Step 1: Preparation 
Before diving into your full-on refrigerator clean out, fill your family in on your plans. Give them a day to go through the refrigerator and mark foods that should stay. A permanent marker can be used to write on packaging, or rubber bands can symbolize items worth saving.

During this day, gather your cleaning supplies in preparation for the clean out:

• Trash bags
• Recycling bin
• Cooler
• Ice
• Ultra Dawn®
• Sponge
• Cascade® All-in-1 ActionPacs
• Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser® Kitchen Scrubber
• Bounty® paper towels
• Swiffer® 360° Dusters

Tip: We recommend cleaning out the refrigerator when it’s least full—generally the day before your normal grocery trip.

Step 2: Decide What Stays and Goes

• Begin removing items shelf by shelf. As you do, inspect each item. Does it look or smell fresh? Is it past its expiration date? Will it really get eaten, or is it just taking up space? If the answer to any question is "no," pitch it or toss cleaned, non-reusable containers in your recycling bin.
• Place the food you’re keeping in coolers filled with ice. If you find duplicate items, group them together so you can take stock of what you have. Keep in mind that some condiments can be combined to create new flavours.
• As you remove items, make a list to keep track of what you do and don't need at the grocery store.

Tip: When throwing away food scraps, consider if they can be used in your kitchen compost.

Step 3: The Clean Sweep 


• Before you begin, unplug the refrigerator.
• Remove shelves and bins and wash them with Ultra Dawn. Avoid abrasive sponges, and opt for a common cellulose sponge.
• If your bins or shelves fit in your dishwasher and are described as dishwasher safe by the manufacturer, save time by washing them on the bottom rack with Cascade All-in-1 ActionPacs. During the same load, use the top rack to clean the reusable containers from the food you’ve thrown out.
• Use a solution of warm water and Ultra Dawn to clean the interior of the refrigerator and rubber seals. As you’re cleaning, don't miss the shelf supports. If they’re especially sticky, you can try using a toothbrush to scrub lightly around them.
• Be sure to give all surfaces a final rinse, using Bounty paper towels to wipe up.

Step 4: Clean the Exterior

• Remove dirty handprints from your refrigerator door handles with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Kitchen Scrubber.
• Clean the coils of your refrigerator to keep it running as efficiently as possible, but be careful; they’re fragile and surfaces may be sharp. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. If you can't find your manual, some appliance companies offer information on their websites or even the option to download a manual.

Step 5: Restore

• Plug in your refrigerator, close the doors, and allow it to cool down. Once cool, return the items you saved to the shelves.
• Now that your refrigerator is clean, try designating specific areas for certain types of food. For example, assign half a shelf for leftovers and the other half for basic ingredients like eggs. Use labels to remind your family and guests of the new system.
• Once you’re fully finished, keep track of your meals by using our downloadable templates to create a weekly menu planner for the outside of your refrigerator.