Keeping a fridge clean is something that ensures our health. Its importance is known by the fact that November 15 is National clean out your refrigerator day.
History Of Fridge
Before the invention of the fridge, iceboxes and icehouses were used to keep food fresh for long. Iranians were among the first ones to make a yakhchais. Yakh means cold in Persian. These were dome-shaped buildings built above the ground.
Â
In the 17th century, the word refrigeratory was introduced and a Scottish Professor, William Cullin created a small refrigerator.
Â
Through the 19th century, advancements were seen in refrigerators which shaped up finally to modern-day household refrigerators.
Â
How To Keep A Fridge Clean?
- Empty the fridge of foodstuff and shelves.
- Wash the shelves separately.
- Make warm soapy water.
- Using a kitchen towel or a microfiber cloth clean the fridge with this solution.
- Pat the fridge dry with a dry cloth.
- Never leave the fridge wet as it may provide favorable conditions for the bacteria to grow.
How To Disinfect The Fridge Using Vinegar?
- Make a natural disinfectant for cleaning your fridge by mixing vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on all the nooks and corners of the fridge and if there is some gunk built-up spray amply on it and leave for a few minutes.
- Then wipe off with a dry cloth or kitchen towel.
16 Ultimate Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Fridge Clean
There are a number of things to keep in consideration while keeping your fridge organized, spick and span.
1. Clean And Sort Your Fridge Before Grocery Shopping
Whether you hit the supermarket for groceries on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, make it a general rule of thumb to clean your fridge before going out.
Â
This has helped me a lot from purchasing something which I already had.
Â
2. Use a Lazy Susan
Lazy Susan makes one super active as it helps to keep everything in sight. A simple twist and what was in the back comes in front.
3. Line The Fridge Shelves
Use shelf liners or plastic placemats and you will thank me later.
Â
As many times juice, milk, or meat blood ooze out and it nauseating.
Â
So, it is best to keep the shelves lined so that they can be washed and reused later or disposed of.
4. Label Your Leftovers
Label your leftover box with the date either using a tag or a whiteboard marker so that you can wipe it off later.
Place it on the middle shelf at eye level, in such a way that the most recent is on the back. In this way, you will be avoiding food wastage.
5. Check Out The Expiry
Do check out the expiry of already present products, before each grocery trip, and if they have expired then toss them up.
As they happen to be a breeding ground for E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella and can cause food poisoning.
6. Do Not Overcrowd The Refrigerator
Think rationally before placing anything in the fridge and only keep those things in the fridge which really need refrigeration instead of overcrowding.
- Onions and potatoes are best when placed in a cool, dark place.
- Organic eggs do not need refrigeration.
- Honey thickens when kept in the fridge.
- Vinegar, commercially made pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise already have enough preservatives in them so keep them in the pantry instead.
7. Clean Any Spills Right Away
Make it a strict rule that whoever spills anything will be responsible to wipe it off instantly. Believe me, this will ease the time and effort to clean and disinfect the fridge by half.
8. Do Not Hoard The Fridge With Bottles
At the supermarket, while grocery shopping we get enticed by the same bottles of different companies and end up buying more than what we actually need. Make it a rule to place only one bottle of mayo and salad dressing at a time in the fridge and the rest goes in the pantry.
9. Sort Similar Items In A Square Container
There are ample cheap containers available in funky colors. Label them and place stuff accordingly in them like breakfast items in a single box containing butter, cheese, jam, and jelly.
Â
Square containers are space-efficient and easily fit in. It is time to ditch Round-shaped bowls and containers.
10. Never Keep Food On Plates Or Drinks In Glass In The Fridge
Food and drinks kept in open utensils are jinxed. They HAVE to topple down and create a huge mess. It is better not to do so than be sorry later on.
11. Time Meat And Poultry In The Fridge
Raw meat and poultry must be placed in the fridge for a maximum of two days then they shall be moved to the freezer.
Â
Never use meat or poultry, once it gets defrosted as it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
12. Think Twice Before Storing Something In The Fridge Door
Does it need to be kept cold?
Â
Would it spoil if it is present in a not-so-cold area?
Â
If the answer to both questions is a Yes, then do NOT keep it in the door as it will get spoilt and result in the growth of bacteria.
13. Store Perishables On The Bottom Shelves
The bottom shelves are the coldest in the fridge, so keep your fruits and vegetables in them as well as the other articles you want to last longer.
14. Wipe Off Sticky And Drippy Bottles And Jars
If you find anything sticking or dripping from the bottles and jars, then wipe them off thoroughly before placing them in the fridge as they will leave a rim behind which will be a nuisance to clean.
Oh-So-Amazing Tips To Make Things Last Longer In The Fridge
15. Maintain The Temperature Of The Fridge
The optimal temperature to be set in the refrigerator is four to five degrees Celsius.
16. Open The Refrigerator Door Only When Needed
We tend to absentmindedly open the fridge door as we gaze into the food and it stares back. This causes the coolness to escape and fluctuates the temperature due to which the food can get spoilt fast. Open the fridge door only when it is important. Otherwise, let it relax and cool down. (Pun intended!!)
Take Away Points
The fridge is one of the most vital members of the kitchen. The food we store in it is to keep us healthy and happy.
If we do not clean and disinfect it properly, then the same fridge will be a breeding ground for microorganisms like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella (to name only a few) and may lead to food poisoning and other health hazards.