The Cleaning Product That's Perfect For The Inside Of Your Refrigerator

You're likely not thinking about bacteria every time you open or close your refrigerator door. It probably doesn't need to take up too much real estate in your brain either, but you should know a few bacteria factoids because it'll affect how you clean your fridge. Unfortunately, there are microorganisms that thrive in cold and below-freezing environments. When some of them make it into your fridge, it explains why some food inexplicably goes bad — even when your refrigerator is kept at the correct temperature. The great news is our pick for the perfect solution to clean your refrigerator, while also helping you stay ahead of bacteria and mold issues, is good old hydrogen peroxide.

We recommend you do thorough cleanings a few times a year, but then suggest you take special action when you catch food or liquid growing mold. The CDC recommends using bleach diluted with water to clean and sanitize the fridge, and while technically that will certainly do the job, we're not so sure it's the best solution. Foods absorb odors and you probably don't want to eat vegetables that taste or smell like a hospital clinic. 3% hydrogen peroxide (that's what is available for household use) won't leave behind a pungent odor, yet it still does a swell job.

First, consider filling your sink to the brim with ice and burying your food in it for the duration of the cleaning. If you assemble your supplies so you can work rapidly, you can cut down on the amount of room-temperature air that drifts inside your refrigerator. Since most hydrogen peroxide comes in those familiar brown bottles, you might want to transfer what you need into a clean spray bottle, and have either a sponge or microfiber cloth available. To make the process even more quick and easy, remove all the moving parts, like shelves and veggie crisper drawers. To start the cleaning, spray the entire interior and then let it sit for a good 10 minutes with the door closed. During that time, you can spray the shelves and drawers that you've removed from the fridge. Then wipe the interior with a rag or sponge, and do the same for the other pieces. That's it!

You can make some mistakes when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, so we do have a few precautions. Keep kids and pets away while you're using it. Hydrogen peroxide irritates skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, so in addition to gloves, consider wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, plus glasses or goggles. Never mix hydrogen peroxide with ammonia, vinegar, bleach, or any other chemical since it will create toxic gasses. It's fine to dilute it with water, though not needed for this deep clean.