Did you know that although the temperature in the refrigerator seems unfavorable for the development of bacteria, even colonies of these organisms can live in it without any problems, especially if we do not clean it regularly? However, cleaning should never mean sterilization with standard detergents, because it can endanger our health. What can we do then to keep our refrigerator clean?
Monitor the shelf life of the products
Bacteria and odors in the refrigerator are often spread by long-forgotten vegetables or open cans. Prevent this by periodically checking the expiration date and not keeping a cooked dish or product that is already open for more than 2-4 days (this is the average shelf life of food, which, of course, can vary). Be especially vigilant for mold and mildew on the products in the refrigerator and if you notice them immediately throw away the food and clean. We recommend that you shop often and in smaller quantities.
The packaging
They are the ones that bring bacteria into the fridge, so remove them. Never keep vegetables in plastic bags, but take the cheese out and put it in a box. You can wipe glass jars and bottles with vinegar before placing them in the cold.
Cleaning
Although more modern refrigerators already have filters and ionizing systems that fight bacteria, regular cleaning should not be an activity. To do this, remove the food and place it in a cool place, then unplug the refrigerator and defrost. Remove shelves and drawers, and wash them with warm water and dish soap. Use a solution of baking soda or vinegar and use a microfiber cloth to clean the entire inside of the refrigerator, paying special attention to the doors and seals, then rinse and dry.
The smells
To neutralize them, keep an open packet of baking soda in the refrigerator, which you replace every three months. You can add to its contents a few drops of essential oil of your choice to achieve not only a neutralizing effect, but also a more pleasant aroma. Basic rules for maintaining good hygiene in the refrigerator:
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate. Due to the presence of bacteria on raw foods (such as vegetables), dishes that have already undergone heat treatment should only be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container or covered with a protective foil;
- Maintain a temperature between 0 and 5 degrees, arranging functionally – in the coldest area put dairy products, meat and fish. Do not keep eggs and perishable products on the door, because the temperature there is higher. Store raw meat well packaged and away from other products;
- Do not store dishes that are still hot in the refrigerator, because the heat radiated by them creates conditions for the development of bacteria;
- Clean immediately every drop of food you notice in the refrigerator, especially if it is blood, milk or a broken egg;
- Do not overfill the refrigerator, as this makes it harder for cold air to spread and warming zones to form;
- Do not keep the refrigerator door open for a long time, as this will cause the temperature inside to rise rapidly and bacteria to multiply.
If you follow these few simple tips, clean and thaw every six months, your refrigerator will shine with cleanliness and the food in it will be healthy, at least in terms of the fact that it will not contain harmful bacteria. The rest is the subject of another topic. 🙂