How To Clean And Disinfect The Fridge Using 5 Homemade Solutions

Sanitizing the fridge is something we all must do periodically. Not only to eliminate bad odors that may have accumulated, but because its contact with various foods day by day, makes it dirty and creates a suitable environment for the proliferation of certain microorganisms, even when we do not see them with the naked eye.

Although it is not obvious, food residues accumulate on the walls of the refrigerator and its respective compartments, which can later contaminate other foods and meals that we have recently stored, and even accelerate their decomposition.

In addition to commercial products, we can use various natural ingredients to clean it and leave it impeccable. Let’s see what those ingredients are next.

1. Baking soda, the best for disinfecting the fridge

Baking soda is a substance that helps to deep clean and deodorize at the same time. Therefore, we can disinfect the refrigerator with it.

It will help us to remove the most difficult remains that have been stuck in the most difficult to clean areas and will help neutralize unpleasant odors.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of baking soda (30 g)
• 2 cups of warm water (500 ml)

Utensils

• Deep container
• Sponge or scourer
• Absorbent cloth

Preparation

• First, add the tablespoons of baking soda to a deep bowl and cover with the cups of water.
• Then, stir so that it is diluted in the liquid and proceeds to use it.

Application mode

• First, dip a sponge into the baking soda liquid and rub it on the walls and compartments of your fridge.
• Let it work for 5 minutes and remove it with a clean absorbent cloth.
• Finally, repeat the procedure once a week.

2. Lemon juice

The natural acids that lemon juice contains also help remove accumulated grease and dirt. In addition, it leaves a good aroma in the fridge that is very pleasant. 

Ingredients

• The juice of 3 lemons
• 2 cups of warm water (500 ml)

Utensils

• Spray bottle
• Clean towel or cloth

Preparation

• First, squeeze the juice from the lemons and pour it into a spray bottle along with the warm water.
• Afterward, shake it so that it integrates well and apply it in the refrigerator.

Application mode

• First, remove all the food and tear-off parts from the fridge, and spray it with the lemon cleaner.
• Next, let it act for 5 minutes and rub it with a clean towel or cloth.
• Finally, to guarantee its cleanliness, repeat this method 2 times a week.

3. White vinegar

White vinegar is a product that we can take advantage of to disinfect the fridge and clean various surfaces. It will help to degrease and disinfect everything with ease and will not leave a trace of bad odors. In some cases, it is combined with baking soda and lemon juice to obtain a more powerful whitening mixture.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of white vinegar (125 ml)
• 1 cup of warm water (250 ml)

Utensils

• Spray bottle
• Absorbent cloth

Preparation

• Dilute the white vinegar in a cup of warm water, then pour it into a spray bottle.

Application mode

• First, empty the fridge and spray the vinegar cleaner all over the walls and surfaces you want to clean.
• Let it act for 5 minutes and rub it with an absorbent cloth.
• Use it at least once a week.

4. Olive oil and lemon

The homemade cleaner that is prepared from the mixture of olive oil and lemon is ideal for leaving the surfaces of stainless steel refrigerators flawless. These components help remove dirt and spills without damaging the material or leaving a greasy feel.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of olive oil (64 g)
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice (30 ml)

Utensils

• Plate or container
• Soft cloth

Preparation

• First, combine the olive oil with the lemon juice in a plate or container.

Application mode

• First, rub the product on the surface of the refrigerator with the help of a soft cloth.
• Then let it work for 10 minutes and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth.
• Use it once a week.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil is a natural product with disinfectant properties. Therefore, it can also be useful when disinfecting the refrigerator and other household items. It should be noted that although it does not remove food remains with the same effectiveness as the previous solutions, it is a good option to give a good aroma to cleaning preparations. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of tea tree essential oil (30 g)
• 1 cup of warm water (250 ml)

Utensils

• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth

Preparation

• Dilute the tea tree oil in warm water, then pack it into the spray bottle.

Application mode

• First, shake the product and spray it on the walls of the refrigerator.
• Then, remove the excess with a microfiber cloth.
• Finally, repeat the procedure 2 or 3 times a week.

Ready to put these cleaning tricks to work? If you haven’t sanitized your fridge yet, choose any of these methods and make sure you leave it spotless.