How to Clean a Vinyl Refrigerator

Refrigerators are available in a variety of colors, designs and materials.

Refrigerators are an essential part of daily life that can become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Over time, the inside and outside of your vinyl refrigerator will become dirty, dingy and can develop an unpleasant smell. Cleaning the interior and exterior of your refrigerator is a task often not accomplished on a regular basis. However, to keep your fridge working properly you must perform a thorough cleaning every few months.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Cooler
• Liquid dish soap
• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Cloths
• Towel
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Open the refrigerator and turn the temperature dial to the "Off" position. Remove any items that have expired or are no longer wanted. Place the items you will be saving inside a cooler filled with ice.

2. Remove the all removable shelves and drawers and place them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Allow them to soak.

3. Mix a gallon of warm water with 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of white vinegar. Saturate a sponge in the mixture and wring out the excess liquid.

4. Scrub the inside of the refrigerator with the damp sponge, beginning at the top. Submerge the sponge into the mixture when it becomes soiled. Continue scrubbing until you have completely cleaned the inside of the fridge.

5. Dampen a cloth with cool water. Rinse the mixture off by wiping with the damp cloth. Wipe the refrigerator dry with a towel.

6. Wash the shelves and drawers soaking in the sink with a soft cloth. Rinse with cool water and towel dry. Place the shelves and drawers back in the refrigerator. Replace the items inside the ice-filled cooler into the refrigerator.

7. Remove items -- such as magnets and pictures -- from the outside of the fridge. Place these items in safe location.

8. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Begin at the top and spray the mixture on the fridge. Work in small sections and scrub the mixture with a clean sponge. Continue applying the mixture and scrubbing until the outside of the fridge is clean. Allow to air-dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors. Replace the baking soda once a month to keep refrigerator odors at bay.

References

• Reader's Digest: Clean and Deodorize the Refrigerator
• WebMD: Spring-Clean Your Refrigerator and Freezer
• ABC News: Clean Appliances Regularly to Extend Their Lives and Save Money