When it comes to cleaning your office space, one area that is often overlooked in small business premises is the fridge in the staff kitchen. If you employ an office cleaning firm, such as Comclean Australia Pty Ltd, they will take care of this for you, but if you take the DIY route, the onus is on you to clean your fridge.

Here's how to keep your office fridge hygienic and clean without using nasty chemicals.

Tips on Cleaning Your Office Fridge

Clear It Out

Your first job is to take everything out of the fridge. Check the expiry dates on everything and bin all items that are on or past their use-by date.

If any of the containers are cracked or damaged, throw them and their contents away. Similarly, anything that has mould growing on it can be consigned to the bin too.

Strip It Down

Unplug your fridge and take out all the racks, trays and storage compartments that are removable.

Place everything in a sink full of hot, soapy water or put it through a dishwasher if you have one.

Use a clean cloth and a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid to wipe over all the inside surfaces of the fridge. If there are signs of mould, give the area a thorough dressing with white vinegar, and then wipe it clean.  

For stubborn stains and especially gunky areas, make up a paste of baking soda and water, and use it to scrub the offending areas. Baked-on food may have to be chipped away with a blunt knife.

Use a cloth soaked in clean water to 'rinse' the inside of the fridge.

Don't Forget the Outside

The seals and door edges of the office fridge can get very dirty and greasy. Use hot water, washing-up liquid and vinegar to give them a good clean.

The area around the bottom of the fridge can quickly be contaminated with crumbs and spilt coffee grounds. Pull the fridge out into the centre of the room and give the whole area a good vacuuming.

Examine the back of the fridge. You may find that the coils are caked with cobwebs and dust. Give the back of the fridge a really good vacuuming with the hose and soft brush attachment to get rid of any debris that is trapped there. This will help your fridge to run more efficiently and reduces the danger of the coils overheating and presenting a fire risk.

Wipe over the outside surfaces of the fridge and the door to remove finger marks and food splats. Use a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid to do this.

Job Done!

Your fridge should now be spotless. Replace all the innards and put back any food that you have saved. Remember to switch the fridge back on.