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| Meta Title | A Complete Guide to Clean your Refrigerator | Sears |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Buying a
new refrigerator
brings with it the responsibility of keeping the appliance in top condition. A properly maintained refrigerator helps keep your food and drinks in perfect condition. It is often a matter of experience that maintaining an
appliance
is a challenge because it requires proper usage and timely servicing. There are certain tasks that ought to be performed to keep your appliance sparkling clean. Let us explore them to extract the best out of a refrigerator. Before that, let us have a look at how to identify a refrigerator that is in best condition.
Indicators of a Well Maintained Refrigerator
A well-kept kitchen appliance not only performs its task efficiently, but also looks great
It offers consistent refrigeration in shelves and baskets
All the digital features show accurate readings
It is supported by mechanical knobs that are operable
The appliance that is not overstuffed with edibles
It has all the refrigerator accessories installed properly
Not keeping the door open unnecessarily
No traces of mold
Its freezer makes ice quickly
Timely serviced parts and accessories
Basic Steps and Precautions Prior to Cleanup Job
Turning off the appliance
Before undertaking cleaning or servicing works, it is better to turn off the refrigerator. Doing so will stop the flow of electricity and avert the risk of electric shocks. Simply unplug the appliance from a power outlet and move it to a space where you feel comfortable working on it. This will give you enough room to have a good look at the appliance and plan things accordingly.
Remove the stored contents
After unplugging the refrigerator, you need to remove all the food and drinks that were stowed in it. This is important because of two things. Firstly, the eatables do not let you gain access to interior shelves and baskets. Secondly, there will be an adverse impact on your fruits, veggies, and edibles in case you retain them.
Have an understanding of refrigerator parts
All refrigerators come with removable and fixed shelves, baskets, and bins. You should be fully aware of all such
refrigerator parts
. Remove only the refrigerator accessories that allow you to do so. This will help you gain easy access to hard-to-reach areas of your refrigerator which requires more focus. Be cautious and do not try hard to remove fixed shelves, as it could break them.
Reinstall the parts after cleaning
After finishing the cleaning work, it is important to get everything back in place before turning on the appliance. If the refrigerator was moved to other place, first get the appliance back to its original position. This helps protect the parts and accessories from unwanted movement, in addition to making it easy to move the refrigerator due to reduced weight.
Check the power outlet
Have a close look at the power outlet before plugging in the appliance. It is better to avoid uncertainties like voltage fluctuations and electric shocks. Generally, these electric imbalances cause great damage to appliances. The safer option will be to check the socket and outlet before making necessary connections.
Procedure for Cleaning a Refrigerator
Cleaning a refrigerator requires you to undertake a cleanup task of exterior, interior and other refrigerator parts. Let us have a look at the procedure for cleaning various appliance parts.
Cleaning Specific Refrigerator Parts
Shelves and drawers
Hand wash the removable shelves and drawers in hot water by using a dish soap. All glass components need to be at room temperature before bringing them in contact with hot water. You may choose to use a nonabrasive scrubber to remove the spills after covering them with a wet, warm cloth. Certain spots like edges of wire racks and shelves attract debris. Thus, special attention must be given to such areas.
Refrigerator interior
Refrigerators also contain fixed shelves and bins. These accessories must be cleaned inside the appliance. You can use baking soda and water to wipe clean to execute this cleaning job. Start from top to bottom as it avoids drips from landing on clean surfaces. Directly clean the interior walls of the appliance with a wet cloth to ensure interior hygiene.
Refrigerator gasket
All refrigerator doors feature a rubber gasket around the door that offers a tight seal for easy opening and closing of the door. You can opt for a bleach-based cleaner to remove mold. Once the cleaning process is completed, choose to coat the seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to avoid dryness.
Refrigerator exterior
Having a sparkling clean refrigerator exterior is sure to elevate the look of your kitchen. Make use of an all-purpose cleaner on a piece of cloth to remove areas where you see a buildup of grime. However, if you own a stainless-steel refrigerator, then wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. Follow it up with a dry cloth.
Refrigerator coils
Although these are not visible to the naked eye, they do need cleaning once in a while. Before performing the task, have a look at the user manual for specific instructions because coils play an important role in operation. After unplugging the appliance, locate the coils and clean around them with a coil brush. In case the coils are located at the bottom, then remove the grill and use vacuum to get rid of dirt or grime.
Water dispenser
Getting filtered water from the appliance is possible when it is serviced or cleaned regularly. Check the user manual for knowing the instructions for troubleshooting a dispenser. Timely replacement of
refrigerator filter
also enhances the service life of the appliance accessory. Since the water dispenser gets water spots and stains with regular usage, clean it with a vinegar-based cleaner from top to bottom. Allow it to dry to get a sparkling clean water dispenser.
Mold removal
As a refrigerator offers chilled environment for food and beverage storage, it is very susceptible to the growth of mold. It is important to remember that excess moisture could result in mold growth. Removal of mold is pretty simple. You may use baking soda with hot water to wipe down a moldy surface. In case mold is not treated in the beginning, then a complete inside out cleanup is required.
Timely Servicing of Refrigerator
Do not underestimate the significance of getting your appliance serviced on a regular basis. Whenever you feel your refrigerator is not performing at its optimal best, it is advisable to investigate
appliance parts and accessories
. If there is any visible mold or grime, then it must be gotten rid of at the earliest. If the appliance gives off unpleasant odor, then it could be an indicator of stale food or malfunctioning appliance accessory. Be aware of the life of refrigerator parts and accessories that are explicitly mentioned in the user manual. They must be replaced in a timely manner to avoid machine breakdown.
Preventive Measures & Suggestions
Do not cram the refrigerator space with spoiled veggies and fruits, as it could result in sticky spills
Remove leftovers that are stowed in your refrigerator for a long time
Do not forget to check the expiry dates of dairy products and other packed items
Have enough space between the edibles and beverages. The interiors must not look cluttered
After taking out food from the appliance, clean the empty bins and baskets
Replace water filter and other parts as mentioned in the user manual
Have enough room around the appliance for hassle-free opening and closing of the door
Monitor the cooling of freezer and refrigerator shelves in every corner
All the digital and mechanical features and functions must be in working condition
Ensure your refrigerator looks clean from the outside
Plan your schedule for cleaning your refrigerator every week
Cleaning a refrigerator might seem to be a tedious job, but it is definitely worth the effort. Maintaining a kitchen appliance requires rigorous monitoring of the included features. These days, kitchen appliances come with a multitude of modern functions that simplify handling. All appliances require proper servicing with regular cleaning for upkeep. We have listed out some important steps that will help you extract the best out of your appliance.
Sears offers top-rated refrigerators
from LG, Samsung, GE Appliances and Frigidaire, which are easy to operate and maintain. |
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Main Menu
# A Complete Guide to Clean your Refrigerator
By [Admin](https://blog.sears.com/author/nishisears/ "View all posts by Admin") / May 20, 2023

Buying a [new refrigerator](https://blog.sears.com/best-refrigerators-to-upgrade-your-home/) brings with it the responsibility of keeping the appliance in top condition. A properly maintained refrigerator helps keep your food and drinks in perfect condition. It is often a matter of experience that maintaining an [appliance](https://www.sears.com/appliances/b-1020003) is a challenge because it requires proper usage and timely servicing. There are certain tasks that ought to be performed to keep your appliance sparkling clean. Let us explore them to extract the best out of a refrigerator. Before that, let us have a look at how to identify a refrigerator that is in best condition.
## **Indicators of a Well Maintained Refrigerator**
- A well-kept kitchen appliance not only performs its task efficiently, but also looks great
- It offers consistent refrigeration in shelves and baskets
- All the digital features show accurate readings
- It is supported by mechanical knobs that are operable
- The appliance that is not overstuffed with edibles
- It has all the refrigerator accessories installed properly
- Not keeping the door open unnecessarily
- No traces of mold
- Its freezer makes ice quickly
- Timely serviced parts and accessories

## **Basic Steps and Precautions Prior to Cleanup Job**
**Turning off the appliance** Before undertaking cleaning or servicing works, it is better to turn off the refrigerator. Doing so will stop the flow of electricity and avert the risk of electric shocks. Simply unplug the appliance from a power outlet and move it to a space where you feel comfortable working on it. This will give you enough room to have a good look at the appliance and plan things accordingly.
**Remove the stored contents** After unplugging the refrigerator, you need to remove all the food and drinks that were stowed in it. This is important because of two things. Firstly, the eatables do not let you gain access to interior shelves and baskets. Secondly, there will be an adverse impact on your fruits, veggies, and edibles in case you retain them.
**Have an understanding of refrigerator parts** All refrigerators come with removable and fixed shelves, baskets, and bins. You should be fully aware of all such [refrigerator parts](https://www.sears.com/appliances-appliance-accessories-refrigerator-parts-accessories/b-5000107). Remove only the refrigerator accessories that allow you to do so. This will help you gain easy access to hard-to-reach areas of your refrigerator which requires more focus. Be cautious and do not try hard to remove fixed shelves, as it could break them.
**Reinstall the parts after cleaning**
After finishing the cleaning work, it is important to get everything back in place before turning on the appliance. If the refrigerator was moved to other place, first get the appliance back to its original position. This helps protect the parts and accessories from unwanted movement, in addition to making it easy to move the refrigerator due to reduced weight.
**Check the power outlet**
Have a close look at the power outlet before plugging in the appliance. It is better to avoid uncertainties like voltage fluctuations and electric shocks. Generally, these electric imbalances cause great damage to appliances. The safer option will be to check the socket and outlet before making necessary connections.

## **Procedure for Cleaning a Refrigerator**
Cleaning a refrigerator requires you to undertake a cleanup task of exterior, interior and other refrigerator parts. Let us have a look at the procedure for cleaning various appliance parts.
#### **Cleaning Specific Refrigerator Parts**
**Shelves and drawers**
Hand wash the removable shelves and drawers in hot water by using a dish soap. All glass components need to be at room temperature before bringing them in contact with hot water. You may choose to use a nonabrasive scrubber to remove the spills after covering them with a wet, warm cloth. Certain spots like edges of wire racks and shelves attract debris. Thus, special attention must be given to such areas.
**Refrigerator interior** Refrigerators also contain fixed shelves and bins. These accessories must be cleaned inside the appliance. You can use baking soda and water to wipe clean to execute this cleaning job. Start from top to bottom as it avoids drips from landing on clean surfaces. Directly clean the interior walls of the appliance with a wet cloth to ensure interior hygiene.
**Refrigerator gasket**
All refrigerator doors feature a rubber gasket around the door that offers a tight seal for easy opening and closing of the door. You can opt for a bleach-based cleaner to remove mold. Once the cleaning process is completed, choose to coat the seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to avoid dryness.
**Refrigerator exterior**
Having a sparkling clean refrigerator exterior is sure to elevate the look of your kitchen. Make use of an all-purpose cleaner on a piece of cloth to remove areas where you see a buildup of grime. However, if you own a stainless-steel refrigerator, then wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. Follow it up with a dry cloth.
**Refrigerator coils**
Although these are not visible to the naked eye, they do need cleaning once in a while. Before performing the task, have a look at the user manual for specific instructions because coils play an important role in operation. After unplugging the appliance, locate the coils and clean around them with a coil brush. In case the coils are located at the bottom, then remove the grill and use vacuum to get rid of dirt or grime.
**Water dispenser**
Getting filtered water from the appliance is possible when it is serviced or cleaned regularly. Check the user manual for knowing the instructions for troubleshooting a dispenser. Timely replacement of [refrigerator filter](https://www.sears.com/search=refrigerator%20filter) also enhances the service life of the appliance accessory. Since the water dispenser gets water spots and stains with regular usage, clean it with a vinegar-based cleaner from top to bottom. Allow it to dry to get a sparkling clean water dispenser.
**Mold removal**
As a refrigerator offers chilled environment for food and beverage storage, it is very susceptible to the growth of mold. It is important to remember that excess moisture could result in mold growth. Removal of mold is pretty simple. You may use baking soda with hot water to wipe down a moldy surface. In case mold is not treated in the beginning, then a complete inside out cleanup is required.
## **Timely Servicing of Refrigerator**
Do not underestimate the significance of getting your appliance serviced on a regular basis. Whenever you feel your refrigerator is not performing at its optimal best, it is advisable to investigate [appliance parts and accessories](https://www.sears.com/appliances-appliance-accessories/b-5000100). If there is any visible mold or grime, then it must be gotten rid of at the earliest. If the appliance gives off unpleasant odor, then it could be an indicator of stale food or malfunctioning appliance accessory. Be aware of the life of refrigerator parts and accessories that are explicitly mentioned in the user manual. They must be replaced in a timely manner to avoid machine breakdown.
## **Preventive Measures & Suggestions**
- Do not cram the refrigerator space with spoiled veggies and fruits, as it could result in sticky spills
- Remove leftovers that are stowed in your refrigerator for a long time
- Do not forget to check the expiry dates of dairy products and other packed items
- Have enough space between the edibles and beverages. The interiors must not look cluttered
- After taking out food from the appliance, clean the empty bins and baskets
- Replace water filter and other parts as mentioned in the user manual
- Have enough room around the appliance for hassle-free opening and closing of the door
- Monitor the cooling of freezer and refrigerator shelves in every corner
- All the digital and mechanical features and functions must be in working condition
- Ensure your refrigerator looks clean from the outside
- Plan your schedule for cleaning your refrigerator every week
Cleaning a refrigerator might seem to be a tedious job, but it is definitely worth the effort. Maintaining a kitchen appliance requires rigorous monitoring of the included features. These days, kitchen appliances come with a multitude of modern functions that simplify handling. All appliances require proper servicing with regular cleaning for upkeep. We have listed out some important steps that will help you extract the best out of your appliance. [Sears offers top-rated refrigerators](https://www.sears.com/appliances-refrigerators-french-door-refrigerators/b-1031416?viewAll=true) from LG, Samsung, GE Appliances and Frigidaire, which are easy to operate and maintain.
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| Readable Markdown | 
Buying a [new refrigerator](https://blog.sears.com/best-refrigerators-to-upgrade-your-home/) brings with it the responsibility of keeping the appliance in top condition. A properly maintained refrigerator helps keep your food and drinks in perfect condition. It is often a matter of experience that maintaining an [appliance](https://www.sears.com/appliances/b-1020003) is a challenge because it requires proper usage and timely servicing. There are certain tasks that ought to be performed to keep your appliance sparkling clean. Let us explore them to extract the best out of a refrigerator. Before that, let us have a look at how to identify a refrigerator that is in best condition.
## **Indicators of a Well Maintained Refrigerator**
- A well-kept kitchen appliance not only performs its task efficiently, but also looks great
- It offers consistent refrigeration in shelves and baskets
- All the digital features show accurate readings
- It is supported by mechanical knobs that are operable
- The appliance that is not overstuffed with edibles
- It has all the refrigerator accessories installed properly
- Not keeping the door open unnecessarily
- No traces of mold
- Its freezer makes ice quickly
- Timely serviced parts and accessories

## **Basic Steps and Precautions Prior to Cleanup Job**
**Turning off the appliance** Before undertaking cleaning or servicing works, it is better to turn off the refrigerator. Doing so will stop the flow of electricity and avert the risk of electric shocks. Simply unplug the appliance from a power outlet and move it to a space where you feel comfortable working on it. This will give you enough room to have a good look at the appliance and plan things accordingly.
**Remove the stored contents** After unplugging the refrigerator, you need to remove all the food and drinks that were stowed in it. This is important because of two things. Firstly, the eatables do not let you gain access to interior shelves and baskets. Secondly, there will be an adverse impact on your fruits, veggies, and edibles in case you retain them.
**Have an understanding of refrigerator parts** All refrigerators come with removable and fixed shelves, baskets, and bins. You should be fully aware of all such [refrigerator parts](https://www.sears.com/appliances-appliance-accessories-refrigerator-parts-accessories/b-5000107). Remove only the refrigerator accessories that allow you to do so. This will help you gain easy access to hard-to-reach areas of your refrigerator which requires more focus. Be cautious and do not try hard to remove fixed shelves, as it could break them.
**Reinstall the parts after cleaning**
After finishing the cleaning work, it is important to get everything back in place before turning on the appliance. If the refrigerator was moved to other place, first get the appliance back to its original position. This helps protect the parts and accessories from unwanted movement, in addition to making it easy to move the refrigerator due to reduced weight.
**Check the power outlet**
Have a close look at the power outlet before plugging in the appliance. It is better to avoid uncertainties like voltage fluctuations and electric shocks. Generally, these electric imbalances cause great damage to appliances. The safer option will be to check the socket and outlet before making necessary connections.

## **Procedure for Cleaning a Refrigerator**
Cleaning a refrigerator requires you to undertake a cleanup task of exterior, interior and other refrigerator parts. Let us have a look at the procedure for cleaning various appliance parts.
#### **Cleaning Specific Refrigerator Parts**
**Shelves and drawers**
Hand wash the removable shelves and drawers in hot water by using a dish soap. All glass components need to be at room temperature before bringing them in contact with hot water. You may choose to use a nonabrasive scrubber to remove the spills after covering them with a wet, warm cloth. Certain spots like edges of wire racks and shelves attract debris. Thus, special attention must be given to such areas.
**Refrigerator interior** Refrigerators also contain fixed shelves and bins. These accessories must be cleaned inside the appliance. You can use baking soda and water to wipe clean to execute this cleaning job. Start from top to bottom as it avoids drips from landing on clean surfaces. Directly clean the interior walls of the appliance with a wet cloth to ensure interior hygiene.
**Refrigerator gasket**
All refrigerator doors feature a rubber gasket around the door that offers a tight seal for easy opening and closing of the door. You can opt for a bleach-based cleaner to remove mold. Once the cleaning process is completed, choose to coat the seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to avoid dryness.
**Refrigerator exterior**
Having a sparkling clean refrigerator exterior is sure to elevate the look of your kitchen. Make use of an all-purpose cleaner on a piece of cloth to remove areas where you see a buildup of grime. However, if you own a stainless-steel refrigerator, then wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. Follow it up with a dry cloth.
**Refrigerator coils**
Although these are not visible to the naked eye, they do need cleaning once in a while. Before performing the task, have a look at the user manual for specific instructions because coils play an important role in operation. After unplugging the appliance, locate the coils and clean around them with a coil brush. In case the coils are located at the bottom, then remove the grill and use vacuum to get rid of dirt or grime.
**Water dispenser**
Getting filtered water from the appliance is possible when it is serviced or cleaned regularly. Check the user manual for knowing the instructions for troubleshooting a dispenser. Timely replacement of [refrigerator filter](https://www.sears.com/search=refrigerator%20filter) also enhances the service life of the appliance accessory. Since the water dispenser gets water spots and stains with regular usage, clean it with a vinegar-based cleaner from top to bottom. Allow it to dry to get a sparkling clean water dispenser.
**Mold removal**
As a refrigerator offers chilled environment for food and beverage storage, it is very susceptible to the growth of mold. It is important to remember that excess moisture could result in mold growth. Removal of mold is pretty simple. You may use baking soda with hot water to wipe down a moldy surface. In case mold is not treated in the beginning, then a complete inside out cleanup is required.
## **Timely Servicing of Refrigerator**
Do not underestimate the significance of getting your appliance serviced on a regular basis. Whenever you feel your refrigerator is not performing at its optimal best, it is advisable to investigate [appliance parts and accessories](https://www.sears.com/appliances-appliance-accessories/b-5000100). If there is any visible mold or grime, then it must be gotten rid of at the earliest. If the appliance gives off unpleasant odor, then it could be an indicator of stale food or malfunctioning appliance accessory. Be aware of the life of refrigerator parts and accessories that are explicitly mentioned in the user manual. They must be replaced in a timely manner to avoid machine breakdown.
## **Preventive Measures & Suggestions**
- Do not cram the refrigerator space with spoiled veggies and fruits, as it could result in sticky spills
- Remove leftovers that are stowed in your refrigerator for a long time
- Do not forget to check the expiry dates of dairy products and other packed items
- Have enough space between the edibles and beverages. The interiors must not look cluttered
- After taking out food from the appliance, clean the empty bins and baskets
- Replace water filter and other parts as mentioned in the user manual
- Have enough room around the appliance for hassle-free opening and closing of the door
- Monitor the cooling of freezer and refrigerator shelves in every corner
- All the digital and mechanical features and functions must be in working condition
- Ensure your refrigerator looks clean from the outside
- Plan your schedule for cleaning your refrigerator every week
Cleaning a refrigerator might seem to be a tedious job, but it is definitely worth the effort. Maintaining a kitchen appliance requires rigorous monitoring of the included features. These days, kitchen appliances come with a multitude of modern functions that simplify handling. All appliances require proper servicing with regular cleaning for upkeep. We have listed out some important steps that will help you extract the best out of your appliance. [Sears offers top-rated refrigerators](https://www.sears.com/appliances-refrigerators-french-door-refrigerators/b-1031416?viewAll=true) from LG, Samsung, GE Appliances and Frigidaire, which are easy to operate and maintain. |
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