Admit it – how many of you reading this have opened up your refrigerator and just cringed?  Maybe it’s because of the container of take out Chinese food that has been sitting in there for a week, or maybe it was the large orange juice spill you just noticed.  Cleaning the refrigerator is not on the top of my list for fun things to do on a Wednesday afternoon, but it is an important part of your kitchen cleaning routine.  Here’s a quick checklist to follow to hurry along the process.

• Take everything (yes, everything) out of the fridge.
• Throw away anything that has expired, including the leftover pot roast.
• Pull out the storage bins to wash and dry using dish soap.
• Clean the shelves.  If you’re lucky your shelves are removable and you can do this task in the sink.  If not, use a clean dish rag with dish soap to clean them.  Baking soda can help to remove the tough stains.
• Return the shelves and bins to the refrigerator.
• Put back all the food that hasn’t expired.  Try to find a spot for it that works and always return the item to that spot.
• Open a new box of baking soda and put in your refrigerator.  Remember to change it every three months.
• Clean the outside and top of the refrigerator.

Here are some other things you can do to keep your refrigerator in good shape.

• Aluminum Foil placed under your milk cartons will prevent leaking.
• Try not to buy too much food.  Don’t keep more than two of any item – any more and you run the risk of having it spoil.
• Defrost your freezer once a month (if you don’t have a self defrosting one).  A box of baking soda in the freezer helps to maintain freshness as well.