When to Clean A Refrigerator?

Your fridge holds a lot of foodstuffs that you use daily. Therefore, it goes without saying that you should maintain the highest hygiene standards possible. Otherwise, you and your family members could experience allergies, respiratory problems, or any other health issues.

As your refrigerator should remain clean, you don’t have to perform thorough cleaning every day. In fact, the thought of it alone is quite tiresome. You could, instead, decide when to do so and how to maintain and organize a clean fridge.

There are three rules of thumb when it comes to refrigerator hygiene. In this article, we are going to dissect these rules and how you can make use of them.

You need to clean your refrigerator at least once a week. Get rid of the leftovers once a week so that they do not grow mold on it.

Also, if there is any spillage, keep wiping it off when you see because the bacteria may on the spills may then start growing on other food items as well.

A deep cleanse is recommended every season. 

Deep Clean Every Season

Every new season is a blessing to your kitchen because it is a chance for you to restock your food supply. The items you store in your refrigerator could be there for several months. 

As such, it is important to start by cleaning the remains of your last harvest. Start by removing everything from the fridge and make sure to store any perishables in a cooking place. If possible, use some ice to keep them fresh. 

Are there any condiments that have stayed beyond the expiration date? If so, through them away and keep the good ones. Remember, this is part of the cleaning process. 

Remove the drawers, especially those holding the vegetables and meat. Soak them in warm water for some time. Meanwhile, wipe out any dirt and spillages in and around the fridge. 

You could use a small amount of baking powder to make the cleaning solution. Use it to wipe every corner of your refrigerator then rinse these areas with a clean wet cloth.

Back to the meat and vegetable drawers. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry before reinstalling them to their positions. At the end of this process, your fridge should be as clean as new. 

Wiping Should Be a Habit

It is normal to spill some milk or any other liquid while moving them out of your refrigerator. However, leaving the spillage unattended is not hygienic. 

For one, this could lead to cross-contamination. What it means is that as the spilled milk expires, the bacteria could cross-contamination a new pack of food. With time, most of your food will be spoiled, which could be quite frustrating. 

The best solution is to have a clean cloth moistened with antibacterial spray. Put this on standby so that whenever there are any spills, wipe them out immediately. Also, be careful with the type of antibacterial spray you use to avoid any further damages. 

As a rule of thumb, never store raw meat in your fridge as it could leak fluids. Put it in a sealable bag or container while in the refrigerator. 

Cleaning your fridge regularly is something that should already be in your plans. This is where you store your food, so hygiene must be prioritized. Deep cleaning should be done at the beginning of every new season in preparation for the oncoming harvest.

Since you cannot deep clean every week, make it a habit to wipe off any spillages. Doing so will prevent cross cross-contamination and keep all food safe.