According to cleaning expert Melissa Maker, it is important to give the inside of your fridge some attention every few months – or anytime it gets sticky or stinky. We all know how unpleasant it could get when you’ve gone too long without cleaning the inside of your fridge – food spills and spoils, sticky rings, and don’t forget the jars filled with prehistoric condiments. Getting that not-so-fresh smell every-time you open the fridge can also be annoying.  Here are 8 easy steps for giving the inside of your fridge the deserved attention, as follow:

Step 1 – Unplug the fridge

This is simple enough.

Step 2 – Clear the way

Remove all items from the inside of the fridge, including food, shelves, and drawers, and place them on a surface that has yet to be cleaned. You can even lay a towel on the floor if you are short on counter space. Keep a trash can and recycling bin handy. As you remove items, toss any old food as well as bottles and jars, and make a list of anything that you will need to replace. For condiments, a good rule of thumb if you can’t find an expiration date is to smell for freshness or toss anything after six months of opening. Place shelves and drawers by the sink.

Step 3 – Pretreat

Your fridge should be empty now. Spray the interior with an all-purpose cleaner and sprinkle baking soda over any areas that are stained or discolored. Pretreat the shelves and drawers the same way.

Step 4 – Wipe down

Grab a non-scratching sponge and a damped microfiber cloth and begin to wipe the interior walls with the sponge first, then use the damped cloth. Start at the sides, then head to the top and work your way down to the back. Finish up with the base, then buff dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 5 – Shelves and Drawers

Now, head back to the shelves and drawers. Clean each by spraying it down with an all-purpose cleaner, agitating the product with a sponge. Any stubborn stains like old jams can be soaked for a few moments before scrubbing.

Step 6 – Rinse & Dry

Rinse well and dry with a disposable paper towel or cloth. A recyclable, disposable paper towel is the safest option. Tossing out the paper towel tosses out the germs with it. If using a reusable cloth ensure that you wash it frequently under warm water and with an all-purpose cleaner.

Step 7 – Re-Pack

Replace shelves and bins as each one gets cleaned, then replace all food, wiping bottles and jars with a damped cloth as you go. Plug the fridge back in. Bye sticky bottoms!

Step 8 – Keep Fresh

Storing an open box of open baking soda in your fridge helps eliminate odor. A good guideline is to replace this box every three months. An even better suggestion, which is preferred by the maids at Galaxy Maids, is to transfer the baking soda, along with the original bag, into an open plastic container. This will prevent the cardboard box from getting wet and soggy, creating a mess of its own.