Keeping your fridge fresh: Essential tips for monthly cleaning
How often do you clean your refrigerator? Do you remember every nook and cranny? These are important questions because only a clean refrigerator is suitable for storing food. Keeping it clean also helps prevent food from spoiling too quickly.
4:02 PM EST, November 23, 2024
When cleaning the kitchen, we usually focus on wiping down the outside of the refrigerator. However, cleaning the inside is even more crucial, as this is where we store our food. It should be as hygienic and clean as possible. It's essential to know how to maintain your refrigerator properly.
Not less than once a month
Refrigerators are particularly prone to accumulating bacteria and harmful microorganisms. These often gather on the shelves and in the bottom drawers, where we store cold cuts, fruits, and vegetables. Cleaning refrigerators once a month is typical, and it's advised not to do it less frequently.
Regular and thorough interior cleaning can protect food from mold and positively impact the refrigerator's technical efficiency. Additionally, frequent cleaning helps eliminate unpleasant odors that can develop from items like smoked fish or blue cheese. It's important to remember that chemical cleaning agents can harm your health and the stored food.
What is important when cleaning the refrigerator
Items useful for cleaning the refrigerator include a soft cloth, cotton swabs or toothpicks, baking soda, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice.
First, empty the refrigerator and remove all shelves and drawers. Place them in warm water for a while, then wash them with vinegar. This is also a good time to throw away any expired products. For thorough cleaning, unplug the refrigerator and remove mold from the seals and drains using swabs and a water-vinegar mixture. Next, complete the cleaning by washing the inner walls with baking soda, lemon juice, salt, or vinegar.
Remember the water container hidden behind the refrigerator. You can rinse it with water and vinegar and, if necessary, clear it with a tube. Dirt in the crevices can also be removed using a swab soaked in vinegar and baking soda.
To keep the refrigerator fresh, you can use a mixture of coffee and baking soda in a cotton bag or small bowl. This is an effective solution for neutralizing unpleasant odors and adding a pleasant fragrance.
