So, you’ve been putting off that onerous task of cleaning your fridge for a few days now. But it has to be done and there is no day like today to tackle this task. It is important that your fridge is clean and hygienic at all times as its primary purpose is to store food. With these handy tips, you can now keep your refrigerator spotlessly clean and germ-free.
Trash It
First, remove all the items from the fridge and place them on a table or the countertop. Leftovers that have been in the refrigerator for more than a day or two, expired food, and packaged items that were opened over a couple of days ago should be headed for the trash bin.
Scrub the Shelves
Remove the shelves of the refrigerator and wipe them down with a sponge or soft cloth. If they’re made of glass, use a glass cleaner like Colin or mild soap and water. You can also use a homemade cleaning solution with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 liter of hot water.
Another option is to mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts hot water and then scrub the stains clean. For stubborn stains or spills, rub on a bit of white toothpaste. Leave it on for a while before you wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Focus on the Gasket
The gasket or the lining on the door insulates the fridge so as to keep the temperature inside optimum. Wipe this lining with a sponge soaked in soapy water and then wipe it again with a damp cloth before wiping it dry with a fresh dry wipe.
Don’t forget the Handle
The handle of the refrigerator is perhaps the most neglected but the most infected. It also collects the most grime, especially if there are little children in the house. Use a sanitizing wipe before turning to a dry cloth. You can also wipe the body of the refrigerator with a damp cloth and use a dry wipe to buff away fingerprints, etc.
Line It
Once you are done cleaning the vegetable boxes and trays, use paper towels or shelf liners to line them. These help absorb any moisture from fruits and vegetables and keep the trays dry and fresh. So, the next time you clean your fridge you just have to throw away the liners and replace them with fresh ones.
Bye-Bye Odor
In order to keep your fridge smelling fresh, take some cotton balls and sprinkle them with vanilla extract. Place these cotton balls in a shallow bowl and then place the bowl in the fridge to eliminate odors.
Meaty Solutions
When storing meat in the fridge instead of the freezer, bag it up in plastic. This will seal in all the moisture and prevent any leakage. However, meat if not stored in freezer, should be used as soon as possible so as to avoid spoiling.
Make It a Habit
Cleaning the fridge needs to be done on a regular basis if you like being hygienic. Ideally, your fridge needs to be cleaned every fortnight, but if that is difficult, aim for at least once a month so as to ensure whatever you consume out of your refrigerator has its nutrients intact.
Get Organized
Nine times out of ten, you end up messing your fridge because you were looking for something in a hurry. Use small baskets or boxes with compartments to group together similar items like powders and sauces to save time and avoid spills.
Try these quick fixes to get your refrigerator from messy to flawlessly organized in a matter of minutes and ensure it stays that way for at least a month! Happy cleaning to you!
