Prevent fridge bacteria: Simple tips for a healthy kitchen clean
When kitchen appliances are cleaned, we often neglect their interiors. This is especially true for the refrigerator, which is crucial because we store food in it. While keeping the refrigerator clean is necessary, we often overlook it. Learn which parts of the refrigerator require special attention.
Refrigerators can harbor more bacteria and microorganisms than other kitchen appliances. The most significant buildup occurs on the shelves and lower drawers, where cold cuts, fruits, and vegetables are frequently stored. Therefore, at least once a month, thorough cleaning should become a standard practice. How can this be achieved?
Cleaning the refrigerator with household products
Systematic cleaning of the refrigerator's interior is essential not only for the health of the stored food, protecting it from mold, but it also positively affects the refrigerator itself, extending its lifespan. Regular cleaning helps eliminate unpleasant odors from storing foods such as smoked fish or moldy cheeses. It's important to avoid chemical cleaners that could be toxic to your health and the food itself.
Before starting the cleaning, it's helpful to prepare a soft cloth, cotton swabs, baking soda, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice. Begin by emptying the refrigerator and removing all shelves and drawers. Soak them for a few minutes in warm water and clean them with vinegar. It's also necessary to remove expired food.
Remember this spot when cleaning the refrigerator
Don't forget about the water container mounted at the back of the refrigerator. If you decide to move the refrigerator, rinse the container using vinegar to clean out any sediment. Water enters it through an opening on the rear wall inside the refrigerator, which can be cleared using a special stick or tube. Cleaning the drain with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda won't harm the materials it's made from.
It's crucial to regularly clean this drain. If it gets blocked, for example by food remnants, rather than going into the container, water can reach the bottom of the refrigerator. Such a failure not only leads to flooding the lower drawers but also to freezing shelves in the freezer located under the refrigerator compartment.
