11/18/2012
Don't wait until Thanksgiving day to think about where to put all those leftovers.
Tips on cleaning out the Refrigerator/ Freezer:
The best time to clean your frigerator/ freezer is right before you grocery shop, because the frigerator is almost empty. You will have much less to deal with than if you undertake this task when you already have the fridge stocked with food.
Turn the appliance off and unplug it.Throw out any old take out cartons, limp vegetables,or old sauces and marinades that have been stored in the door. Do the same thing with the freezer. Do not make the mistake of thinking just because food has been stored in the freezer that it is still good. If food has been in the freezer for more than 2 or 3 months throw it out. Foods can get freezer burn and absorb smells and are generally not too tasty after spending a long period of time in the freezer.Also throw out the boxes of baking soda.Don't forget to make note on your shopping list to replace the boxes of baking soda. You need those to help keep your refrigerator and freezer smelling fresh.
It's a good idea to have a cooler on hand to put the freezer foods in while your cleaning the inside of the freezer. You dont want your freezer foods your keeping to defrost before your finished cleaning. Most freezers no longer need defrosting, but if yours does, plan ahead for this event and purchase some ice for your cooler, because it might take several hours to defrost. Take all the items out of the frige/freezer.
Prepare a sink of dish soap and warm water.You can fill a spray bottle with the same dish soap and warm water or you can use a deodorizing cleaner.I like to use a little baking soda in my spray bottle or a tablespoon of vinegar mixed in to cut odors.
Remove all shelves and drawers. Thoroughly wash the drawers in the sink. Place a large bath towel on the counter and place the washer drawers on top of it to catch any drips from the wet drawers. The small shelves can be cleaned in the same way ,but I like to take the larger shelves outside to be cleaned.It's less messy that way. I thoroughly spray them down let sit for 2 or 3 minutes then wipe them off till clean and dry.
While the drawers and shelves are drying, take a clean dry cloth and wipe out all the loose debris from the inside of the frigerator/freezer.Always start at the top and work your way down. Starting at the top, thoroughly spray down the inside of the frige/freezer. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes then wipe clean.By waiting a few minutes it allows the cleaning solution to loosen up the stuck on grime. Pay close attention to the bottom of the frigerator underneath where the produce drawers are located, as it tends to accumulate grime.You might need to spray and wipe that area several times before it comes clean. NEVER USE AN ABRASIVE SCRUBBY on your frigerator/freezer it will cause deep scratches. Do the same thing to the doors. Once the frige/freezer is wiped out and dry you can place all the shelves, drawers, and food back inside the appliance the way you like it.
Now your nice clean fresh smelling refrigerator/freezer is ready for thanksgiving leftovers.