{"id":1983,"date":"2024-09-05T04:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T04:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/?p=1983"},"modified":"2025-02-09T04:31:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-09T04:31:14","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-cleaning-out-your-fridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-cleaning-out-your-fridge\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Out Your Fridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How to Clean Your Fridge so it STAYS Clean | Weekly Cleaning Motivation for Homemakers\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cPz7BPpXmS0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Hello, darling! Today, I\u2019m 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\u2019re juggling a busy schedule or chasing little ones, these tips will make fridge cleaning efficient, simple, and might I say\u2014enjoyable? Okay, okay\u2026well at least stress free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Pour yourself a cup of coffee, tie on your cutest apron, and let&#8217;s transform that fridge step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Start with Prep Work for That Domestic Darling Flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Every successful cleaning day starts with a little prep. Think of this as setting a strong foundation for your cleaning project! Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list text-body list-decimal pl-8 py-1.5 [&amp;_ul]:pl-4 [&amp;_ul]:py-0 [&amp;_ol]:pl-4 [&amp;_ol]:py-0\">\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Fill Your Sink with Hot, Soapy Water<\/strong><br>Hot, soapy water is your new best friend. Whether you\u2019re soaking dishes or cleaning shelves, starting your fridge cleaning with a sink full of sudsy water makes a HUGE difference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Unload Your Dishwasher<\/strong><br>If you\u2019ve been following the Domestic Darling routine, you know mornings are for unloading the dishwasher. This ensures you\u2019ve got space to toss dirty containers straight into the hot water to soak, and then they\u2019re ready to go into the dishwasher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Grab a Trash Bag<\/strong><br>Tackling expired items and leftovers calls for a big ol\u2019 trash bag\u2014ready to dump the nasty expired food in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Now, take a deep breath, press play on a little soothing music (may I recommend a Wednesday episode of my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/radio.domesticdaydreams.com\/opt-in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1950s true radio show cleaning routines<\/a><\/strong>? It guides you right through cleaning your fridge while you listen), and get to cleaning that fridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Decluttering and Sorting the Fridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Start by removing anything that&#8217;s past its prime. You know the drill\u2014expired leftovers, that jar of pickles you forgot about, and anything looking\u2026 questionable. Dump the contents, toss the packaging, and set containers into your warm, soapy water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">As you declutter, group like items together. It\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Cleaning Shelves and Drawers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">With the fridge cleared out, it\u2019s time to roll up your sleeves and get scrubbing. Channel your inner housewife\u2014pearls optional\u2014and follow these simple steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list text-body list-decimal pl-8 py-1.5 [&amp;_ul]:pl-4 [&amp;_ul]:py-0 [&amp;_ol]:pl-4 [&amp;_ol]:py-0\">\n<li><strong>Empty One Shelf at a Time<br><\/strong>I like to use an insulated bag to put fridge items in to keep them cool while I clean a shelf at a time. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Remove Shelves and Drawers<\/strong><br>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\u2019m partial to bamboo charcoal toothbrushes for a little extra cleaning power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Disinfect with a Homemade Cleaning Spray<\/strong><br>Not all cleaning sprays are created equal, darling. Here\u2019s my tried-and-true recipe for a natural, effective disinfectant that will make your fridge sparkle:<\/p><ul class=\"text-body list-disc pl-8 py-1.5 [&#038;_ul]:pl-4 [&#038;_ul]:py-0 [&#038;_ol]:pl-4 [&#038;_ol]:py-0\"><li><strong class=\"font-bold\">1 \u00bd cups of water<\/strong><\/li><li><strong class=\"font-bold\">\u00bd cup of white vinegar<\/strong><\/li><li><strong class=\"font-bold\">\u00bc cup of 70% + vodka or rubbing alcohol<\/strong>&nbsp;(for its disinfecting properties)<\/li><li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Optional:<\/strong>&nbsp;A few drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender or lemon are divine, but this spray works perfectly unscented too!<\/li><\/ul><p>Simply mix everything in a spray bottle, and you\u2019re ready to clean.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Dry Completely Before Reassembling<\/strong><br>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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Smart Restocking Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">Now that your fridge is clean, it\u2019s time to put everything back in an organized, efficient way. Placement matters more than you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list text-body list-disc pl-8 py-1.5 [&amp;_ul]:pl-4 [&amp;_ul]:py-0 [&amp;_ol]:pl-4 [&amp;_ol]:py-0\">\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Coldest Spot:<\/strong>&nbsp;The top shelf at the back is usually the coldest area\u2014perfect for dairy like milk and yogurt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Produce:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fruits and veggies belong lower down, ideally in the crisper. Avoid the top back where they might freeze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"font-bold\">Easy Grab Zones:<\/strong>&nbsp;Keep frequently used items like eggs and butter in easy-to-reach places for quick access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Bonus Hack: Easy Wipe Downs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">You can cheap plastic placemats on your shelves. If a spill happens, you can pull out the mat and wipe it down in seconds\u2014no deep clean required! Weekly maintenance can then be a breeze, with a deeper clean reserved for your monthly zone cleaning sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Transform Your Cleaning Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">What if I told you that you could go from chaotic to completely in control with your household chores\u2014even if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">To help you jumpstart your own cleaning routine, I\u2019m offering a few FREE morning and evening cleaning routines episodes that you can listen to right now. It\u2019ll give you direction, cut down on decision fatigue, and leave you feeling like the Domestic Goddess that\u2019s just waiting inside you. Here\u2019s the link to my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/radio.domesticdaydreams.com\/opt-in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">morning radio show cleaning routines<\/a> <\/strong>episodes. And here\u2019s the link to my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/radio.domesticdaydreams.com\/free-evening-routine\">evening radio show cleaning routines.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\">And there you have it, darling\u2014the 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! \ud83d\udc95<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello, darling! Today, I\u2019m sharing my ultimate guide to cleaning out your fridge, complete with my favorite disinfecting spray recipe and a few practical hacks&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2037,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,78,95],"tags":[116,113,89],"class_list":["post-1983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-homemaking","category-on-youtube","tag-cleaning-tutorial","tag-happy-homemaking","tag-non-toxic-cleaning"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/domestic-daydreams-youtube-thumbnails-3-1.png?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1983"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1983\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2038,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1983\/revisions\/2038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2037"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}