Buzz
Keeping your fridge smelling fresh and pristine ensures that your utensils and food items are stored in a clean, safe, and efficient environment.
1. Fridge Cleaning - The Fastest 5-Minute Hack Without Breaking the Bank
Clean the fridge
Step 1: Prior to diving into cleanliness, clear out all food items, leaving the fridge completely empty to assess and examine dirt and potential damages.
Step 2: Next, categorize the foods taken from the fridge, discard expired or moldy items, boldly dispose of unused items, and store the remaining foods aside to avoid contamination.
Step 3: After the 'evacuation' and sorting of food items, proceed to remove shelves, drawers, or any movable parts from the refrigerator. Let them sit for 5 minutes at room temperature, then soak in water and commence cleaning the interior compartments of the fridge.
Step 4: Clean shelves, drawers, and other surfaces using a sponge. For stubborn stains, you can dilute a bit of ammonia in hot water (ratio 1:5), soak the affected area for about 5 minutes before scrubbing. After thoroughly cleaning the stains, rinse the parts thoroughly with clean water, wipe, or air-dry before reinstalling them into the fridge.
Note: Never wash the glass or fridge shelves with hot water as the sudden temperature change may damage these components. Instead, use cold water or allow the shelves to 'cool down' a bit before washing them.
Step 5: Wipe the inside of the fridge with a clean cloth or sponge. If you dislike the scent of soap or cleaning agents, you can opt for one of the following natural cleaning solutions:
+ 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 liter of hot water
+ 1 part apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar) mixed with 3 parts hot water
+ For stubborn stains that have been around for a while, consider applying toothpaste and letting it sit before scrubbing.
Step 6: To freshen the air inside the refrigerator, you can implement the following measures:
+ Place activated charcoal in a clean sock, put it in a corner inside the fridge to absorb odors for up to 3 months.
+ Open a small box of baking soda, place it in the fridge, and replace it every 30 or 60 days. Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing expertise.
+ Add a few sticks of vanilla, dried cinnamon, tea leaves, lavender flowers, or freshly ground coffee into a small bag placed near the fridge door to enjoy subtle aromas.
Step 7: Once you have a fridge that feels brand new, organize your items back into the fridge. Note that before placing food back in, ensure to wipe dry the interior of the fridge as well as the containers you will put in. Organizing will make it easier for you to find the desired food items.
Therefore, place milk, fruit juice, and other beverages on one shelf; sauces and similar items elsewhere. To prolong the lifespan of the refrigerator and ensure food safety, take the time to clean the refrigerator once a month. Check food weekly, discard unused items to eliminate odors, helping the fridge operate more efficiently and preventing shelves from cracking or sagging due to an excessive load of items.
