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Thanksgiving Recipes and Leftovers

Refrigerator and Freezer Cleaning Checklist

You may think you have the technique down cold, but keeping the refrigerator clean requires more than a box of baking soda. Think of this checklist as a refresher course.

Interior

  • Remove food. Store the frozen items in coolers. Refrigerated, perishable foods generally won’t spoil during the cleaning process if left at room temperature for under 2 hours.
  • Clean crispers and ice-maker bins. Place in warm water with dish soap and scrub. Empty ice maker (ice can absorb odors).
  • Clean doors, shelves, and walls. Vacuum food crumbs. Wipe with a solution of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart warm water.

Exterior

  • Ready, set, vacuum. Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust that has accumulated underneath the refrigerator, on its rear coils and top vents, and along the wall.
  • Wipe away dirt. With a wet, soapy cloth, wash the exterior. If your refrigerator is made of stainless steel, use special stainless cleaner, and rub with the grain for the best shine.

    Related: 24 Smart Organizing Ideas for Your Kitchen

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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