The refrigerator is one of the appliances we tend to neglect when cleaning. As a matter of fact, the refrigerator must be cleaned every week. If your refrigerator is dirty, the result will be not only funny and unpleasant odors, but also a serious risk of food poisoning. Old food and leftovers is the ideal environment for germs and bacteria to grow. Here is an example step-by-step routine for cleaning a refrigerator, suggested by cleaning services Chelsea:
Turn off and unplug the refrigerator
Take all the food out
Check the food carefully and throw out everything that is spoiled or outdated
Take out all the removable parts of the refrigerator (shelves, drawers etc)
Fill the kitchen sink with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or mild soap
Soak the refrigerator parts in the sink and use a soft brush or sponge to rub them and remove any dried food or dirt
Rinse them with warm water and let them air dry
Carefully wipe the bottom of the refrigerator to remove any food matter
Make a solution of one cup of white vinegar and 2 liters of warm water. Chelsea cleaners advise not to use any commercial cleaning detergents as they normally contain harsh chemicals which should not get in contact with food.
Dry the removable parts of the refrigerator with a soft cotton cloth and put them back on their places
Wash the outside of the refrigerator. You could use the same vinegar solution or just mild soapy water. Pay special attention to the gasket (the rubber part on the refrigerator door) as it normally gets very dirty.
Use a soft dry cloth to rinse all the cleaning solution residues from both the inside and the outside of the refrigerator
Put the food back in the refrigerator
Turn the refrigerator on
Now your refrigerator must be sparkling clean and safe to use. Don’t forget to put it in your next weekly cleaning schedule
