How to clean a refrigerator for storage?
Cleaning your refrigerator before storing it is an important step to prevent bacteria growth, unpleasant odors, and food contamination. If you plan on storing your refrigerator for an extended period of time, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned and ready for storage.
In this guide, we will discuss the steps needed to clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator, as well as tips on how to properly store it. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your refrigerator stays in good condition during storage and is ready to use when you need it again.
Post Contents
How to clean a refrigerator for storage
1. How to clean the inside of a refrigerator
Cleaning the inside of a refrigerator is an important task to ensure that it remains free of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Here are the steps to follow when cleaning the inside of a refrigerator:
- Empty the refrigerator: Remove all food items, including condiments, and discard anything that has expired or that you will not be able to consume before cleaning.
- Remove all shelves and drawers: Take out all removable parts of the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and trays. These can be washed separately in the sink with warm, soapy water.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bowl or bucket.
- Start cleaning: Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down all surfaces inside the refrigerator with the cleaning solution, paying special attention to any spills or stains. Be sure to get into all corners and crevices.
- Rinse with water: After cleaning, rinse all surfaces with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the interior: Use a clean towel or paper towels to dry the interior of the refrigerator.
- Clean the gasket: The rubber gasket around the door can be a common area for bacteria growth, so it is important to clean it thoroughly. Use warm, soapy water and a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to clean the gasket, being sure to get into all crevices. Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
- Replace shelves and drawers: Once everything is dry, put all shelves, drawers, and trays back into the refrigerator in their correct places.
2. How to clean the outside of a refrigerator
Cleaning the outside of a refrigerator is also important to keep it looking clean and in good condition. Here are the steps to follow when cleaning the outside of a refrigerator:
- Unplug the refrigerator: Before cleaning the outside of the refrigerator, it is important to unplug it to avoid any electrical accidents.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bowl or bucket.
- Start cleaning: Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator with the cleaning solution, paying special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or greasy. Be sure to wipe down the sides, front, top, and back of the refrigerator.
- Rinse with water: After cleaning, rinse the exterior of the refrigerator with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the exterior: Use a clean towel or paper towels to dry the exterior of the refrigerator.
- Polish the surface (optional): If you want to add some shine to the refrigerator’s surface, you can polish it with a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar or a stainless-steel cleaner.
- Plug the refrigerator back in: Once everything is clean and dry, plug the refrigerator back in and adjust the temperature to the desired level.
Tips on storing food in a refrigerator
Proper food storage is crucial to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to store food in a refrigerator:
Store food at the correct temperature: Keep the refrigerator temperature between 34-40°F (1-4°C). This will help to slow down bacterial growth and keep food fresh for a longer time.
Use airtight containers: Store food in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This will help to keep the food fresh and prevent odors from spreading to other foods in the refrigerator.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate: Store raw meats, poultry, and fish on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drips or spills from contaminating other foods. Keep cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods on separate shelves.
Keep perishable foods in the refrigerator: Perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Label and date food: Label and date foods before storing them in the refrigerator. This will help you keep track of how long the food has been in the refrigerator and when it needs to be used or discarded.
Final Words
Due to the fact that the refrigerator is used to keep both living things and essential items, in addition to routine cleaning, you can use natural ingredients to freshen up the smell of the refrigerator. You can place a small bag in the refrigerator door with vanilla branches, dried laurel, tea leaves, lavender, newly ground coffee, or other ingredients.
Regularly cleaning the refrigerator at home not only gets rid of odors but also maintains family cleanliness and food safety. The refrigerator should be cleaned on the inside and the outside. Additionally, there are a few things you should remember to better sanitize the refrigerator.
How to clean a refrigerator for storage? Above is probably what you need, we have both the instructions for cleaning the inside and outside of the refrigerator for you.
Conclusion: So above is the How to Clean a Refrigerator for Storage and Best Tips on Storing Food article. Hopefully with this article you can help you in life, always follow and read our good articles on the website: Refrigerator- side by side Refrigerator -Appliances Kitchen Review Blog
