Hello, darling! Today, I’m sharing my ultimate guide to cleaning out your fridge, complete with my favorite disinfecting spray recipe and a few practical hacks that will have your fridge looking amazing in no time. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or chasing little ones, these tips will make fridge cleaning efficient, simple, and might I say—enjoyable? Okay, okay…well at least stress free.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, tie on your cutest apron, and let’s transform that fridge step by step.
Start with Prep Work for That Domestic Darling Flow
Every successful cleaning day starts with a little prep. Think of this as setting a strong foundation for your cleaning project! Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Fill Your Sink with Hot, Soapy Water
Hot, soapy water is your new best friend. Whether you’re soaking dishes or cleaning shelves, starting your fridge cleaning with a sink full of sudsy water makes a HUGE difference. - Unload Your Dishwasher
If you’ve been following the Domestic Darling routine, you know mornings are for unloading the dishwasher. This ensures you’ve got space to toss dirty containers straight into the hot water to soak, and then they’re ready to go into the dishwasher. - Grab a Trash Bag
Tackling expired items and leftovers calls for a big ol’ trash bag—ready to dump the nasty expired food in.
Now, take a deep breath, press play on a little soothing music (may I recommend a Wednesday episode of my 1950s true radio show cleaning routines? It guides you right through cleaning your fridge while you listen), and get to cleaning that fridge.
Decluttering and Sorting the Fridge
Start by removing anything that’s past its prime. You know the drill—expired leftovers, that jar of pickles you forgot about, and anything looking… questionable. Dump the contents, toss the packaging, and set containers into your warm, soapy water.
As you declutter, group like items together. It’ll make restocking the fridge a breeze and keep things organized. To go the extra mile, wipe down sticky bottles with a damp cloth before they go back in. A nasty sticky ring on your nice clean fridge is no fun.
Cleaning Shelves and Drawers
With the fridge cleared out, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get scrubbing. Channel your inner housewife—pearls optional—and follow these simple steps:
- Empty One Shelf at a Time
I like to use an insulated bag to put fridge items in to keep them cool while I clean a shelf at a time. - Remove Shelves and Drawers
Take out each shelf and drawer, one at a time, and wash them in your soapy water. For stubborn stains or dried-on gunk, an old toothbrush works wonders. I’m partial to bamboo charcoal toothbrushes for a little extra cleaning power. - Disinfect with a Homemade Cleaning Spray
Not all cleaning sprays are created equal, darling. Here’s my tried-and-true recipe for a natural, effective disinfectant that will make your fridge sparkle:- 1 ½ cups of water
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- ¼ cup of 70% + vodka or rubbing alcohol (for its disinfecting properties)
- Optional: A few drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender or lemon are divine, but this spray works perfectly unscented too!
Simply mix everything in a spray bottle, and you’re ready to clean.
- Dry Completely Before Reassembling
Make sure shelves and drawers are fully dry to prevent bacteria or mold from forming. Use a clean kitchen towel or air dry them while you sip on a well-earned coffee.
Smart Restocking Tips
Now that your fridge is clean, it’s time to put everything back in an organized, efficient way. Placement matters more than you think!
- Coldest Spot: The top shelf at the back is usually the coldest area—perfect for dairy like milk and yogurt.
- Produce: Fruits and veggies belong lower down, ideally in the crisper. Avoid the top back where they might freeze.
- Easy Grab Zones: Keep frequently used items like eggs and butter in easy-to-reach places for quick access.
Bonus Hack: Easy Wipe Downs
You can cheap plastic placemats on your shelves. If a spill happens, you can pull out the mat and wipe it down in seconds—no deep clean required! Weekly maintenance can then be a breeze, with a deeper clean reserved for your monthly zone cleaning sessions.
Transform Your Cleaning Routine
What if I told you that you could go from chaotic to completely in control with your household chores—even if you’re wrangling two little ones underfoot? One of my Domestic Darlings did just that with the help of my True Crime cleaning routines. By following these guided audio sessions, she transformed her home from chaos to tidy haven, all while zoning out to gripping 1950s radio episodes.
To help you jumpstart your own cleaning routine, I’m offering a few FREE morning and evening cleaning routines episodes that you can listen to right now. It’ll give you direction, cut down on decision fatigue, and leave you feeling like the Domestic Goddess that’s just waiting inside you. Here’s the link to my morning radio show cleaning routines episodes. And here’s the link to my evening radio show cleaning routines.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, darling—the ultimate guide to cleaning out your fridge! Thank you for joining me today. Remember, cleaning is about progress, not perfection. Just enjoy the satisfaction of a job done. See you next time, my domestic darlings! 💕