Green Ideas to Clean the Refrigerator

Go Green in 2014: Week 36

The refrigerator is prone to sticky spills and the odor of food that has been in there way too long. This doesn't mean we need to use harsh chemicals to get it clean and fresh-smelling. It's easy to use green cleaning methods on the refrigerator.

There's not a whole lot to say on the subject of cleaning the fridge, so let's get started on some of my favorite green tips.

Green clean the refrigerator's interior

For minor spills or a light wipe-down, a damp microfiber cloth (affiliate link) works well. If you don't have one of those, a clean cotton cloth will also work. You shouldn't use cleaning products of any type with microfiber cloths, because they were designed to work without, but a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water will help remove smudges and remove funky odors from the fridge. Wipe with a cotton rag; rinse with warm water if needed.

Stubborn spots can be scrubbed with a little baking soda and vinegar. Simply sprinkle a little baking soda onto the area, spray with vinegar, and scrub with a rag.

Lemons can also help remove off odors from the refrigerator while leaving behind a lemony-fresh scent. Squeeze a little lemon juice into a bowl of water and wipe down the inside of your fridge with the mixture. For stubborn spots, take half a lemon and rub it directly onto the area; rinse with warm water.

Green clean the refrigerator's exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator should be pretty simple. A dry or damp microfiber cloth will help remove smudges easily. If you need something a little stronger, you can spray it down with a half vinegar-half water solution, wipe it with lemon water, or try a green all-purpose spray.

Green All-Purpose Spray Recipe

Keep the refrigerator smelling fresh

Although it may be common knowledge, a small box of baking soda left inside the refrigerator can help absorb food odors and keep it smelling fresh. If you didn't already know this little bit of knowledge, well, now you do!

Another way to keep your refrigerator smelling citrusy clean is to cut a lemon in half and leave it on one of the shelves or on the door, so every time you open it up, you will get a whiff of fresh lemon.

What are some tips and tricks you have learned for keeping the refrigerator clean and fresh-smelling?

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Goedeker

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, clean your refrigerator using green cleaning products.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**