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Tag: Refrigerator

Start the Year with a Clean Fridge!

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, but will they happen? Here’s one you can do! Clean your fridge! And it’s a great way to inventory the contents.

  1. Remove the food and keep it in an ice chest or another refrigerator.
  2. Unplug the fridge. Clean underneath and behind the appliance to remove dust.
  3. Remove drawers and shelves. Let glass shelves adjust to room temperature so they don’t crack. Wash with hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush to get into tight spaces.
  4. Wipe down the interior walls of the fridge and door shelves.
  5. Dry all surfaces with a clean towel or paper towels.
  6. Sanitize with a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid bleach in 1 gallon of water.
  7. Plug the fridge back in and put shelves and drawers in their spots.
  8. Restock the fridge and clean any containers and bottles. Toss anything past its prime and make a shopping list.

Between cleanings, wipe up spills as they happen to keep the fridge as clean as possible.

Sources: www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/clean-refrigerator-steps.html and www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clean-home/room-room/cleaning-refrigerator

 

Clean the Fridge for the Holidays

While November 15 is designated as “National Clean Your Fridge Day” day, this cleaning should happen often throughout the year.

Wipe up spills immediately, clean surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water; then rinse. Once a week, make it a habit to throw out perishable foods that should no longer be eaten. Storage time for cooked leftovers is 4 days; raw poultry and ground meats, 1 to 2 days.  Avoid using solvent cleaning agents, abrasives, and all cleansers that may impart taste to food or ice cubes, or cause damage to the interior finish of your refrigerator. For more information, go to  “Refrigeration and Food Safety.”