What is the best way to clean your Refrigerator?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

1. Make sure to plan ahead by using up as much of the contents as possible in advance. Remove all food items, putting perishables in a cool place or in a cool bag temporarily. Check the use by dates on all the products and dispose of those that are past their best. 
2. Carefully remove any shelving and the salad drawers from your refrigerator and wash these either in the dishwasher or in hot soapy water. 
3. Pull the fridge away from the wall (don’t forget to ask for help) and wipe down all outside surfaces with a soft cloth. 
4. Vacuum any dust build up on the condenser coil at the back of the fridge for optimum running efficiency. 
5. Wipe down the interior of the fridge using a mixture of hot water and baking soda. Don’t forget to protect your hands with some trusty marigolds! It’s also handy to lay a towel on the bottom surface to catch any water droplets. 
6. Thoroughly wipe any crumbs from the seals around the door and then dry these seals with a tea towel. 
7. Reassemble your fridge interior, close the door and allow your appliance to cool to around 5°C before putting the food back in.​​​​​​​

Don’t forget to knock the door before opening, just in case there’s salad dressing! ​

What is the best way to clean your Freezer?

Avoid a frosty reception by defrosting your freezer when the ice inside gets to around 3cm thick.

​​​​​​​Here’s how:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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1. Empty out the contents of your freezer.  If you don’t have access to a cool box, you can wrap the food in newspaper and store it somewhere cool with a couple of ice packs. 
2. Turn off the freezer and leave the door open allowing the ice to slowly melt. It’s worth placing a baking tray on the bottom of the freezer at this stage to catch the water and regularly remove the excess. Placing bowls of hot water on top of a tea towel inside can also help your freezer to defrost more quickly. (Never use any sharp objects to remove the ice build up. This risks damaging the cooling element and the integrity of your appliance).
3. Remove and clean all shelves/drawers with hot soapy water, then gently clean the interior of your freezer with a cloth soaked in equal parts white vinegar and warm water. 
4. Dry your freezer with a tea towel, close the door, and turn your appliance back on! Check that the freezer temperature has reached -18°C before putting the food contents back in place. (Please note: For food safety reasons, defrosted food should not be refrozen!)

Refrigeration Life Hacks!

Make your life easier with some clever refrigeration organizing tips.

​​​​​​​Here’s a few of our favourites:

• Store your meat on the lowest shelves in the fridge to avoid any juices dripping down onto the food below.
• The bottom of an empty egg carton makes for a brilliant condiment holder in the fridge door, stopping those bottles toppling over and ensuring you get every drop out of your sauces!
• Keep an inventory on the outside of your refrigerator or freezer. This way you’ll know exactly what’s in there without having to constantly rummage, and it’ll save time when in need of some meal inspiration!
• ​​​​​​​ Save space by ditching the packaging. Fridge and freezer bags are a super handy way to utilise your space whilst keeping food fresh. You can even wash them out to be reused time and time again.

Not sure what type of refrigeration appliance is right for you? Check out our comprehensive Buyers Guides for everything you could possibly need to know about fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers.