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.
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.
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.
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.
Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the shelves and inside of the freezer with one of these two mixtures: 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water; or a mild soap and water solution.
Spray inside the freezer
If you don't have an antibacterial spray, you can make a homemade solution with water and white vinegar. Vinegar contains acid, which helps remove mildew, making it a great DIY cleaning solution.
In addition to weekly maintenance, you should deep clean your fridge every three months.
Some people use orange, lemon, or lime peels simply by tucking them in an open corner. You can also create a quick natural air freshener by combining baking soda, any essential oil, and water, simply placing a small bowl of it in your fridge. If none of these steps do the trick, your fridge may need a deep clean.
Using baking soda as a cleaning agent or as a deodorizer can help your refrigerator stay clean and fresh.
The Best: Remodeez Aqua Refrigerator Deodorizer
This means that a single Remodeez will last much longer than anything full of baking soda (though the baking soda models can be refilled). Basically, you only need to replace it every six months—which is about five months and 27 days longer than your oldest leftovers.
Making your natural fridge cleaner is simple, you just need hot water, white vinegar and lemon juice. Shake well and it's ready! This mixture will allow you to naturally clean and disinfect the inside of your fridge as well as its various compartments.
Mix 3 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of cold water in an empty spray bottle. Using cold water will help your fridge reach optimum temperature quicker after you've finished cleaning.
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.
Where to Put Baking Soda in the Fridge. Refrigerator: Place a box on each fridge shelf if it is large or you tend to store many smelly foods. The best spot is in the back corner; don't forget about it. Freezer: Place a box or shallow dish with baking soda on the lower level to absorb freezer odors.
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. You must stir them so that they mix perfectly. For this step you will need a brush and a sponge. First, apply the mixture to the bristles of the brush and clean the corners of the fridge very well to remove dirt from each side.
Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors. Sprinkle it liberally on the damp area or even an old urine stain, and work the powder gently into the fibers of any fabric, rug or carpet. Let the baking soda sit overnight for maximum odor absorption, then vacuum it up to remove the smell completely.
How to store baking soda: Keep it in its box and place it in the freezer.
To help your fridge smell fresher, unplug it and clean the interior with a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and a soft cloth. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Let it air out with the door open for a day before plugging it back in.
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.
Dab a few cotton balls in vanilla essential oil or extract, and then place them in the refrigerator. Close the door for 24 hours. Newspaper can help absorb odors. Stuff wads of newspaper in the fridge's drawers and shelves, and then close the door for a few days.
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.
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.