In the summer, people often open the refrigerator to store leftover food and cool food items. Summer is the season when the use of refrigerators is higher than ever. At first glance, it may seem clean, but if you look closely, the inside and outside of the fridge are dirtier than you think. How about cleaning your refrigerator thoroughly before you start using it frequently?
As Fridge Usage Increases, So Does the Dirt Accumulation
The refrigerator is prone to stains and food residues as much as hands touch it, and various foreign substances can accumulate in the drawers, causing stains. This is proportional to the amount of refrigerator use. Leaving leftover food in the refrigerator for a long time can cause an unpleasant smell every time you open the refrigerator door.
Dispose of Spoiled Food Promptly
Before cleaning, make sure to get rid of any expired food. Items past their expiration date may already be contaminated with food poisoning bacteria. When handling these, wear sanitary or rubber gloves to prevent the transfer of bacteria. These pathogens can contaminate other food items in the fridge and other refrigerator areas.
A Clean Fridge Has a Longer Lifespan
Keeping a refrigerator clean ensures food hygiene, improves energy efficiency, and extends its lifespan. It’s advisable to clean spills immediately, wipe surfaces with a cloth at least once a week, and empty and clean the fridge every 3-4 months.
Make Use of Baking Soda
For cleaning the fridge, consider using baking soda instead of chemicals. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in about 1 quart (roughly 1 liter) of water and use this solution to wipe the shelves and walls of the fridge. Start cleaning from the top and work your way down to prevent the spread of contaminants.
Should You Turn Off the Fridge While Cleaning?
There’s no need to turn off the refrigerator while cleaning unless you’re cleaning the back. If you’re wiping the sides, depending on the cord’s length, you may need to unplug it. However, if cleaning the back, always unplug it.
Effectively Removing Ice Buildup
Frost is the ice crystals that form on the inner wall of the freezer. If frost forms, the air circulation does not work correctly, which can reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency, and in severe cases, food can spoil. Therefore, it is necessary to remove frost regularly. First, spray warm water with a sprayer and wipe it off with a dry cloth. Be careful not to splash hot water directly, as the steam can freeze and reduce the cooling effect.
Dealing with Refrigerator Odors
If your refrigerator smells like kimchi and other side dishes, you can see the deodorizing effect by leaving green tea bags or coffee grounds. If this does not solve the problem, you can buy a dedicated deodorizer or try wiping it with soju or beer-soaked in a dishcloth.
Exterior Fridge Cleaning is Equally Important
The surface of the refrigerator can be wiped with a soft cloth and dish soap. However, the soap must be chlorine-free to prevent the finish from being damaged. With just a cloth and soap, it’s enough to remove general dust and dirt, and then you need to wipe it with a clean cloth and dry the moisture. If it is made of stainless steel, it is better to use a dedicated cleaner, and abrasive cleaners or sponges can permanently scratch, so do not use them.
Ideal Temperature for the Refrigerator?
The proper temperature for a refrigerator is below 4℃ (39.2℉). If you set it too low, the air circulation does not work correctly, which can waste electricity. Conversely, the internal temperature can quickly rise if you put it too high. However, since the power consumption varies from household to household, it is most important to check and adjust it yourself.
Refrigerator Cleaners Can Be Highly Effective
Nowadays, there are many products for cleaning refrigerators, such as refrigerator-specific cleaners. Cleaning with a refrigerator cleaner instead of baking soda or soapy water is also effective. It usually comes as a multi-purpose cleaner that conveniently removes food contamination inside the refrigerator and catches odors. Not only that, it is also good to use where sterilization is needed because it contains alcohol, and it is excellent in removing grease.
By. Shin Young Jeon (press@daily.co.kr)
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