Let's face it: cleaning the fridge is nobody's idea of a good time. It's not fun - but it must be done. A neglected fridge can become a breeding ground for bacteria that might leave you wishing you'd swallowed your pride and faced that fuzzy mystery meat four weeks ago.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Refrigerator?
So, how often should you be scrubbing down your fridge like Thony in The Cleaning Lady? There's no one-size-fits-all answer because, let's be real, some fridges are cleaner than others (kudos to you, champion organizer). But as a general rule, aim for a deep clean every three to four months.
Tips For Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator
Tackle your fridge funk while keeping your food safe:
Pick a cool day. You don't want your food getting sweaty while you're elbow-deep in cleaning.
Work in sections. Take everything out, shelf by shelf, and clean it with warm, soapy water (dish soap is your friend here!). If you've got some serious grime, a disinfectant wipe with at least 70% alcohol can be your knight in shining armor.
Wipe Down the interior: Use a solution of warm water and white vinegar (diluted 50/50) to wipe down the interior walls and door. This disinfects and removes odors. Don't forget to pay attention to the rubber door seals, where food particles often hide.
Deodorize naturally: Place an open container of baking soda in the back of your fridge to absorb lingering odors. Replace it every few months.
Regular Fridge Maintenance
Between deep cleans, here's how to regularly maintain your fridge and its contents to avoid food-borne bacteria and possible contamination:
Spills happen, but clean them up ASAP! Nobody wants a science experiment of questionable origin growing from a forgotten salsa spill.
Weekly crisper patrol! Toss any wilted veggies or fruit past their prime. While you're at it, give those drawers a soapy scrub down.
Eagle eyes for expired stuff! Nobody wants to discover a Jurassic-era yogurt container lurking in the back. Do a quick inventory check every week and toss anything past its prime.
Tips To Prevent Bacteria Growth In Your Fridge
Cool it with the fridge overload. A crammed fridge works way harder to keep things cool, and that can lead to higher energy bills (and possibly a frosty rebellion from your fridge).
Temp check! Keeping your fridge around 37 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Invest in a fridge thermometer if you don't have a built-in one.
Empty and Organize Regularly. Completely empty your fridge at least once a month (more often if needed) to remove expired items, clean spills, and check for hidden messes. This also helps you organize food to avoid forgotten leftovers.
Deep Clean Raw Meat Spills With A Bleach Solution. Address any spills from raw meat immediately with a bleach solution of one teaspoon bleach for every cup of cool water to disinfect and kill bacteria that could cause food-borne illness.
By following these tips, you can keep your fridge sparkling clean and your food safe from unwanted bacteria and fridge funk.
