Organize and Clean Your Fridge for Impeccable Hygiene
A poorly organized or dirty refrigerator is a breeding ground for bacteria. Learn how to store your food in the right place and clean your fridge effectively.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Lukewarm water
- New sponge
- Dry cloth
- Storage bins (optional)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Start by emptying the refrigerator entirely. It's time to sort: throw away expired products, sauce jars open for 6 months and dubious leftovers. Store fresh products (meat, dairy) in a cooler with ice packs during cleaning so as not to break the cold chain.
Step 2
Remove all removable elements: glass shelves, vegetable bins, door balconies. Wash them in the sink with hot water and dish soap, like your usual dishes. Rinse and dry them carefully.
Step 3
Clean the inside of the fridge with a natural mixture: 50% lukewarm water and 50% white vinegar. Vinegar disinfects, kills mold and deodorizes without leaving harmful chemical residues for food. Don't forget to pass the sponge in the grooves of the shelves and especially on the accordion door seals where crumbs and mold love to hide.
Step 4
Imperatively dry all walls with a clean, dry cloth. Residual moisture promotes the return of bacteria and frost formation.
Step 5
Store intelligently to optimize conservation (check your device's manual as zones vary by model, ventilated or static cold): Cold zone (often at the bottom, just above the vegetable bin) for raw meat and fish. Cool zone (middle) for cooked dishes, yogurts, cheeses. Temperate zone (top and door) for drinks, butter, jams, condiments.
Step 6
Do not overload the fridge: cold air must be able to circulate freely between foods to maintain a homogeneous temperature. Remove cardboard overpackaging (yogurts, beer packs) which are dirty and insulating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often to clean ?
A complete deep cleaning once a month is ideal. But an immediate wipe as soon as a stain appears or a liquid spills is essential for hygiene.
How to avoid bad odors ?
Place a small cup with baking soda or half a lemon stuck with cloves on a shelf. They will absorb neutral odors. Change them every month.
Precautions
- Do not use bleach (risk of food contamination).
- Do not wash cold glass shelves under scalding water (risk of thermal shock and breakage).
