Let’s be real: After the holiday season, your fridge probably looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Leftover turkey? Check. A half-eaten casserole that’s now a mystery? Check. That container of cranberry sauce you meant to use but forgot about? Check.
If your fridge is starting to resemble a petri dish, it’s time for a deep clean. Here’s why—and how—you should clean your fridge, stat.
Why Clean Your Fridge After the Holidays?
If you don’t clean out your fridge after the holidays, you risk creating an environment where leftover food, spills, and moisture combine to promote bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. The longer items like mashed potatoes, casseroles, or gravy sit in your fridge, the harder it becomes to determine what’s still safe to eat—and what’s not. Spills from sauces, wine, or condiments can also leave behind sticky residue and stubborn stains, making your fridge harder to clean in the long run.
How to Clean Your Fridge Like a Pro
Take Everything Out: Yes, EVERYTHING. It’s the first step to reclaiming your fridge and your sanity. Remove leftovers, old condiments, and that jar of pickles you swore you'd eat but now just don’t trust.
Clean the Shelves and Drawers: Wipe down each shelf with warm, soapy water. For stubborn stains, try a vinegar-water solution. Don't forget those crisper drawers where rogue spinach tends to live.
Tackle the Back: Here’s where you’ll find crumbs, old spills, and the smell of regret. Use a vacuum attachment to clean behind your fridge if you can reach it—dust and debris love to hide back there.
Deodorize: After everything is cleaned, place a box of baking soda in the back to keep your fridge smelling fresh. It’s a low-cost, effective way to prevent future odor build-up.