Spring has sprung, and so has the season of our vibrant farmers' market—but is your refrigerator ready to handle the fresh bounty? A fridge and pantry are the most common places where people store their foods, and yet it may be one the least frequently cleaned places. From sticky spills and forgotten leftovers to mysterious odors and frost buildup, your fridge can become a hidden mess.
Add deep cleaning to your spring cleaning schedule by following these simple steps from the Cleaning Institutes. It is suggested to read the owner's manual first to see if there is additional advice.
INTERIOR:
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Unplug the fridge and use a coil brush to clear dust from beneath the kick plate.
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Empty everything out, discarding any expired or spoiled items. While cleaning, avoid leaving food out for longer than two hours. Keep perishables fresh by storing them in a cooler.
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Remove the drawers and wash them thoroughly with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge.
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Spray and wipe down the empty interior using a multi-surface cleaner, ensuring shelves and walls are spotless. Use an old toothbrush and cleanser to scrub away grime from crevices.
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Plug the fridge back in and return the clean drawers and food, wiping down bottles and jars before placing them back.
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Keep odors away by placing a small box of baking soda in the fridge door or at the back.
EXTERIOR:
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For stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth and stainless steel surface spray, wiping in the direction of the grain.
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For enameled steel, clean with a multi-surface spray and paper towels.
Now that your fridge is prepped for fresh farmers’ market finds, maintaining it is key.
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Keep a thermometer inside to ensure the temperature stays at or below 40°F for optimal food preservation.
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Clean up spills immediately to prevent messes and odors. This can limit cross-contamination from thawing meats.
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Regularly rotate items, placing older foods at the front to ensure they’re used before expiration.
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Keep foods covered by storing them in airtight containers or sealed bags and frequently check for spoiled food.
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Label your leftovers so you know when to discard them after 4 days.
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Store fresh produce away from meat, poultry, and seafood.
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The fridge door is generally warmer due to temperature fluctuations and so it is best to keep perishable items on the refrigerator shelves where it is more stable.
The Sanford Farmers’ Market makes its return on April 5, 2025, running each Saturday from 8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Happy shopping!
N.C. Cooperative Extension’s goal is to provide the residents of the community with research-based knowledge. For more information on nutrition, health, food preservation, and food safety in Lee County please contact the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Ashley Szilvay at 919-775-5624.
