Economical & Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean your Fridge
A clean fridge isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s also a healthy practice that keeps your food fresh and free from contamination. In an era where the cost of living is a concern for many and sustainability is a growing priority, using store cupboard staples to maintain a spotless refrigerator is a win-win solution. Whether you’re looking to keep things spick and span, a parent juggling many responsibilities, or just someone keen on sustainable living, this post is for you. These inventive, yet straightforward methods, to clean your fridge using items you likely already have, sparing your wallet and the environment from harsh chemicals.
Understanding the Store Cupboard Arsenal
Before we begin cleaning, it’s important to understand what’s in your store cupboard arsenal. Most households stock items like baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap, all of which are formidable allies in battling fridge grime. Each of these common household items serves various cleaning purposes:
Baking Soda: Renowned for its deodorising properties, baking soda is an excellent neutraliser of odours, which can be problematic in fridges.
White Vinegar: This kitchen staple is a versatile germ fighter and cuts through grease, making it ideal for disinfecting and breaking down tough spots.
Dish Soap: A gentle yet powerful cleaner, dish soap can tackle the majority of cleaning tasks and is useful for stubborn spills.
These items, when combined with the right approach, can turn your fridge into a sparkling, germ-free environment.
The Step-by-Step Guide to a Fresh Fridge
To clean your fridge effectively, follow this step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Preparing for the Clean
Before you start, gather your cleaning tools and prepare a sink filled with warm, soapy water. You’ll need a microfibre cloth or sponge, small brush, and a spray bottle – if you don’t have one, old cleaning solution bottles would work just as well after a thorough wash.
Step 2: Remove and Inspect Your Items
Take all your items out of the fridge and arrange them on your kitchen counter. This is a good time to check for expired foods and throw them out, as well as do a quick wipe-down of any sticky or dirty containers.
Step 3: Start with the Interior
For the fridge’s interior, create a gentle cleaning solution by adding a couple of spoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water. Dip your sponge in and start wiping down the shelves and drawers. For any stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and leave it on for a few minutes before scrubbing. Use a toothbrush for grooves and crevices.
Step 4: The Deodorising Phase
After washing, dry the fridge thoroughly. Next, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and place it in the fridge for a few hours to eliminate odours. Alternatively, a small dish of ground coffee or activated charcoal can also absorb odours effectively.
Step 5: Cleaning the Exterior
With the inside freshened, it’s time to tackle the outside. Dip your microfibre cloth in warm, soapy water and wipe down all surfaces. For stainless steel exteriors, use a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap to prevent streaking.
Step 6: Shelving and Baskets
If your fridge has detachable shelving and baskets, remove them and wash them in your sink. Use a mild dish soap or a baking soda solution, scrub, rinse, and then dry completely before replacing them.
Maintaining a Clean Fridge
Once your fridge is spotless, it’s vital to maintain its cleanliness. Establish a routine to clean up spills immediately and wipe down shelves every few weeks. Make a note of perishables’ expiration dates to avoid having to deal with a lot of spoiled food in the future.
Green and Economical Fridge Cleaning Hacks
Lemon Freshness
Lemons are a natural deodoriser with an invigorating scent. Rinse shelves with a solution of lemon juice and water for a fresh, citrus fragrance.
DIY Cleaning Wipes
Take an old (clean) t-shirt or cloth, soak them in your preferred cleaning solution, and store them in a plastic bag. These can be used as reusable cleaning wipes for quick touch-ups.
Spill Prevention
Consider lining your shelves with placemats or liners to prevent spills from directly reaching the surface. This makes for a quick and easy clean-up.
Keeping your fridge clean doesn’t have to break the bank or harm the environment. With a little creativity and some items from your pantry, you can maintain a fresh, hygienic fridge all year round. By using store cupboard staples, you not only cut down on household costs but also reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a small change that adds up to big benefits for both your family’s health and the planet.
Further Reading: Other blogs that you might find useful are Frugal Cleaning Tips, Window Cleaning on a Budget, Economical and Ecofriendly ways to clean your fridge, Green Cleaning with Borax: The Ultimate Guide for Eco-Conscious Homes, The Eco-Essential Elixir: White Vinegar’s Craft in Green Cleaning, The Sparkle of Sustainability: Unveiling the Power of Soda Crystals in Green Cleaning