Cleaning the fridge is often a neglected chore as there is so much to do in the kitchen, but it needs to be done regularly if you want to keep food safe and fresh for longer. It is very easy not to notice food dripping or spilling at the back of a fridge, and if not cleared up it can eventually cause bacteria growth or even mould.
The experts at Why Bother have shared that cleaning out a fridge can lower your risk of food poisoning, and is quick to do as long as you spray it with white vinegar and a bit of salt. They said: “If you notice there are any stubborn stains in your fridge, such as mould or black marks, a paste of salt and vinegar should do the trick nicely. Simply let the solution sit on the stains for a few minutes before scrubbing to remove it.”
White vinegar that is often used for salad dressing is one of the best natural remedies to clean a kitchen with as it contain acetic acid, which is antibacterial.
It will disinfect a fridge, kill any mould spores and is completely safe to use around food so you do not have to worry about leaving behind any chemical residue.
Acetic acid will be gentle on fridge surfaces but if strong enough to break down most common food stains, which helps make cleaning much quicker and easier.
If you also notice any funky smells in your fridge then white vinegar is also a deodoriser, and will get rid if any gross food smells that are lingering in your kitchen.
You can just use white vinegar on its own, but adding salt enhances its effectiveness. Salt acts as a natural sanitiser and is mildly abrasive, which helps to physically scrub away grime and stains, while the vinegar disinfects.
How to clean a fridge properly
To begin, remove any food stored in your fridge and then take out any removable shelves. Store the shelves in a basin filled with warm water and washing up liquid, then leave them to soak.
Then, fill a empty spray bottle with white vinegar or pour a generous amount on a cloth. Use it to wipe down all the fridge, and then use another clean cloth to dry the surfaces.
Clear any food stains by placing a few tablespoons of salt in a bowl and then add just enough white vinegar to form a paste. Add paste to the stains, leave them alone for five minutes, and once the time if up they should be easy to wipe away.
If there are any particularly stubborn stains in your fridge, then keep repeatedly adding the salty vinegar solution and leaving it for longer time.
Give the fridge door a wipe, make sure the inside is completely dried out, and then you can put everything back in its proper place. Your fridge should be completely clean and smell fresh in just under 10 minutes.