What is the right way to clean a refrigerator? A doctor-epidemiologist named common mistakes

The refrigerator is an integral part of modern life. Proper and regular cleaning of the appliance helps not only to prolong its life, but also to reduce the likelihood of unpleasant health consequences.

Types of refrigerator defrosting

Conventional refrigerators are usually equipped with a cooling mechanism that circulates cold air inside the refrigerated chamber. As a consequence, moisture settles on the back wall of the appliance, which can lead to the formation of frost and ice. Defrosting such a household appliance is required on a regular basis to avoid ice buildup.

The No Frost system, on the other hand, uses a fan to circulate air. This prevents the formation of ice on the walls of the refrigerator. Therefore, it is not necessary to defrost such appliances to get rid of frost, but nevertheless, it is also necessary to wash it.

Another difference between a conventional refrigerator and the No Frost system is the level of moisture in the chamber. In the first variant, the moisture remains inside the chamber, which can lead to the formation of condensation on the products. In the second, it is removed from the chamber, which allows food to be stored longer and prevents unpleasant odors.

How to clean your refrigerator

Everyone knows that before you start cleaning a conventional refrigerator, you need to turn it off and remove all the food from it. You can wash it only after the ice has been completely removed. This should happen naturally, you do not need to “help” the technique with a knife – so you can damage it.

Refrigerators with a No Frost system should also be unplugged before cleaning, as there is always a risk of electric shock.

Remove all drawers and shelves from both appliances and wait for them to warm up to room temperature. Using a hair dryer, fans, hot water pans for quick defrosting is not recommended.

How to clean the refrigerator: means and methods of safe care

Medical epidemiologist of “Medscan” group of companies

“Since the internal surfaces of the refrigerator are constantly in contact with food products, on the shelves put containers with cooked dishes, put bread, sausages, then uncontrolled use of household chemicals for their cleaning is prohibited. It is necessary to select specialized compositions, whose proximity to food is not dangerous to people”.

To clean the refrigerator, you can use home remedies.

Vinegar

Saturated acidic environment fights with most bacteria, well eats away stale stains and gives glass surfaces a special shine.

To prepare the cleaning agent table 6-9 percent vinegar should be mixed with warm water in a ratio of 1:1. A plastic basin or a glass bowl is suitable for this, enameled and metal dishes are better not to use. You can pour the liquid into a bottle with a sprayer – so it is more convenient.

Soda

It perfectly whitens yellowed stains, returning the refrigerator to its original perfect whiteness.

To prepare the solution, two tablespoons of powder should be diluted in 0.5 liters of warm water.

72% laundry soap

The bar is rubbed on a grater, and the resulting shavings are dissolved in warm water and thoroughly foamed with a sponge. This foam (not the solution!) is applied to the problem areas or the entire inner surface and left for 15-25 minutes. Remove with a clean damp cloth, wipe dry. Very dirty elements can be wiped with a slightly diluted soapy lather.

Soapy foam should not get into the compartments from which the cooled air comes.

You can also use modern specialized sprays and liquids to clean the refrigerator, but they must be chosen correctly so as not to harm your health. Here is what you need to pay attention to when buying such means:

1. Composition. It should contain only components that are safe for human health. The means should contain biodegradable surface active substances, hydrogen peroxide, penetrating deep into the contaminants and removing 100% of stains. The composition may also include an antimicrobial additive, odor absorber, Trilon B.
2. Antibacterial action. A variety of products are stored in the refrigerator for a long time, so antimicrobial treatment for him will not be superfluous.
3. Odor. It should be light and quickly evaporate from the treated surfaces.
4. Need for rinsing. Many cleaners do not require flushing, which is especially convenient when time for cleaning is limited.

Common mistakes

It is worth being very careful about the elements of the No Frost cooling system – it is in no way possible to wash them. The only thing you can do is to clean the ventilation system with a cotton bud.

Also when washing the refrigerator it is forbidden to use substances with abrasive particles, hard layer of kitchen sponges for washing dishes – they scratch the surface. If there are dried-on food residues, grease sweat, the problem areas are treated with suitable means, left for 10-30 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination, and then removed.

During operation, it is recommended to wipe the surfaces as they get dirty. Open the door – wipe the shelf with a towel, close it. Large-scale cleaning in a refrigerator with a No Frost system is also carried out as necessary. On average, at least twice a year.

Bacteria that can live in the refrigerator

It is necessary to wash the equipment primarily for hygienic purposes, since during storage, food spoils, rot and mold appear, which can remain on the shelves and drawers of the refrigerating chamber.

The refrigerator is a favorite place for E. coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, listeria, yersinia. Here they feel great, because the average temperature in the refrigerated chamber is only +4 ° C to +12 ° C.

Staphylococcus aureus. Among the products in the refrigerator, it is found quite often. Especially large colonies of these bacteria are found where products were not stored separately and in a poorly packaged form. For example, cooked meat dishes – near raw. When violating the storage of products in the refrigerator staphylococcus can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.

Salmonella. This bacterium prefers protein raw foods – eggs, meat, unpasteurized milk. The pathogen withstands cold and dies only at high temperatures, when products are boiled or well fried. Eggs and milk are usually stored on the door, but these are the warmest places in the refrigerator, and in such conditions the pathogen easily multiplies.

Salmonellosis is a severe intestinal infection accompanied by fever, severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Escherichia coli. This pathogen is found on all shelves in the refrigerator, but the greatest amount is in fresh vegetables. E. coli can cause not only food poisoning, but also affect kidney function – kidney failure caused by this bacterium is very common in humans.

Listeria. Another bacterium that feels great in the refrigerator, as it can easily withstand temperatures down to -18 degrees Celsius. The pathogen is found in processed meat and ready-made meat dishes, soft cheeses and cold-smoked fish. The risk of developing the disease is significantly higher in people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.