Quick once over
- Fridges get neglected and sometimes it is only when you look closely you see the fingermarks on the outside and the drips, bits and blobs of gunge on the inside. Keep things fresh with a regular domestic cleaning.
- Take out all shelves, drawers and removable storage parts before washing
- Wash down the outside and inside using a cloth and warm water with a small squirt of washing-up liquid. Pay attention to the outlet pipe, which may have gathered gunge and become partially blocked and pop in a little bicarbonate of soda to help sluice it out.
- Wipe down the shelves with a cloth or, if they are very grubby, wash them in a sink full of sudsy water.
- Finish the inside by wiping down with a weak vinegar and water solution, which will freshen the atmosphere.
- Dry everything thoroughly using a soft, dry cloth.
- If possible pull the fridge away from the wall and remove the dust on the metal grille using a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
- Clean out the drip tray — soak up the water and any mouldy gunge with a cloth or paper towels, wipe clean and dry thoroughly.
Don't bother with expensive fridge deodorisers; a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge will absorb any strong smells.