping my refrigerator clean. Honestly, it is probably one of my least favorite jobs and it is so much easier to put off than folding laundry. Unfortunately, putting it off only makes it that much more work.

So when I read this list from Martha Stewart (as found in Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook) I realized how much easier I would make my life if I started dealing with my refrigerator on a regular basis. You too?

DAILY

1. Wipe up spills immediately, before they have a chance to dry.
2. Ensure everything that goes into your refrigerator is immaculate. Always wipe off the rims of jam jars, salad dressing bottles, and ketchup containers before storing them.
3. Check for spoilage and throw out foods and beverages that are past their prime.
4. Place anything likely to drip or leak, such as defrosting meat or cartons of berries on a rimmed plate.

WEEKLY

1. Wipe doors, including edges, and top of refrigerator with a cloth dampened with mild dishwashing liquid and water. Pay special attention the the areas around the handles, which can harbor sticky fingerprints.
2. For a stainless steel surface, use commercial stainless-steel spray and wipe in the direction of the grain.

SEASONALLY

1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
2. Put food in a cooler and remove glass shelves and crisper drawers to bring them to room temperature so there’s no danger of them cracking when you wash them.
3. Wipe the interior with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart hot water. Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Do not use soap or detergent; they can leave behind fragrance, which will be absorbed by food. Do not use abrasive cleansers, ammonia, or bleach.
4. To remove caked-on residue, rehydrate by liberally applying the baking soda solution mentioned above with a wet towel. Leave the door open, and let the residue soak in the solution for ten minutes, or until it starts to crack or soften (reapply if necessary). Wipe the stain away with a clean, damp towel. If the stain won’t come off, repeat the process with a mildly abrasive, chlorine-free household cleanser such as Bon Ami; dilute 1 tablespoon cleanser in 1 pint hot water to avoid scratching plastic surfaces.
5. Soak shelves and bins in a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda for every quart warm water. Do not wash in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before replacing.
6. Clean the door seals, which can collect crumbs, with hot water and mild dishwashing liquid; dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Check the seals periodically. An improper fit can cause cold loss and temperature fluctuations.
7. Clean the drip pan or tray (aka defrost pan), which holds water form the continual process of defrosting, if your refrigerator has one. You’ll have to remove the base grill first to look for the pan; it often sits on a set of black condenser coils. Before pulling it out, check to see if there’s liquid in it. If so, soak it up with paper towels (wear rubber gloves and a dust mask first in case the water is moldy). When the pan is dry, pull it out and examine it for signs of mold. Wash the pan with warm, soapy water; if it’s moldy, follow with a 1-to-10 solution of bleach and water. Dry thoroughly and vacuum the area around the pan before replacing it. To clean a fixed drip pan, wrap an absorbent cloth around the head of a clean long-handled brush or a clean paint roller and secure the cloth with rubber bands. Dampen it with warm soapy water and clean the pan. Wipe with a clean cloth and let air-dry before replacing the grill.

---

Do you have a Thursday {Thirteen} post on your blog? Leave the link here in Mr. Linky or in the comments section so we can read what you have to say. Please link to your specific post, not to your homepage, and also include a link back to this post. Happy Thursday {Thirteen}!