Cleaning the fridge

Does your fridge smell dirty? Then it's high time for a cleaning session. Ideally, you want to prevent your fridge from stinking. That is why it is smart to clean your fridge regularly. This way, the fridge will work optimally and food will stay fresh.

Here's how to clean your fridge

• How-to cleaning the fridge

• Cleaning the back of the fridge

• Defrosting the fridge

• Cleaning a smelly fridge

• Cleaning the fridge drain

How-to cleaning the fridge

1. Make some suds and lay out cleaning cloths.

2. Turn off the fridge.

3. Take out all the food and store it in a cool place.

4. Immediately check if the food is still good and throw away what has spoiled.

5. Grab the soapy water and use it to clean the shelves, drawers, bottle rack and door shelves. Work from top to bottom as the dirty water can run down and it is a shame if it gets dirty again. For the best cleaning, take out all parts that can be taken out. This often concerns shelves, bottle racks and compartments on the inside of the door. This gives you better access to everything.

6. Check all rubbers near the door with a cloth or brush. An old toothbrush also works well.

7. Dry everything with a tea towel.

8. Switch the fridge back on and put the food back.

How often?
Clean once a month. Check your fridge weekly for spoiled food.

Cleaning the back of the fridge

Do you have a freestanding fridge? If so, clean the grill once a year. A dirty and/or dusty grill will prevent your fridge from dissipating heat properly, leading to higher energy consumption and even a fire hazard.

How often?
Once a year.

Defrosting the fridge

1. Turn off the fridge and unplug it.

2. Take out all the food and store it in a cool place.

3. To speed up the defrosting process, place two pans of hot water on coasters in the appliance.

4. For convenience, collect thawing water with a hand or tea towel and discard the collected thawing water.

5. Use a sponge to remove any remaining thaw water at the bottom of the fridge.

6. Once the defrosting is done, wipe the fridge dry with a clean cloth and you can reconnect the fridge, switch it on and put the food back.

Do you have a Bosch fridge with No Frost? Then you'll never have to defrost the fridge yourself. The No Frost system removes moisture from the refrigerator and freezer compartments, ensuring that no frost forms on food. That saves you time and effort.

How often?
As soon as necessary. This often comes down to around five to six times a year. If you have a fridge with Low Frost, this will be once or twice a year at most.

Cleaning a smelly fridge

Does your fridge smell? Or do you see mould? Do the following:

1. Make some suds and have cleaning cloths ready.

2. Turn off the fridge.

3. Take out all the food and store it in a cool place.

4. Clean the fridge with a soft cloth, water and a pH-neutral cleaning product.

5. Clean the door rubber and then dry it. Only use clean water for this. Detergents are too aggressive for the sensitive rubber and will corrode it.

By cleaning your fridge regularly and checking for spoilt food, you can prevent a smelly fridge and mould.

Cleaning the fridge drain

Is there water at the bottom of your fridge? This is because the drain is clogged. You can often find the drain at the bottom, behind the vegetable compartment. You will soon see if there is water ‘standing’ in this drain. If the water does not drain, the drain hole is clogged. Open it with a cotton swab or skewer with a piece of kitchen roll wrapped around it. Pour some water over the drain hole. When it drains away, your drain hole is unblocked.