How to clean and organize the refrigerator? Useful tips

Do you want to have a perfect refrigerator that is a joy to open? To achieve this, it is not enough just to fill it with your favorite foods, but above all to keep it hygienically clean and clearly organized. If you don't know how to do it, we will advise you.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the proper care of your refrigerator. We will advise you on how to clean it easily, what cleaning agents to use or how to store specific foods in it. 

Why is a clean fridge important?

We store the food we eat in the refrigerator. It is therefore undesirable for excessive amounts of bacteria or mold to enter them, which can multiply in a poorly maintained refrigerator. If, on the other hand, we keep this space clean, it will help us:

• Prevent cross-contamination – a clean refrigerator reduces the risk of contamination of other foods with bacteria from raw meat and fish.
• Prevent diseases - if we do not clean the refrigerator regularly, bacteria, mold and other dangerous microorganisms can easily multiply in a humid environment.
• Extend the freshness and quality of food – in an unclean environment with the remains of old food or spilled liquids, food can spoil faster.
• Achieve energy efficiency – an organized and clean refrigerator free of dirt and frost has better air circulation and achieves better energy efficiency.
• Reduce waste – better organization of food will help you keep a better overview and thus reduce unnecessary food waste.

How often to clean the refrigerator

So how often does it need to be cleaned, you ask? If an unpleasant smell spreads from it after opening, it is probably already too late. Of course, the more often the better, but try to achieve something like this frequency:

• Routine cleaning – once a week or once every two weeks, but ideally every time you buy food. Before you put new ingredients in the refrigerator, throw away the old and spoiled ones and wipe the refrigerator gently with a damp cloth.
• Thorough cleaning – once a month or once every 3 months, remove all food from the refrigerator and thoroughly wash the shelves with warm water and a suitable detergent. Then wipe dry.
• General cleaning – once every 6 months, maximum once a year, you should disconnect the refrigerator (including the freezer) from the mains and completely defrost and wash it. You should check the condition of the seals and remove any mold spores.
  

The best means for cleaning the refrigerator

To clean the refrigerator, it is important to use products that are effective against dirt and bacteria, but at the same time safe for food. Therefore, they should not contain aggressive chemicals or have a strong smell. The best means for cleaning the refrigerator include:

Baking soda (baking soda)

• It is gentle on surfaces, effective in removing dirt and unpleasant odors.
• How to do it: Dissolve 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a liter of warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge and after cleaning, rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry.

Vinegar (white distilled)

• Vinegar has natural antibacterial properties and is effective in removing mold, bacteria and odors. It is also suitable for cleaning rubber seals.
• How to do it: Mix equal parts water and vinegar, pour into a spray bottle and spray onto surfaces. Leave on for a few minutes and then wipe off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Lemon juice

• Due to the citric acid it contains, lemon juice has a whitening effect and effectively removes odors and bacteria.
• How to do it: You can use pure juice, but it is better to dilute it with water. Moisten a cloth in lemon water and wipe the inside of the refrigerator. Then wipe with a cloth with clean water.

Soapy water

• Since the detergent is suitable for cleaning dishes, it will also help with cleaning the refrigerator. Effectively removes grease and food and dirt residues.
• How to: Mix a small amount of dish detergent with warm water. Wash the refrigerator with a wet cloth or sponge. Then rinse the surfaces with water and dry.

The advantage is that you can usually find all the raw materials for preparing the cleaning solution at home. You don't have to buy anything extra.

How to clean the refrigerator step by step

Do you want to do a general cleaning of the refrigerator and don't know where to start? We will advise you with the following instructions, in which we will guide you through the cleaning process step by step:

1. Preparation

• Empty the refrigerator: Remove all food from the refrigerator. Check their condition and throw out anything that is broken. Food that is still good can be temporarily stored in a cooler bag or other cool place to keep it fresh while you clean up.
• Remove shelves and drawers: Pull out all removable shelves, drawers and compartments. This will allow you to wash them more easily and then clean the inner walls of the refrigerator. You can clean shelves and drawers in the kitchen sink, but also in the bathtub or shower, for example.

2. Cleaning removable parts

• Prepare a cleaning solution: Make one of the above cleaning solutions by mixing baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice or dish soap with warm water. Also prepare a towel or sponge.
• Wash shelves and drawers: Remove stuck-on food residues. Clean all shelves and drawers with a cloth or sponge soaked in the prepared solution. If they are very dirty, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. Then rinse everything with clean water. If you want to simplify your work, you can use a shower. Allow to dry freely or dry with a dry cloth.

3. Cleaning of internal spaces

• Wash the interior walls and doors: Using a soft cloth or sponge moistened with cleaning solution, wipe the interior walls, doors and other surfaces of the refrigerator. Don't forget to also clean the grooves and edges where food residues can accumulate.
• Cleaning door seals: Rubber door seals can harbor mold and dirt. Therefore, clean them thoroughly using a solution and a sponge or an old toothbrush. Check that all seals are undamaged and do not need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Completion

• Rinse and dry: After cleaning all internal surfaces and seals, wash them again with clean water to remove any detergent residue. Then dry everything with a dry cloth.
• Wipe down external surfaces: Don't forget to wipe down the external surfaces of the fridge as well, including handles and displays. Use a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner for appliance surfaces. You can use a special cleaner for stainless steel on the stainless steel refrigerator to avoid streaks.

5. Re-storage of food

• Put shelves and drawers back: After drying thoroughly, put all shelves, drawers and compartments back in place.
• Organize food: Before returning food to the refrigerator, wipe off the packaging and organize them by type of ingredient or shelf life. Foods with an approaching use-by date ahead so you can use them up first. Afterwards, check whether the refrigerator is working normally and whether it is set to the optimal level of cooling.

Done! Your refrigerator is as clean and hygienic as new.

Correct food storage

The refrigerator has several zones that differ in temperature. Therefore, it does not matter where you store the individual foods. By placing them correctly, you can extend their shelf life and guarantee optimal cooling. 

The division of zones is as follows:

Upper shelves

They are suitable for storing ready meals, drinks, leftovers and products with a longer shelf life such as sauces and jams. These zones have a relatively stable temperature.

Middle shelves

They are ideal for storing dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter. Make sure these foods are stored in their original packaging or in resealable containers.

Lower shelves

It is the coldest place in the refrigerator, so they are suitable for storing raw meat and fish. Always store these foods in leak-proof containers to prevent liquids from leaking and contaminating other foods.

Lower drawers

They are intended for raw materials that need a certain level of moisture, so they are most suitable for fruits and vegetables. To prevent water from accumulating, you can use an absorbent pad or towel.

Refrigerator door

It is the warmest part of the refrigerator, suitable for storing drinks, sauces and other less sensitive foods. Do not use these shelves to store milk or eggs, as they experience rapid temperature changes.

More tips for organizing the fridge

Once you know how to properly clean the refrigerator and where to place individual foods, you might need a few more practical tips to make sure everything is really tip-top.

Use transparent containers

You can use transparent food containers to store ready meals or already opened food. They will help you keep everything in an airtight environment, which will extend the shelf life of raw materials and prevent the spread of unpleasant odors. At the same time, you can easily see what is stored where.

Product labeling

To keep a good overview of the shelf life of food, use food labeling. After opening, always write the date on the package, by which you will know how fresh the food is still. You can use it, for example, with milk and milk products, open preserves or ready meals. You can use food labels or stickers or marker pen.

FIFO system

Have you heard of the FIFO (First In, First Out) system? It means that what you bought earlier, you should also consume earlier. Therefore, store all newer items with a longer expiration date behind the older ones. That way, you will always have food with an earlier expiration date in front and prevent unnecessary throwing away.

Do not overfill the refrigerator

It is always good to have enough supplies, but it is not recommended to overfill the fridge with food. Why? This prevents air flow and optimal cooling, which can lead to faster spoilage of food and reduce the efficiency of the refrigerator. By buying a smaller amount of food, you also prevent waste.

We believe that our tips and recommendations will help you keep your refrigerator in great condition and hygienically clean.