Your refrigerator, the keeper of freshness in your kitchen, deserves special attention to keep it clean, fresh and safe for your food. Here’s how to do it using natural products to preserve the cleanliness of your device and the quality of your provisions.
Step 1: The Big Clean
Preparation :
Unplug your refrigerator for safety reasons.
Gather your supplies: white vinegar, baking soda, lemons or oranges (for their fresh scent), clean rags, a soft brush, and a bucket of warm water.
Inside the refrigerator:
The Big Empty : Start by removing all food and shelves. Say goodbye to expired or questionable products.
Gentle Cleaning : Prepare a solution of warm water and white vinegar (half and half) to gently clean the interior of the refrigerator. Don’t forget the nooks and crannies.
Forget Odors : Eliminate stubborn odors by placing a bowl of baking soda inside the refrigerator or placing citrus wedges for a natural scent.
Shelves and bins:
A Gentle Bath : Wash the shelves and bins in hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. If there are stubborn stains, a soft-bristled brush can be a big help.
Drying Time : Let them air dry before putting them back in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Refresh Naturally
Ideal Temperatures:
Refrigerator : Keep it between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius (34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure optimal preservation of your food.
Freezer : Keep it at around -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) to keep your frozen groceries safe.
Step 3: The Art of Organization
The Good Order:
Upper Shelves :
For foods ready to be devoured: leftovers, yogurt, dairy products.
Condiments also find their place here: sauces, mustard, ketchup.
Intermediate Shelves :
It’s the perfect place for your fresh vegetables and fruits. Use vegetable drawers to prolong their freshness.
Lower Shelves :
Meat products, such as meat, fish and poultry, should be stored here, ideally in airtight containers to prevent juices from leaking.
The doors :
Beverages, such as juices, milk and soda, find their place here, as well as condiments such as salad dressings and sauces.
The duration of the conversation :
Raw meat: 1 to 2 days.
Fish: 1 to 2 days.
Poultry: 2 to 3 days.
Fresh vegetables: 1 to 2 weeks.
Fresh fruit: 1 to 2 weeks.
Dairy products: follow expiration dates.
By following these simple steps and using natural products for cleaning, you will keep your refrigerator clean and in good condition, while prolonging the freshness of your food and creating a healthier environment for your kitchen.
How often to clean the refrigerator
How often you clean the refrigerator depends largely on how you use it and your personal preferences. However, here are some general tips on cleaning frequency:
Monthly Cleaning of Shelves and Drawers : It is recommended to clean the refrigerator shelves, drawers and bins once a month. This helps prevent the buildup of debris, stains and odors.
Basic Cleaning Every 2-3 Months : In addition to cleaning the shelves monthly, take the time to deep clean the interior of the refrigerator every 2 to 3 months. This includes cleaning walls, nooks and crannies.
Defrosting the Freezer : If your refrigerator has a freezer, consider defrosting it every 3 to 6 months, depending on ice buildup. A defrosted freezer works more efficiently.
Regular Check : Apart from cleaning, regularly check your refrigerator to identify expired or poor food. This can be done once a week during your grocery shopping.
Responding to Events : Finally, if liquids spill or leak, clean them immediately to prevent them from becoming embedded and causing odors.