Home Care Challenge: Taming the Chaos in Your Fridge
My Fridge Has Seen Better Days
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How is it only the second week of January, and I already feel behind? Between snow days and the endless cycle of daycare illnesses, our kids have been home way more than planned. When will it end?
This is exactly why I struggle with resolutions right out of the gate in January. It's less about new beginnings and more about getting back to normal while surviving whatever Mother Nature throws at us. So, for me, January is all about baby steps.
If you follow @weeklyhomecheck on Instagram, you know they have an excellent schedule to keep your home in shape. I love their approach, but I’ve been making tweaks to better fit our family’s needs and rhythm.
And that’s the beauty of home care—it’s all about setting up systems and routines that actually work for you, not just following someone else’s checklist.
Snowstorms and a Fridge Makeover
Here in Raleigh, we don’t handle snow well (to put it mildly). When the forecast called for a “snowstorm,” I moved my usual weekend grocery shopping up to Wednesday, knowing everything would grind to a halt by Friday. By Thursday, the fridge was basically empty—a perfect chance to give it a much-needed deep clean without worrying about food going bad.
Note to Future Me: Get better at taking before-and-after photos!
Why Clean Your Fridge Regularly?
We all know the basics: keep an eye on items that spoil quickly like milk, produce, and leftovers. But giving your fridge a proper clean goes beyond that. It prevents mysterious smells, keeps things looking tidy, and stops you from discovering unintentional science experiments in the crisper drawer.
And don’t forget about the fridge coils! Cleaning those hidden gems is like giving your appliance a breath of fresh air—it’ll run more efficiently and save you money on your energy bill.
Deep Cleaning Your Fridge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Empty Your Fridge: Start by unplugging the fridge and removing everything, one shelf at a time. Check expiration dates and toss anything past its prime.
Pro Tip: Worried about food sitting out? Set up a cooler to keep perishable items cold while you work.
Wipe It Down: Use warm water and dish soap to clean shelves, drawers, compartments, and door seals. Sticky bottles (like syrup or coffee creamer)? Give those a good wipe, too! For stubborn stains, a baking soda solution works wonders.
Organize as You Go: Group similar items together and place anything close to expiring front and center for easy access.
Maintaining Your Fridge: Don’t Skip the Coils!
Dust and debris on the refrigerator coils can hurt performance and hike up your energy bills. A quick clean every six months keeps things running smoothly.
Here’s how:
Unplug the Fridge: Safety first! Always unplug before starting.
Locate the Coils: Usually, they’re behind a panel at the back of the fridge. Use a cardboard sheet under the fridge to help slide it out without scratching your floors.
Vacuum Away: Remove the panel and use your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear away the dust. Your owner's manual will have specific instructions if needed.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder to clean the coils again in six months. Your future self will thank you.
With just a little effort, you can keep your fridge clean, your food safe, and your appliance running at its best. Let’s show our fridges some love this week—because a happy fridge means a happier home.
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Products I use to tackle this week’s home care challenge: