Cleaning and Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Fridge and Freezer in Top Shape

Keeping our fridge freezer clean is something we may let fall to the sidelines when we have busy households, but ensuring the food we eat is stored in a clean and fully optimised place is paramount. Dedicating time to deep clean the fridge freezer can be tricky, so we recommend doing smaller cleans every so often to keep on track of it. However, if you do find yourself needing to do an overhaul then we have broken down the whole process to ensure that it gets done thoroughly but also in good time.  

Before we start, let’s go over some things that are good to know. Firstly, make sure not to use any harsh chemicals or bleach whilst cleaning as they can contaminate the food you put back in and impact your health. If you can, try and avoid this deep clean on a hot day since leaving food out in warm room temperature can cause it to go bad, which we do not want to consume later. Finally, always refer to your appliance manual if in doubt!  

Step 1 - Clear it Out          

We need the fridge and freezer to be empty to we can get to all the areas and clean them well. It’s a good idea to coordinate the clean before grocery shopping day to minimize the items you have to remove and set aside. When you removed everything take the opportunity to check dates and begin to discard any old or expired foods, as well as items with freezer burn. Finally remove parts like drawers and soak them in warm soapy water, using a gentle brush to clean crevices. Remember to use to warm water not hot as this may cause the shelves to crack, which we definitely do not want!  

Pro tip: Place an old tea towel on the floor to catch spills, especially in the freezer! 

When you begin to take food from the freezer, place it in an insulated freezer bag and ensure nothing has defrosted before returning it. 

Step 2 - Cleaning Begins 

If you have frost build up you can defrost a fridge freezer, by turning it off and unplugging it. Carefully remove any visible ice from the back of the fridge and freezer, avoiding sharp objects that could damage the appliance. If ice is stubborn, leave the doors open briefly to allow it to loosen. However, with features like Total No Frost you won’t need to worry about that. Available on fridge freezer such as the cutting-edge RS818, Total No Frost provides a suitable condition which keeps food fresh and nutritious longer as no frost can be found in refrigerator, which means you don’t need to waste your cherished time to defrost. 

Pro tip: Clean from the top down to manage drips effectively 

Step 3 - Select Your Cleaning Agent 

For kitchen appliances, opt for non-abrasive solutions like warm soapy water: Mix a tablespoon of washing-up liquid with warm water for general cleaning. For tough stains, you can create a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, adding water to dilute if necessary. Apply to stains for five minutes to facilitate easier removal. This DIY natural solution cleans just as well as other products and by avoiding harsh cleaners near food it helps prevent odours. 

Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and finish with kitchen roll to absorb excess moisture.  

Step 4 - Reorganize 

Don’t add back in the food just yet! Before returning items, ensure the fridge has reached its correct temperature. This is a breeze on fridges like the RS818 which are Smart Wi-Fi Enabled. You can control your fridge temperature from anywhere thanks to the Smart Wi-Fi mode. You can ensure your food is always fresh simply by adjusting your fridge's temperature settings from anywhere – home, on the road, even at the office – using your phone's WIFI App. 

Once at the right temp you can begin operation organise! You can invest in stackable, clear fridge and freezer storage bins for organization. For example, placing loose vegetables in food storage bags helps maintain tidiness. This is a good time to wipe down jars and sauces that have oozed out a bit before returning them to the fridge. 

Once everything is back and looking neat and tidy, remember to turn the freezer back on.  

If you find odours to be the bane of your existence, you may consider placing a fridge deodorizer in the back to neutralise any odours. (One way is to put some baking soda in a small bowl and pop in the corner of your fridge).  

Step 5 - Exterior Touch-up 

Once the interior is clean, don't forget the exterior! Use a microfiber cloth and multi-purpose cleaner on the doors. Pay extra attention to handles, removing fingerprints and using an antibacterial spray. Be gentle on the doors to avoid damaging the finish. 

We hope this guide helps you the next time you have to clean your fridge freezer. Breaking it down helps it go by quicker and with smart tech on your side, it can be a total ease. Check out the quality tech our fridge freezers have by heading on over to the Hisense Website today!