While this should be a pretty straight-forward task, here are a few additional points to help you get the job done better.

Before you begin turn up the cooling in your fridge, turning up the cooling will allow you to keep fresh vegetables and other perishable items cool while you clean the fridge. Next remove everything from the fridge (including ice trays) and discard anything that is not fresh or does not smell right. Also check the expiration date on milk cartons, chocolates and other eatables.

Next, remove the shelves, crispers and trays. Handle all glass shelves with care and use a clean soapy rag to clean the entire fridge and shelves. Do not use strong chemical cleaners to clean the shelves or the inside of the fridge. Make sure you clean every nook and cranny of the fridge and use a water and vinegar mixture to clean the innards of the fridge; this will remove any soap that might have remained from the previous cleaning.

Once you have cleaned the fridge and shelves, replace the shelves and immediately put back all remaining food items. Finally, clean the exterior of the fridge using a suitable cleaner.

dishwasher.jpg” alt=”" hspace=”10″ vspace=”10″ align=”left” /> Dishwasher interiors are usually of two types, plastic or stainless steel and contrary to popular belief it does not require expensive solvents or cleaners to clean a dishwasher. Before you start cleaning the dishwasher you will need either bleach, vinegar, baking soda or Orange Tang drink mix.

Before you begin cleaning the dishwasher read the operating manual to find the temperature preset. Dishwashers usually require water at 60-75 degrees or higher for optimum cleaning. If you are a perfectionist, use a thermometer to measure the water temperature before the wash cycle begins.

To clean any built up mould in the dishwasher add 1 tablespoon of bleach into the dishwasher interior, bleach should get rid of mould and leave the dishwasher sparkling clean.

The citric acid present in Orange Tang will take care of any discoloration and scale. Tang orange can also help remove any hard water deposits that might have built up over a period of time.

Another easy way to clean your dishwasher is to place a coffee cup filled with vinegar in the dishwashing rack and run a full cycle of dishwashing. You can also use baking soda instead of vinegar to give your dishwasher a complete wash.

Everyday appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges require proper care and one of the most basic maintenance tasks is cleaning. If you have been looking for an answer to the question “how to clean a fridge” or “how to clean a washing machine” – watch our blog over the next week for the answers. Our first post in this series:

How to Clean a Washing Machine

Contrary to popular belief, even washing machines require a clean now and then. If your clothes are retaining odor or do not come out as clean as they used to, it might be time to clean your washing machine. The first step is emptying the washing machine and getting rid of the odor by adding a cup of white vinegar as the machine fills up with hot water. Now, run the machine through an entire wash and rinse cycle and add 1 cup of borax into the washer as it fills with water, wait for the agitator to begin turning before adding soured laundry to the washer.

If your laundry was soured by the washing machine, you can soak the laundry for about 20-30 minutes to remove any previous odor. Add a detergent with fragrance to add that special touch to your laundry.