One of the most important appliances in your home, your fridge deserves respect and consistent upkeep. Give it a deep clean every 3 to 4 months.
Don’t overlook areas outside the fridge such as the handle, door, and behind the fridge, where germs can build up through frequent contact with hands and irregular vacuuming. Since refrigerators are such huge appliances — and far too heavy to move regularly — some people choose to skip cleaning behind their fridges completely.
Even the more diligent kitchen cleaners will go to great lengths to avoid some of the most difficult and dirtier jobs. And while that’s not the end of the world, giving the space behind your refrigerator a thorough cleaning should be done regularly for health and sanitation reasons.
How Often Should You Clean Behind Your Fridge?
According to Experts, you should clean behind your fridge at least once every three months. This will reduce dust and bits of food, which in turn can reduce the occurrence of pests and allergies. Additionally, if there is any dampness in the area, mold could start to grow.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Behind Your Fridge?
If you’re ready to face the truth and learn how to clean behind your fridge properly, follow these steps:
1. Unplug your refrigerator, and pull it completely away from the wall so you can access the space behind it easily. Be sure to keep the fridge doors closed to maintain the cool interior temperature as long as possible.
2. Remove the grille or vent cover at the base of your fridge, and use a hand-held vacuum to carefully remove any dust that’s built upon the coils underneath your refrigerator. Then, go back over the coils with a small duster or specialty coil brush in detail, keeping an eye out for any rips or loose seals while you’re at it.
3. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe down the walls behind your fridge with a cleaning mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. This will remove grease and grime and prevent your paint from getting permanently stained. Wipe down the back panel of your fridge with the water-vinegar mixture too.
4. Sweep and mop the floor space your fridge was sitting upon, paying attention to the seams of your baseboards where dirt can collect. Allow it to dry completely since any residual moisture could cause mold to grow.
5. Finally, return your refrigerator to its proper spot, and plug it back in. Once it’s re-installed, check to ensure the fan turns back on and that all cooling systems are working properly.