Refrigerator and freezer are the most used kitchen equipment. It is very important to keep them clean and disinfected for good health and proper operation.
How often do you clean them?
To prevent odors, mold or other unpleasant surprises, it is important to perform a thorough cleaning at least twice a year and to make monthly hygiene routine. Same for the freezer, it must be defrosted regularly.
To thoroughly clean shelves, use hot water with baking soda or vinegar. It is advisable not to use cleaners that can release harmful substances to foods, but if you want you can use a product that is not abrasive and does not cause the foam to be removed easily.
For regular cleaning of the refrigerator:
Empty completely, dispose of expired or spoiled foods and organize them into good ones, keeping them in thermal bags to prevent their temperature change during cleaning;
Remove all detachable parts and remove shelves and accessories to reach all corners. Wash removable parts with water and baking soda; washed with water and vinegar inner surfaces (or sodium bicarbonate);
To prevent water flowing during cleaning, place a towel in the bottom of the refrigerator so that it will absorb the drops.
Re-assemble all the parts washed and dried.
Make sure to seal them: wash them and dry them thoroughly and lubricate them with a few drops of oil to keep them soft.
Periodic cleaning of the freezer:
Empty completely, with at the right temperature thermal bag during cleaning; leave the door open for a few minutes to facilitate melting ice;
Defrost the freezer by removing large blocks of ice with special plastic spatula. Do not use utensils or steel blade because these can damage the surface;
Fill a spray bottle with warm water and vinegar in equal parts and spray the walls and shelves fixed then wipe with a sponge and repeat as needed;
Carefully when you dry the freezer; before putting frozen foods, check the freezer temperature again if it reached a value of -18 ° C.
Useful information
Avoid arrange packaging and food in direct contact with the walls of the refrigerator. Do not overload shelves and place the food compartments suitable to optimize the distribution of cold air inside.
Do not leave food uncovered on the shelves and keep them always by the expiration date, so be eaten before the expiration date.
Enter a jar in the refrigerator a few tablespoons of baking soda or vinegar soaked cotton will prevent unpleasant odors.
Before going on a long trip, make sure that there is not food in the refrigerator that may be damaged, take open cans and clean refrigerator and freezer.
Avoid storing meat, fish or vegetables, even if they are frozen, to avoid damage in case of disruption of power supply.
