How to Clean the Refrigerator with Baking Soda to Be Odor-Free and Stay Hygienic

Illustration (Freepik/@prostooleh)

YOGYAKARTA - The refrigerator is one of the most frequently used kitchen appliances, but many of us often ignore its cleanliness. In fact, a dirty refrigerator can be a source of unpleasant odors and even bacteria. Therefore, it is important to clean regularly, at least every three to four months.

Reported from Southern Living, the following will discuss how to easily clean the refrigerator with baking soda and other simple ingredients. With the right ingredients and methods, the refrigerator is not only clean, but also more durable and comfortable to use.

Tools and Materials Needed to Clean the Refrigerator

Before starting to clean the refrigerator, here are the tools and materials you need to prepare:

Clean waterBaking sodaCleaning cloth or cleaning clothSponsWhite vinegarSpray bottleDish soapMicrofiber towel or clothSpecial stainless steel cleaner if the refrigerator is made of stainless steelVacuum cleaner6 Steps to Clean the Refrigerator with Baking Soda Thoroughly

After all the tools and materials are ready, you can start cleaning the refrigerator by following the following steps.

Turn off or unplug the refrigerator and remove all contents

Water that is exposed to electricity is very dangerous, so make sure the refrigerator is completely disconnected from the electrical current. After that, remove all food, drinks, and other materials from inside the refrigerator. If there are materials that must remain cold, temporarily store them in a cooler box.

Clean the shelves and drawers, then

All removable parts such as shelves and drawers should be removed. Let it first reach room temperature so that it does not crack when it is washed. After that, clean it with warm water and dish soap. Use a towel to thoroughly dry the shelves and containers.

Clean the inside with water, white vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda

Make a cleaning solution with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak a clean cloth or soft sponge in the solution, and wipe the inside of the refrigerator, focusing on the areas affected by spills and stains.

If you find a stain that is very sticky or difficult to remove, make a paste with baking soda and water, then rub the paste into the stain with a rag until the stain is gone.

To disinfect the inside of the refrigerator, mix one part white vinegar and two parts hot water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture evenly into the inside of the refrigerator, then wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

After the inside of the refrigerator is completely clean, the drawers and shelves can be returned to their original place. As an additional safeguard against the smell of the refrigerator, place an open box of baking soda in the back corner of the top shelf of the refrigerator.

Rubber seal for refrigerator door

The rubber seal that frames the inside of the refrigerator door is often ignored when cleaning the refrigerator, even though dirt easily accumulates in the gaps. Use a damp cloth with warm water to clean the seal rubber. Avoid using vinegar or bleach so that the rubber does not quickly break down.

Clean the outside of the refrigerator

Wipe the outside of the refrigerator with a cloth with warm soapy water. If the refrigerator is made of stainless steel, it is recommended to use special cleaners instead of soap water. After cleaning, immediately dry with a microfiber cloth. Don't forget to clean the top of the refrigerator, this area is often filled with dust.

Clean the coils with a vacuum cleaner and clean the floor under and around the refrigerator

The last step before restarting the refrigerator is to clean the coil (the cooling condenser which is usually located at the back of the refrigerator) and clean the floor area where the refrigerator is located.

Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up dust on the back and the grille on the bottom of the refrigerator. Take the time to clean the remnants of food, dust, and other dirt on the floor around, under, and behind the refrigerator.

So, these are the steps to thoroughly clean the refrigerator. By routinely cleaning, you not only remove dirt but also prevent unpleasant odors and bacterial growth. So, there is no reason to delay cleaning the refrigerator at home.

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