How To Clean Your Wine Fridge

Cleaning a wine fridge is an important task that should be done regularly to maintain the quality of your wine and the proper functioning of your fridge. It's important to note that you should plan to clean your wine fridge at a time when you can unplug it for an hour or two. And also, it's better to clean the fridge when it's empty, as bottles inside will make it harder to access some areas of the fridge and also, it's not safe to move the bottles around while cleaning.

To clean your wine fridge, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Empty the fridge: Take all the bottles out of the fridge and set them aside.
2. Unplug the fridge: Before you begin cleaning, make sure to unplug the fridge to avoid any electrical hazards.
3. Clean the shelves: Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the shelves. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean cloth.
4. Clean the interior: Wipe down the interior walls and door of the fridge with a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse the interior thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
5. Clean the door gasket: The door gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the door of the fridge. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down, paying special attention to any areas that may have built up mould or mildew.
6. Clean the exterior: Clean the exterior of the fridge with a mild detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
7. Restock the fridge: Once the fridge is clean and dry, you can restock it with your wine bottles.
8. Keep the fridge organised: Keeping the bottles in an orderly fashion and by varieties will help you find the bottle you want easily and also it will help to prevent any bottles from getting knocked over and breaking.

In Australia, you can use a variety of cleaning products to clean your wine fridge, including mild detergents, warm water, and white vinegar.

• Mild detergent: You can use a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid or a specialised kitchen cleaner to clean the shelves, interior, and exterior of the fridge. Be sure to rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any residue.
• Warm water: Using warm water will help to loosen any dirt or grime that may have built up on the surfaces of the fridge.
• White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove mildew or mould from the door gasket. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean the gasket. Be sure to rinse the gasket thoroughly with water after cleaning.

It's important to avoid using abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads on the interior or exterior of your wine fridge, as these can scratch or damage the surfaces of the fridge. Also, it's recommended to avoid using any cleaning products that contain chlorine or bleach as they can be harmful to the wine and the fridge.

Cleaning your wine fridge is important to maintain the quality of your wine, proper functioning of the fridge, prevent mould and mildew growth, improve the appearance, keeping it organised, and ensuring the safety of your home. A dirty wine fridge can affect the taste and quality of your wine, cause the fridge to work harder, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills, harbour mould and mildew, cause health problems and damage the interior of your fridge and can be a fire hazard. Regular cleaning of your wine fridge is essential, and it is recommended to clean it every 3-6 months.