Keeping your fridge fresh: Essential cleaning tips and tricks
When cleaning the kitchen, we often forget to thoroughly clean the inside of kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator. Since we store food there, keeping it clean is essential. Unfortunately, the refrigerator is rarely cleaned completely. See which areas should not be overlooked.
Refrigerators accumulate more germs and microorganisms harmful to health than other kitchen appliances. This is especially true for the shelves and lower drawers meant for cold cuts, fruits, and vegetables. Therefore, cleaning the refrigerator at least once a month should be standard. How to get started?
How to clean the refrigerator with household products?
Regular and thorough cleaning of the refrigerator interior is crucial for protecting food from mould and positively affecting its technical condition. Frequent cleaning also eliminates unpleasant odours, such as those from smoked fish or blue cheese. Avoid using toxic chemical agents, which harm health and stored food products.
Before cleaning the refrigerator, prepare a soft cloth, cotton swabs, baking soda, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice. Begin by emptying the refrigerator and removing all shelves and drawers. These should be soaked for a few minutes in warm water and cleaned with vinegar. Make sure to dispose of any expired products from the refrigerator.
Don't overlook this area when cleaning the refrigerator
Also, remember the water container at the back of the refrigerator housing. If you move the refrigerator, rinse and clean this container with vinegar. The water flows through an opening on the back wall inside the refrigerator, which can be cleared with a special stick or hose. You can also clean the drain using vinegar and baking soda, which won't damage the material it's made from.
It is very important to keep this drain clean. Clogging it with, for example, food scraps or pieces of packaging may cause water to flow to the bottom of the refrigerator instead of into the designated container. This may lead not only to flooding the lower drawer but also to freezing the freezer shelf located under the cooler.
