“eco” Methods For Cleaning And Disinfecting The Refrigerator
Effective cleaning is essential in any home. These ecological methods to clean and disinfect the refrigerator will help us keep it in optimal condition. In this way, the health of the whole family is guaranteed through efficient hygiene.
During a long time of use or due to blackouts, the refrigerator can generate unpleasant odors. It can also happen that, even if the spoiled food is eliminated, the bad smell persists.
To fix the odor problem and ensure a clean appliance, there are easy green tricks to apply. We will describe some of them below. Take note!
Green methods to clean and disinfect the refrigerator
Before starting any procedure for cleaning and disinfecting the refrigerator, it is important to unplug it. You have to leave it long enough for it to thaw and thus release part of that accumulation that you want to eliminate. Then, we will remove all food, packaging and products for better access to the entire surface.
It is important not to use chlorine or disinfectants to clean the refrigerator. These products are difficult to remove after use and can contaminate food, with consequent health risks, as detailed in a publication by Dermatología Peruana (2005).
Whichever method is chosen to clean and disinfect the refrigerator, it is essential to let it dry before putting the food back into storage. These, like any container, must be very well cleaned before returning them to the refrigerator, to avoid contaminating this space again.
The very useful baking soda
When we clean the refrigerator, we must use products that increase the effectiveness of that process. One of the best is baking soda, as it has an antibacterial effect that helps remove food debris and accumulated dirt, according to a study published by the Journal of Food Science .
To use it, a popular recipe calls for mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of lemon in a liter of hot water and rubbing inside and outside the refrigerator.
Then, we let it act for five minutes and, lastly, we wipe with a dry cloth to remove the rest of the moisture from the internal and external surfaces.
Water with salt
If we mix a handful of salt in four liters of warm water, we will obtain a liquid used for years and supposedly effective for cleaning the refrigerator. To give this popular method a try, just wet a sponge and work on the internal and external surfaces of the appliance.
Regarding the effectiveness of this solution, it should be noted that there are studies that support it, such as one published in 2006 by Food Microbiology. However, more evidence is needed to be conclusive regarding these properties of salt.
Vinegar, another antibacterial product
An interesting alternative is vinegar cleaning, which is often recommended for heavily contaminated areas. In this case, it is an element with proven effects by science.
As a study published by the American Society for Microbiology indicates , the acetic acid in vinegar is effective in killing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria . Also, the same source points out that it can be effective against other bacteria as well.
To take advantage of this method, we must mix half a cup of white vinegar in a cup of water and then proceed to clean the inside of the refrigerator. It is advisable to use a spray bottle, let it act for five minutes, aerate and dry.
Olive oil to clean and disinfect the refrigerator
Four tablespoons of olive oil mixed with three tablespoons of lemon juice is another traditional recipe for cleaning the external stainless steel surfaces of the refrigerator.
At least from the individual properties of the ingredients, science backs the efficacy of this method. First of all, a recent study published by Microorganisms ensures that extra virgin olive oil has compounds that attack bacteria and kill them.
On the other hand, an investigation published by the Journal of Food Safety studied the antibacterial properties of certain citrus fruits – including lemon – against microorganisms in food. The results confirmed the effectiveness of lemon in this regard.
Those who have used this product for years say that this preparation removes dirt and spills without leaving a greasy feeling. To apply it, we simply let the preparation act for 10 minutes and then wipe it with a dry cloth.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another natural product with disinfectant properties. According to its traditional uses, it has the property of removing dirt and bad odors. A 2011 scientific study published by the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research confirms the antibacterial properties of this oil.
To use it, we must dilute two tablespoons of tea tree essential oil in a cup of warm water. We will use an atomizer for the internal surface and then we will remove the excess with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon juice against bad smell
In order to eliminate bad odors from the refrigerator, it is traditionally recommended to rub the area with a sponge soaked in lemon juice and leave it to act for five minutes. Previously, we already mentioned the proven effectiveness of this liquid in eradicating bacteria.
Another alternative is to put the juice of three lemons in a spray bottle with two cups of warm water. Apply on the surface, let it act for several minutes and remove with a dry cloth.
Clean and disinfect the refrigerator and bad odors: essences
One way to maintain a good aroma in the fridge is to moisten cottons in some aromatic essence and store them in one of the drawers. The vanilla ones are highly recommended. Likewise, lemons cut in half with embedded cloves, ground coffee or their remains achieve the same results.
Charcoal
As an alternative to removing the bad smell from the refrigerator, you can use a piece of charcoal, whose reputation for this purpose has spread popularly over the years. An onion cut in half could have the same function, as long as it is left alone overnight.
Remember to sanitize the refrigerator regularly!
These eco-friendly ways to clean and sanitize your refrigerator could work for you. They are simple and best of all, they are based on natural products. With them, you could enjoy a clean refrigerator and take care of the health of the whole family starting with food hygiene.
