Categories: AHAMAppliances

A Fresh Start: Spring Cleaning Begins with Your Refrigerator

How long has it been since you cleaned out your refrigerator? For many, according to new research by AHAM’s friends at the American Cleaning Institute, this question falls firmly into the “let’s not talk about it” category. Whether they’re frustrated about falling off the cleaning wagon or afraid they might discover months-old, now unidentifiable items lurking in their crisper, 56 percent of respondents said they would be embarrassed to admit how long it has been since they cleaned their refrigerator.

But with spring almost here, many seem ready to turn over a new leaf. ACI found that 80 percent of respondents said they clean their homes every spring in a true “spring cleaning” ritual. They have different reasons for their seasonal cleaning:

A desire to declutter or organize (57%)

A new season/fresh start mindset (47%)

Health or hygiene concerns (46%)

It’s an annual habit (45%)

Allergy concerns like dust and pollen (38%)

Influenced by social media (17%)

Regardless of why people are cleaning, the seasonal decluttering process could be good for your mental health. When asked whether they found a massage or coming home to a clean, organized home more relaxing, it wasn’t even close—72% chose the latter.

If you’re one of the people who struggles with cleaning your refrigerator in a timely manner, you don’t have to hide any longer! In less than an hour, you can clean out your refrigerator and start down the path of keeping it clean and organized all year round. Follow these steps to start today:

Start with the mindset of this being a lifestyle change, not a one-time cleanup job.

Remove everything from your refrigerator first. It’s best to time this with your regular shopping, so you aren’t cleaning a full refrigerator.

Wipe down the walls, shelves and interior of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water. Check your refrigerator’s use-and-care manual for recommendations on what cleaning products should be used.

Start with your grocery list: Meal planning makes the organization process much easier, as you are more likely to fill your refrigerator only with what you need. Rotate foods as you shop so you aren’t pushing items closer to their expiration date to the back. This also reduces the chance that items will be wasted.

Store meat, fish and other raw foods on the lowest shelf to reduce contamination risk.

Pull the refrigerator away from the walls and use a vacuum to remove dust from the coils.

Clean and disinfect the refrigerator handle at least once a week. It’s a “high-touch” area that can be fertile ground for bacteria, viruses or other germs, especially if someone in the house is sick.