How to clean a refrigerator

Don't wait until you need a hazmat suit to approach those mystery leftovers hiding in the back of the fridge.

You Will Need
* A bucket
* 1/2 gal. water
* 1/2 c. white vinegar
* 2 scrubbing sponges
* Some water
* And two soft cloths
* A mild detergent like liquid dish soap
* A small bowl of aquarium gravel, or a box of baking powder
* And a portable cooler

Step 1: Fill with water and vinegar
Fill a bucket with half a gallon of warm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. If you prefer, you can substitute a few squirts of liquid dish detergent for the vinegar.

Step 2: Unplug refrigerator
Unplug your refrigerator, or turn the temperature control knob to the “off” setting.

Step 3: Remove everything
Remove everything edible. Throw out anything expired or spoiled.

Step 4: Remove detachables
Remove the shelves, bins, and any other detachable items. If you have a drip pan, remove and drain it. Set those pieces aside.

Step 5: Wipe inside
Dampen your sponge in the cleaning solution and wipe the inside of the refrigerator from the top down, starting with the ceiling.

Step 6: Rinse and dry
Wet a sponge with water and rinse everything. Then dry the areas you have just cleaned with a soft clean cloth.

Step 7: Wash & dry detachables
Using the same cleaning solution, wash the shelves, bins, and drip pan. Dry everything.

Step 8: Wipe off containers
Wipe off any sticky food containers with a damp sponge. Dry them.

Step 9: Wipe and dry gasket
Wipe down and then dry the gasket, which is the rubbery band around the door that seals the cold inside.

Step 10: Replace detachables
Replace the shelves, bins, and any other refrigerator parts you removed.

Step 11: Return items
Return your edible items to their proper spots inside your now-sparkling fridge.

Step 12: Wash and dry outside
Use a warm soapy sponge to wash the outside of the refrigerator. Rinse if needed, and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Step 13: Plug in refriger