Welcome to Week 13 of our 52-Week Home Refresh Challenge! This week, we’re tackling a crucial but often overlooked area: your refrigerator and freezer. Keeping these appliances clean not only improves efficiency but also extends their lifespan and saves on energy bills.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into this week’s expert tips and product recommendations that’ll make the job easier and more effective!
Week 13: Kitchen – Clean Refrigerator Coils & Freezer
- Clean the refrigerator coils (under or behind).
- Defrost and clean the freezer.
- Wipe down the fridge shelves and door seals.
- Organize freezer and pantry again.
Task 1: Clean the Refrigerator Coils (Under or Behind)
Over time, dust and debris build up on your refrigerator’s coils, forcing the compressor to work harder and increasing your energy usage. Cleaning them just twice a year can make a big difference!
Pro Tips:
- Unplug the refrigerator before you begin to ensure safety.
- Use a coil cleaning brush or a vacuum with a hose attachment to gently remove dust.
Recommended Product:
[a d] Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Brush 2-pack. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/42wpcVr
This flexible brush is designed to reach deep into tight spaces and loosen stubborn debris.
Scroll through this Amazon page to find coil cleaning/dryer vent cleaning vacuum cleaner attachments that fit YOUR vacuum cleaner brand: https://amzn.to/3EFqWmc
Task 2: Defrost and Deep Clean the Freezer
If your freezer is frosted over or cluttered, it’s time for a reset.
Pro Tips:
- Remove everything and place frozen items in a cooler with ice packs.
- Speed up defrosting by placing a bowl of hot water inside and closing the door.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
Recommended Product:
[a d] Freezer Defrosting Mat 2-pack. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3YjAWrN
This absorbs water from melting ice, keeping your kitchen floor dry.
Task 3: Wipe Down the Fridge Shelves & Door Seal
Grime builds up in hard-to-reach areas like door seals and shelf edges. A thorough wipe-down is essential for both hygiene and performance.
Pro Tips:
Remove shelves and bins and wash them with dish soap and hot water.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub seals and crevices.
Recommended Product:
[a d] Multi-Purpose Cleaning Brush Set. Great value! Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3YSGR7l
Perfect for scrubbing seals, handles, and tight corners.
Task 4: Organize the Freezer and Pantry (Again!)
Now’s the time to toss expired items, label containers, and group similar foods together.
Pro Tips:
Use clear bins or baskets to categorize frozen goods.
Invest in labels to keep track of expiration dates and contents.
Recommended Product:
[a d] Clear Storage Bins for Freezer & Pantry. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/42Ji9HO
[a d] Storage baskets for refrigerator / freezer shelves. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4cLxgoA
These make it easy to see what you have, reducing waste and overbuying.
Bonus Tip:
Keep a baking soda box in both your fridge and freezer to absorb odors and keep things fresh. Replace every 3 months.
[a d] Cute mushroom baking soda holder to freshen the air in fridge, freezer, anywhere! Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3RX4YOF
Up Next: Week 14 – Living Room Deep Clean
Next week, we’re shifting our focus to the Living Room:
- Deep vacuum carpets and rugs
- Spot treat or steam clean for a fresher feel
- Tackle any upholstery stains
- Dust or clean blinds
Don’t miss it—your living space is about to feel brand new!
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting this blog and the 52-week challenge!
Go back and read the Challenge 2025 kick-off post which lists the weekly challenges and post links as they become available.
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By using these links, not only will you be getting great products, but you’ll also be supporting me so I can keep bringing you honest reviews and top picks.
Download the list here (click image):
Once you’ve read the week’s challenge tasks, head over to this link for downloadable cleaning, organizing and decluttering checklists that you can download for free and keep in your notebook: BLOG POST
Thanks for reading my blog and visiting these product links. Have a great day!
