Do a deep cleaning of your refrigerator every three to four months. To keep things simple, you may choose to do a deep clean of your fridge at the start of each season. To deep clean your refrigerator, you'll need to completely clear out all the food and put it in a cooler for safekeeping.
If a fridge is dirty or food is left in the fridge too long, germs can multiply to dangerous levels and potentially make you ill. There have been many cases of dirty fridges causing serious illnesses such as Norovirus or Shigella.
Regularly clean the inside and outside of the fridge with a mild detergent. Wipe down the shelves and door, and make sure to vacuum the coils on the back. Check the seals on the doors. Make sure they're tight and free of dirt, food particles, and pet hair.
The most efficient way to clean a fridge is to first remove all of the food and items from the fridge and dispose of any expired or spoiled items. Next, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge, paying extra attention to areas that are particularly dirty or sticky.
Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator helps prevent mold, mildew and odors, but it's important to clean underneath your refrigerator, as well. Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help regulate your fridge temperature and help prevent food from freezing in your fridge.
While there is no standard for how often to clean a refrigerator, a complete cleaning every couple of months will help to prevent food spoilage and cross-contamination of Listeria , a bacterium that causes foodborne illness and that can survive at 40º F.
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.
Care for your refrigerator:
Unplug the power cord of the refrigerator before you start cleaning your Refrigerator. Slightly dampen a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel with water and then you use it on the Refrigerator.
Cleaning schedules are a communication link between management and staff and can help to ensure that the necessary time and attention is given to cleaning tasks. Regular cleaning will reduce the build-up of dirt, grease and bacteria and will help to maintain equipment in good working order.
When condensation forms in your fridge, that water runs down the drain hole into a tray at the bottom of the appliance. The hole is usually behind the salad drawers, though this varies depending on your fridge's make and model. Check your machine's user manual if you're unsure of its location.
Safe refrigerator tips
Divide leftovers into small, shallow containers for quick cooling in the refrigerator. Cover when food is cooled. Don't overload the refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe.
According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.
Aim to have lots of fresh veggies, lean meats, fruit, and other foods that come without packaging. Tip: Keep your fridge between 32-40 degrees F. Move the food that spoils quickly to the front where you can easily see it.
Inside the Refrigerator
Another space you should clean monthly is the inside of your refrigerator. “Take some time every month to clean everything out of the fridge, wipe it all down, and check the expiration dates on everything before putting anything back in.”
The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.
Other deodorizing items you can leave inside your refrigerator are a tray of fresh coffee grounds, a tray of activated charcoal or a pan of clean, unscented cat litter. If these prove ineffective, after you deep clean the fridge, leave the fridge empty and the door open overnight.
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.
The answer is that you can't really clean your toilet too much, but Lysol® recommends you clean your toilet weekly. What to use to clean a toilet? Before you tackle the task, make sure you have everything you need to clean a toilet with: A toilet brush.
The optimum amount of food to fill in the fridge is three-quarters full. At this amount, there's enough space for the air to circulate freely inside and, at the same time, sufficient food to help each item cool its neighbour down.
Lysol Kitchen Pro antibacterial cleaner.
An antibacterial cleaner is essential for sanitizing a fridge. This one kills 99.9% of germs and is suitable for food contact surfaces.
Thoroughly wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Get into the corners with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse it with a soft, damp cloth. You can use vinegar or baking soda on tougher to remove spills and stains.
Don't use bleach
It can harm the materials of the fridge interior and pose a risk for our health when transferred to food. Should you look for a strong alternative that breaks down stuck-on food, you can make your own cleaning solution. Add one part white vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle.
Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.