You probably clean your stovetop and microwave frequently, even daily, since disasters are inevitable and spills can be too noticeable. But you're probably forgetting about another essential kitchen appliance: your refrigerator .
It is just as important to keep the refrigerator clean, even if it is rather hidden by its interior. After all, the fridge is where you store the food you serve yourself and others. Therefore, the beginning of safe handling of your food and drink is to keep it clean. Here are some simple and effective tips for cleaning your fridge and how often you should do these tasks. (You can also read How to Clean Your Blender and How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet .)
Read Next: Want That Curated TikTok Fridge Style? You have to buy this
Clean refrigerator handles and controls daily
With a food-grade antibacterial wipe , take the time to clean your fridge handles every day. You should also clean the knobs or controls on water dispensers and ice machines daily.
Deal with spills immediately
If a mess occurs in the refrigerator, clean it up immediately. It's important that spills and messes don't get out of control, otherwise your fridge can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
If you spill something, take a few minutes to clean it up and make sure it hasn't spilled and possibly contaminated other food or drink. Also, try to avoid accidents by storing your food in leak-proof, airtight containers. As a rule of thumb, you should clean out your fridge any time you spill or see leftover food and drink.
Throw out expired and old groceries weekly
At the beginning of each week, check what groceries you have in the fridge. Throw in old leftovers and anything that has expired. Spoiled food can encourage bacterial growth and leave mold spores in your fridge, so it's important to check your fridge regularly.
Not sure what expired? Check each bottle and label for the expiration date. If you can't find an expiration date, be safe and throw out anything you're not sure is fresh. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends throwing out not only old or recalled food, but also any food stored next to it or that comes in contact with it.
Sort out your fridge weekly to dispose of expired food or beverages.
the container warehouseThoroughly clean the refrigerator every quarter
Thoroughly clean your refrigerator every three to four months. To keep things simple, you can give your fridge a deep clean at the start of each season. In order to thoroughly clean your fridge, you must empty all food completely and place it in a cooler for safekeeping. Many people choose to finish most large items in their fridge just before a deep clean so they don't have to remove and replace many items.
Be sure to read your refrigerator's instruction manual to find out the best way to clean your appliance. In most cases, you must first unplug or turn off the refrigerator. Next, remove any shelves and drawers, give them a thorough clean with warm soapy water or other detergent, and then put them back in place. Thoroughly clean the refrigerator walls and all surfaces. Don't forget to clean the door and the top inside of the refrigerator as well.
Take everything out of the fridge from time to time and clean it thoroughly.
Getty Images/Eye EmBe sure to clean the ice maker and water dispenser
Many refrigerators are now equipped with ice machines and water dispensers. If so, keeping them clean is important so you can continue to enjoy germ-free ice cream or water. Your ice maker or water dispenser probably came with a water filter that you need to change regularly. Most should be changed about every six months, according to Consumer Reports , but be sure to check your fridge's instruction manual for manufacturer's recommendations.
If you're interested in more cleaning tips and tricks, check out our guide to cleaning your toilet without a plunger and cleaning your mattress easily .
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire