According to GQ, it's best to deep clean your refrigerator every three to four months of the year. In other words, go through your fridge at the end of each season to determine what can be discarded — that half-empty container of yogurt, for instance, or the leftover sandwich from lunch last week. Considering it's an area where food is stored, a refrigerator is not the place to let a passion for hoarding shine through. Messy appliances can be a sanitary risk, and so should always be treated with care.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potentially dangerous microorganisms like Salmonella and E. Coli can develop in appliances that aren't properly maintained, causing food-borne illnesses. Mayo Clinic recommends tossing leftovers after three to four days — aka the point when germs usually start to develop. Place expired items in zip lock bags to prevent trash from leaking. Goods that you're particularly attached to can be safely preserved for much longer in the freezer.
When deep cleaning your appliance, it's helpful to first unplug it (via The Home Depot). This way, you won't waste electricity while sorting and sanitizing. The Home Depot also recommends switching off the circuit breaker that connects to the fridge if you can't access the outlet. From here, go through the process of properly emptying and cleaning your refrigerator. Remove all food items and detachable shelving, prepping a cooler to keep products chilled during the process. When reorganizing your fridge, make sure all items are in view and easily accessible. If you're left with a lingering smell, it can be helpful to place a small, open container of baking soda in the fridge to soak up any stubborn stenches.
