Cleaning the fridge is a time-consuming chore that often puts people off, but it’s also essential if you don’t want bacteria to proliferate and contaminate your food.
Besides, you shouldn’t wait until the fridge is empty before cleaning it. It’s advisable to clean the fridge on a regular basis, to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. Then, it’s a question of choosing the right cleaning products, since the fridge is likely to contain foodstuffs, and you need to be careful not to spoil them.
How do you clean your fridge properly?
Let’s take a look at the products and equipment to use, and the right steps to follow.
How often do you clean your refrigerator?
It’s important not to wait for food to become mouldy in the refrigerator before considering cleaning it. Mould is made up of bacteria that proliferate at lightning speed and soon invade the walls and gaskets of your appliance.
At the very least, you should clean your refrigerator every month, but don’t hesitate to increase this frequency to 2 or even 3 times to ensure that the inside of the appliance is always Impec.
Which products to use to clean the fridge?
To properly clean a very dirty fridge, i.e. one that has been invaded by mould, we recommend using a cleaning and degreasing product, such as dishwashing liquid. It should be diluted in a little water to avoid deposits on fridge parts.
Baking soda can also be used, as this product is particularly effective on stubborn stains. Simply dilute 3 to 4 tablespoons in hot water, then rinse with clean water.
Lemon juice is also a natural product that effectively cleans dirt, as is white vinegar, which doesn’t need to be rinsed after use and acts on unpleasant smells. It should also be diluted in a little water before use.
Never use bleach to clean the fridge, as it is highly corrosive and toxic if swallowed.
Good cleaning practices
It is essential to clean the fridge with a soft cloth and avoid sharp objects which could scratch or even damage certain parts of the appliance.
Before cleaning, make sure to unplug the fridge, then empty it of its contents by placing the food in insulated bags or food boxes. Then remove all removable parts, such as door shelves and drawers, so you can clean them separately in the sink.
You should also defrost the refrigerator completely, either by activating the defrost control or by wiping the frost layer with a warm sponge. Remember to place a cloth underneath the appliance to catch any water that may run off during defrosting and cleaning.
Always clean from bottom to top with a damp cloth, and go over the various seals thoroughly. In the event of encrusted dirt, you can use a toothbrush to remove it.
Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge with water and baking soda, or a few drops of dishwashing liquid diluted in water. You should also dust the condensation grids at the back of the appliance, as dust and debris tend to accumulate there and prevent heat from escaping properly.
The final step is to dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Once everything is clean and dry, you can put back all the previously cleaned and dried components.
And how to deodorize?
As the fridge is a closed, damp environment, unpleasant smells can persist even after cleaning. If your appliance does not have a deodorizing function, be sure to air it well for one to two hours before putting food back in.
It is also important to keep food stored in the appliance well covered to prevent odours from invading the interior.
Finally, place a small bowl of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb any unpleasant smells.
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