9 Tricks to Cleaning Your Fridge (and Keeping It Clean)

November may be best known for Thanksgiving, but there’s another holiday this month you might not be as familiar and it can actually help you get ready to enjoy Turkey Day: National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, celebrated on November 15th each year.

The good folks at Whirlpool can be thanked for initiating this fun (yes, fun!) cause back in 1999. Timing is everything, and the home economists at Whirlpool felt mid-November would be the perfect time to promote this holiday because it gives people the chance to clean and organize this most important appliance before the holidays arrive.

Before you head out to purchase a turkey and all the fixings, grab your favorite cleaning products and a dose of inspiration and embrace National Clean Out Your Fridge Day with these nine easy steps.

9 Tricks to Cleaning Your Fridge (and Keeping It Clean)

1. Create a Working Space in Kitchen
2. Ready, Set, Empty!
3. Remove Trays and Bins
4. Attack all Surfaces
5. Vacuum Condenser Coils
6. Reorganize Your Clean Space
7. Stock Up With Fresh Food
8. Plan a Special Dinner to Celebrate
9. Maintain Your Efforts

Here's a closer look at each.

1. Create a Working Space in Kitchen

Cleaning out your refrigerator doesn’t have to be as daunting as you might think if you approach it with an open mind. Play some upbeat music before you get started—you’ll add some positive, funky energy to your project!

Before you start unloading, create a workspace on your kitchen island or clear some counter space so you’ll have a place to sort food, etc. Don’t forget your sink! Make sure your sink is empty so you can place bins and racks in it for proper cleansing. Last but not least, have your garbage bin close by—you’ll need it when it comes time to ditch spoiled food.

2. Ready, Set, Empty!

Now comes the fun part—emptying the entire contents of your fridge and freezer. (Be sure not to neglect the freezer.) Take advantage of your empty counter space and group things together such as salad dressings and condiments, cheese and cold cuts, butter and dairy products, etc. If you have a slimy bottle of ketchup, rinse it in warm...

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