Each opening of the refrigerator door creates ideal conditions for the multiplication of bacteria. Experts warn that cleaning once a month is not enough and can endanger the health of the whole family. Find out how often you should clean your refrigerator and what simple tricks will help you keep your food really safe.
The refrigerator is one of the appliances we use every day, but it rarely gets on the list of housework. Most of us clean it only sporadically, not realizing that there are conditions supporting the growth of dangerous bacteria inside. How often should we clean the refrigerator and what to do to make food really safe in it?
Experts are beating the alarm: this is how you often have to clean the refrigerator!
Despite widespread habits, cleaning the refrigerator once a month or less often is not enough to ensure hygiene conditions. Each door opening causes temperature fluctuations and increases humidity, which promotes the multiplication of bacteria. Therefore, experts recommend a systematic approach: once a week fast cleaning – wiping shelves and removing food residues – and once a month more thorough cleaning of all internal parts. Such a rhythm minimizes the risk of growth of pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate stored foods.
Waiting with cleaning is also a common mistake until a visible contamination or unpleasant odor occurs. However, bacteria and fungi begin to develop much earlier, regardless of whether they are visible. Especially dangerous are invisible contamination from decaying food residues. They pose the greatest health risk.
Therefore, first regularly clean the refrigerator before the problem arises, because this is not an exaggerated, but inevitably, especially in households where small children and allergy sufferers live. The frequency and thoroughness of cleaning should also be adapted to the time of the year and the use of the appliance.
In the summer, when the ambient temperature first promotes faster food spoiling, then increase the intensity of the cleaning, as this will prevent the bacteria multiplication. In winter, the condition of seals and filters should be checked more often, as low temperature does not eliminate the risk of growth of bacteria, especially in hard -to -reach places such as condensate drainage. However, consistency is crucial: once a week short cleaning, once a month complex washing of the entire interior with the dismantling of drawers and shelves, and once a quarter control of technical elements. These simple principles significantly prolong the life of the refrigerator and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Secret weapons against bacteria in the refrigerator: You have to know these tricks!
The basic method of preventing bacteria in the refrigerator is regular control of the condition of stored food. Even partially spoiled foods, especially fruits and vegetables, can become a source of growth of microorganisms if they remain in a closed, humid refrigerator environment for too long. Regular removal of food after the date of consumption and checking whether the fluids have not spilled in the sockets significantly reduces the risk of microbiological contamination. Equally important is the thorough wiping of polluted packaging and disinfection of the shelves, especially those who come into direct contact with raw meat and dairy products.
Simple home cleaning agents have also proved their worth in an effective fight against microorganisms. Aqueous vinegar solution in a 1: 1 ratio is a safe, cheap and effective method for cleaning the interior of the refrigerator and hard -to -reach parts such as rubber seals or condensate drain.
It also causes a mixture of warm water and soda bicarbonate, which first removes unpleasant odors and then dissolves the dried deposits without having to use chemical, commercial products.
Maintaining the temperature inside the refrigerator at 0 to 4 ° C is one of the most effective ways to limit the rate of growth of bacteria and mold. Regularly remove dust from the ventilation grille, posterior wall and capacitor – their contamination reduces the cooling efficiency and can lead to an uncontrolled temperature rise. Avoid overfilling the refrigerator as this significantly reduces air circulation and promotes the growth of pathogens. Compliance with these recommendations allows not only to maintain hygiene conditions, but also prolongs the shelf life of stored foods.
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