Are you stuck on how to properly clean and deodorize your fridge?

Are you stuck on how to properly clean and deodorize your fridge? Use these three steps easy to overhaul this often overlooked area of the home, naturally without chemicals. 

With all the foods we stuff into our refrigerator… and sometimes forget, it can gain some unpleasant odors.

But, I’ll be the first to admit cleaning the refrigerator is not on the top of my to-do list! It’s one of those things most of us tend to put off until we just can’t stand it any longer.

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When is the best time to clean up and deodorize your fridge?

I’ve found it’s best to deodorize and deep clean the fridge the day before or the day of grocery shopping. Essentially, when your fridge is the least full. Which benefits you in three ways:

1. It takes less time to clean a half-empty fridge
2. There’s less food store elsewhere while you’re cleaning
3. You can take stock of what you need to pick up at the store

And who doesn’t love to have a sparkly clean fridge when they return from grocery shopping? Speaking of shopping at the grocery store, this set of 6 organic reusable market shopping bags are ultra-convenient when you want to cut down on waste!

 

Related: Odor Eliminating Lemon Zest Hand Soap

3 Steps to Clean and Deodorize Your Fridge without Chemicals

One of the most important areas to deep clean in our homes is the fridge, no doubt! Use these three easy to follow steps to overhaul this often overlooked area of the home naturally without chemicals!

Step 1: Clear It Out

You’ll want to start with a clean slate, so it’s time to clear out the fridge! And this means everything including drawers, shelves, and any removable compartments in the door.

Set everything nearby or place it in a mini cooler or freezer bag to keep cool.

As you are removing things check the dates. If it’s expired or past its ripeness toss it out or compost.

In addition, make note of what you are out of, or running low and need purchase at the grocery store.

Step 2: Clean Every Surface

1. Start by removing the drawers and any storage bins.
2. Place them in the sink to soak in warm soapy water.
3. Remove shelves as needed and spray down all surfaces with a natural Multipurpose Surface Spray.
4. For spills that may have been there longer than you’d like to admit use my Heavy Duty Kitchen Cleaner.
5. Dry surfaces with a cloth and return to the sink.
6. Wash and dry drawers and storage bins (I love these glass food storage bins with compartments).
7. Then place each back in the fridge and return all contents you set aside.

Step 3: Deodorize Your Fridge

Now that you’ve cleaned everything and your food is chilling again it time to deodorize. And lemon can do it in no time at all with results to last!

1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a small bowl.
2. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil and place it on a shelf or in the door of your refrigerator uncovered.

This mixture helps to absorb odors and offers a fresh breeze of lemon every time you open the fridge!

Now that you’ve cleaned and deodorized your fridge thoroughly it will be much easier the next time.

Especially if you can commit to giving a deep clean once a month! I’ve found the more often I clean anything, the easier it gets.

In addition to the bonus of a clean fridge, I’ve been able to cut down on food waste and save money on groceries. (My husband has a tendency to buy duplicates, instead of checking to see if we have something first…) If that sounds familiar, get your loved one in on the job too!

Not ready to make DIY cleaners? Then grab a free 5 piece Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning kit from the Grove Collaborative.