Does vinegar disinfect refrigerator?

Author: Cale Weissnat  |  Last update: Monday, February 10, 2025

Luckily, you can clean and disinfect both the exterior and interior pretty quickly with white vinegar and a little elbow grease.

What is the best way to disinfect refrigerator?

Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

What is the best cleaner to clean the inside of a refrigerator?

Vinegar is one of the best things to clean a fridge with. Not only does its acidic qualities help to break down grease or sticky marks, but kills mold and bacteria spores and deodorizes lingering smells. What's more, it is food safe, so is perfect for food storage areas like refrigerators, or even pantries.

Does vinegar actually disinfect?

Vinegar has been proven to have some disinfectant properties, however it's not nearly as effective at killing harmful viruses and bacteria as commercial cleaners. And because it does not kill 99.999 percent of bacteria and viruses, it doesn't meet the criteria required to be considered a disinfectant.

Where not to use white vinegar for cleaning?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  • Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  • Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  • Clothes Iron. ...
  • Tile Grout. ...
  • Knives. ...
  • Small Appliances. ...
  • Hardwood Floors. ...
  • Electronic Screens.

How to Clean a Refrigerator with Vinegar

What are the disadvantages of cleaning with vinegar?

However, for cleaning around the home, vinegar does have some surprising drawbacks to keep in mind.
  • DIY Cleaning Products With Vinegar: The Drawbacks.
  • Vinegar doesn't sanitize or disinfect. ...
  • You have to be careful about concentrations. ...
  • Always, always rinse. ...
  • Vinegar can damage some of the surfaces in your home.

What is the ratio of vinegar to water for disinfecting?

Vinegar is non-toxic and non-irritating. A solution of one part vinegar to one part water can be mixed in a spray bottle and used for general cleaning. It is recommended to let this mixture sit on the surface you are cleaning for 10 minutes.

How long does it take for vinegar to disinfect a surface?

But those effects depend in part on how long the vinegar solution is in contact with a particular surface, says Jason Tetro, a microbiologist in Edmonton, Alberta, and author of “The Germ Files.” “You need at least five minutes for killing bacteria and 30 minutes for viruses.”

Does Dawn dish soap disinfect?

Like hand soap, dish soap does not kill bacteria, but it lifts them off surfaces to be washed away by water. Dishes should be washed and scrubbed in soapy water, rinsed with water and finally soaked in water containing germ-killing sanitizers before drying them off.

Does vinegar disinfect mouse droppings?

Natural alternatives: White vinegar mixed with water can be an effective option if you prefer natural alternatives. It possesses some disinfectant properties and helps neutralize odors. Prepare a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water and use it as a cleaning solution.

Is it safe to clean refrigerator with vinegar?

Regarding how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, fill a spray bottle with a cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Apply using the same cleaning method as the baking soda solution.

Can I use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of my fridge?

Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.

How to remove bad smell from fridge?

Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours.

What is the best cleaner for inside a refrigerator?

A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap will give you a gentle yet effective cleaning solution for the fridge's interior. Soak a clean dish rag or a soft sponge in the solution, and wipe down the inside of the refrigerator, focusing on areas with spillage and stains.

What should be avoided in cleaning of refrigerator?

8 Things You Should Never Do When Cleaning the Fridge
  • Don't procrastinate. ...
  • Don't skip the deep clean. ...
  • Don't let expired stuff stay in there. ...
  • Don't put hot shelves back in. ...
  • Don't use harsh cleaners. ...
  • Don't use bleach. ...
  • Don't clean the coils when your fridge is plugged in. ...
  • Don't use soap and water on stainless steel.

How often should the inside of the refrigerator be cleaned and disinfected?

Fridges & Freezers:

The interiors of fridges and freezers should be wiped and sanitised every other day, and given a deep clean once a week. Fridge hygiene can have a big impact on the quality and safety of your food – it is extremely important to keep on top of the cleaning in there.

Does Dawn and vinegar disinfect?

This dynamic duo leverages the grease-cutting power of dish soap with the disinfecting and deodorizing abilities of vinegar, creating a versatile cleaning agent suitable for various surfaces and stains.

What is the best natural disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant and its foaming action aids in cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as an effective natural disinfectant in every room in the house, and its uses extend to personal care, gardening, food preparation, stain removal and more.

Which dish soap kills the most bacteria?

While you can buy antibacterial dish soap from brands like Palmolive and Dawn, they really aren't necessary. The FDA has said that there is no concrete evidence showing that antibacterial soap is more effective at removing germs than regular dish soap and water. It's more about the actual physical action of washing.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

Avoid using white vinegar for cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stones, like slate. This includes countertops, floors, and shower walls with stone finishes, and household goods like tabletops or serving pieces.

Can bacteria survive on vinegar?

Acetic acid (a.k.a. white vinegar) can act as a disinfectant that can destroy some bacteria and viruses. Studies confirming vinegar's antibacterial properties: Household natural sanitizers like lemon juice and vinegar reduced the number of pathogens to undetectable levels.

Which disinfects better, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

Vinegar is better at killing some germs and hydrogen peroxide is better against others, but dwell time can still take up to 30 minutes each and there are no definitive studies to guide users if you want to kill a specific microbe.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

What disinfectant do farmers use?

Used as an agricultural disinfectant, Oxyl-Pro will disinfect: Livestock water. Air and surfaces. Equipment and machinery.

Previous article
What are the downsides of diatomaceous earth?
Next article
What is the cheapest way to do a retaining wall?