How I did it: I still am TERRIBLE at cleaning the fridge.  Then why am I marking this done?  Because I have developed a process to handle the very unpleasant task of cleaning it when I finally get around to doing it.  Here it is:

1. Put on shoes.
2. Put a fresh garbage bag in the bin, and put the bin right next to the fridge.
3. Prepare a sink full of hot, soapy water.
4. Light a scented candle.
5. Put on a face mask. I like to dab a bit of perfume from the Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs in the mask to help block any nasty smells.  I usually use Aunt Caroline's Joy Mojo, because it's a fun, strong scent.  If you don't have any face masks, you can tie a bandana around your face or use a scarf.  Just cover your nose, somehow.
6. Snap on a pair of latex gloves.  The thin ones that people use in food service.

Got that all ready?  Then TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS, open the door, and quickly start dumping stuff into the garbage.  If you need to empty a container, you can just use your fingers to scoop the gunk out because you're protected by the gloves.  If you have a full pack of gloves, you can also toss the gloves and put on fresh ones if you feel like you need to.  Immediately plunge empty containers into the sink, as this will help get the smells out of the air.  As soon as the garbage is full (or you can't stand the smell anymore), close the door and hurriedly carry the garbage outside. 

WHEW!!! It's disgusting, hard work, but this process has helped me deal with the nasty job without tossing my cookies.  The last few times I had to clean the fridge, I managed it without even gagging.

Lessons & tips: Try not to let things get that bad, but if you do, use the process above to deal with the ickiness.

Resources: Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab
They make yummy perfume out of essential oils.  Because there's no alcohol in it, it doesn't usually cause breathing problems.  Which is why I can stand to put it on my face mask.

Chore Wars
Are you a geek?  Then you'll love this site.  You can give yourself Experience Points for doing housework!

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Dec 28, 2008, 07:56PM PST | 1 comment