Last Updated on January 16, 2022 by CHANDRAMANI
Cleaning the refrigerator is important not only from the outside but also from the inside. Cleaning the refrigerator with vinegar eradicates the smell and will also disinfect it properly.
A clean and hygenic fridge is important to keep the stored contents in it fresh so that you and your family members stay healthy. Cleaning the fridge regularly helps to lower power consumption and better operation.
According to Healthline, vinegar is a natural disinfectant, it can clean and disinfect food storage units such as fridges. As it doesn’t contain a coloring agent. Therefore, it won’t stain surfaces.
Table of Contents
Supplies Required
- Vinegar
- Warm Water
- Spray Bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush
How to clean Refrigerator with Vinegar
Step 1: Take out the Contents
Identify a day when your fridge has relatively lower contents than the other days, this day is a perfect day to clean your fridge as it has lower vegetables and other fresh foods.
If you have a portable fridge, then use it to store the fridge contents in it while cleaning or use freezer bags to store the fridge items. You should keep these contents in the coldest part of your house. This should not be near the wall which receives direct sunlight as it will lead to food spoilage.
Step 2: Unplug your fridge
Before cleaning your fridge, you should unplug it from the power source. This makes it safe for you.
Step 3: Take out the removable shelves and Baskets
To clean the fridge properly you should take out all the removable parts from it such as shelves and baskets. If you are taking out the removable parts the first time, then you should be careful while doing this as you can end up breaking any part.
If you notice any frost build-up then you should first defrost your refrigerator.
Step 3: Wipe the Fridge with Vinegar Water Mixture
Mix water and vinegar in a 3:1 ratio i.e. 3 parts of water with 1 part of vinegar. Use this mixture to clean your fridge thoroughly. Spray the mixture to every corner and part. With a cloth wipe it thoroughly to corner and part to remove the dirt.
Use a cleaning toothbrush to clean the small spaces with the mixture to remove the trapped food particles.
To eliminate odors in your fridge, place a bowl containing a 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of hot water inside the fridge for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Clean the removed shelves
After cleaning the fridge interior properly, now clean the shelves and baskets with the vinegar-water mixture. You can also use a small amount of baking soda with the cleaning mixture and rinse it well to remove any stains properly.
After this wash all the shelves properly with water in the basin and remember to dry them before putting them back into the fridge as this can lead to moisture build-up inside.
Pro Tip: If you notice any stains, then use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide i.e. cleaning liquid to remove it.
Step 5: Replace the contents & Power the fridge
Before you start replacing the food back in the fridge, check the things that are not edible and throw away the expired or rotten food. Wipe the bottom of each container as those can be dirty before you put them back inside.
Conclusion
You should clean your fridge at least 4 times a year or at the change of every season to keep the fridge hygenic and keep the food fresh longer. This also helps the fridge to perform better and consumes low power.
Read Next: How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
Hi, I am Chandramani Bhushan. I have worked in the home appliances industry for more than 5+ years where my primary work was to check the performance and quality. I am also the owner of many home appliances in my home and love to share my experience through this blog.
I started this blog in 2020 to help users find solutions related to freezers, refrigerators, and other home appliances. Also, through this blog, I help people find the right option by giving a detailed guide and help them decide on a product.