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What Can I Use to Clean My Refrigerator?

Refrigerators are designed to keep our stored food safe. One important aspect of keeping our food safe is keeping the refrigerator clean. What can you use to clean your refrigerator?

You can use a variety of products to clean your refrigerator. You can use Windex to give the shelves streak-free shine. You can use Clorox wipes to disinfect surfaces and remove mold from the door seal. You can use bicarbonate soda, lemons, or vanilla essence to absorb odors.

Guy getting ready to clean refrigerator

This article will discuss several cleaning products that are either store-bought or homemade and whether or not they can be used to safely and effectively clean your refrigerator

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Windex?

Female with cleaning spray bottle

Windex is a great product for getting clean, streak-free windows. So you might be wondering if you can clean your refrigerator with Windex.

You can use Windex to clean your refrigerator if you use Windex Disinfectant Multi-Surface. Windex Disinfectant will kill germs, unlike the original Windex glass cleaner. Windex glass cleaner is good for making the refrigerator shelves streak-free after disinfecting them.

Windex products have evolved much over the years. Originally marketed as a streak-free window cleaning, Windex now has a line of disinfecting products that not only kill germs, viruses, and bacteria on hard surfaces, but it also gives you a streak-free look while leaving a fresh scent.

Windex, in general, should not be used on stainless steel. The chemicals in Windex could adversely affect the stainless-steel finish so it’s good to only use a cleaner designed to clean stainless steel.

For spot cleaning on the outside of the stainless steel refrigerator, use a damp microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints or other simple smudges.

However, if your refrigerator is the standard aluminum material, Windex can be used to clean the front of the refrigerator, including the handles, or for spot cleaning.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Clorox Wipes?

Hand pulling disinfectant wipes out of container

Clorox has become a household staple over the past few years. Clorox products are designed to kill just about every germ and virus out there. It is only reasonable to ask if you can clean your refrigerator with Clorox wipes.

You can clean your refrigerator with Clorox wipes. Clorox wipes are not ideal for deep cleaning your refrigerator, but the wipes come in handy when you need to wipe out a food drawer or clean up food that has leaked or spilled.

Clorox wipes make it easy to keep the refrigerator clean. With a quick wipe, you can easily prevent the refrigerator from becoming a petri dish of germs or from becoming an hours-long cleaning project on the weekend.

Clorox wipes should not be used on stainless steel but they are good to use on the handles and the display panel if your refrigerator has one. Using Clorox wipes on frequently touches surfaces is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Bicarbonate of Soda?

Baking soda jar spilling out to table

Bicarbonate of soda is a common baking ingredient that can be used for a variety of other purposes. But can you clean your refrigerator with bicarbonate of soda?

You can clean your refrigerator with bicarbonate of soda. Make a paste of bicarbonate soda and hot water. Using a soft damp cloth, wipe the paste on the area you want to clean. For tougher areas, let the paste sit for 10 minutes, or until softened, before removing with a dry, clean cloth.

Bicarbonate soda is a great cleaning option when you are looking for a natural cleaning solution. Many products on the market are designed to kill germs and disinfect surfaces, but they can leave behind a chemical smell or the fragrance can cause some to develop allergies.

To clean your entire refrigerator using bicarbonate soda, mix 2 Tablespoons of bicarbonate soda with 1-quart hot water. For smaller jobs, simply shake some bicarbonate soda onto the spot and add water until a paste consistency is reached.

An added benefit to using bicarbonate soda when cleaning your refrigerator is that it will also remove rust stains. Rust stains are common on shelves or around the door hinges.

After cleaning your refrigerator, leave a little bicarbonate soda in the fridge in a small open-air container. The bicarbonate soda will absorb any lingering smells inside the refrigerator.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Washing Up Liquid Fairy?

Cleaning solution bottles lined up

Fairy washing up liquid removes food and grease from our dishes. Can you clean your refrigerator using Fairy washing up liquid?

You can use Washing Up Fairy Liquid to clean your refrigerator. Squeeze a few drops of the washing liquid into a bucket with hot water. Use a soft cloth for general cleaning or a toothbrush for tougher spots.

Washing Up Fairy Liquid is also good to use when cleaning around the rubber seal of the door. We often take for granted that the seal is there. It easily traps food, dust, and other debris. If the debris is not removed, mold can start to grow inside the seal.

For easier cleaning of the refrigerator shelves, fill your tub or your kitchen sink, if it is deep enough, with warm water and some Fairy dishwashing liquid. Let the shelves and drawers soak in the warm water for a few minutes before rinsing and wiping them clean.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Lemon Juice?

Cup of lemon juice with cut lemons in the background

When you think of lemons, you might be thinking of lemon curd or lemon meringue pie. But can you use lemons to clean your refrigerator?

You can use lemon juice to clean your refrigerator. Lemon juice is naturally acidic, making it a great natural alternative for cleaning. Squeeze lemon juice onto the area you want to clean. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

It is also best to use fresh lemons when cleaning, especially if your reason for using lemons as a cleaning agent is to avoid chemicals.

You can maximize the amount of juice you get from your lemons by first rolling the lemons a few times on the counter. Next, put the lemons in the microwave for 20 seconds.

For more of a deep clean, use the whole lemon. Cut the lemon in half and use the flesh side for general cleaning. The skin, however, contains oils that are great at cleaning greasy messes.

When you are done using the lemons for cleaning, don’t throw them away. If you have a garbage disposal, putting in the disposal will clean the disposal blades and make your kitchen smell lemony-fresh.

If you love the smell of lemons, you will love using them in your refrigerator as odor absorbers. Simply cut a lemon in half and place it inside your refrigerator. Be sure to change the lemons out every 4 to 5 days so your refrigerator doesn’t start to smell like rotten lemons.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Dettol?

Cleaning bottles with tile background

Dettol is an antibacterial spray that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Can you use it to clean your refrigerator?

You can use Dettol to clean your refrigerator. Dettol is an antibacterial agent that can be used on hard surfaces. Whether you are using the spray or wipes, be sure to remove all food from the refrigerator and let it air out before returning the food.

Whether you are interested in using a spray, wipe, or liquid soap, Dettol has you covered. Dettol is a convenient way to keep your refrigerator clean, inside and out.

Unless designed or otherwise stated, Dettol products should not be used on stainless steel doors or handles. The wipe can be used to quickly clean the inside of the refrigerator and to wipe the water and ice dispenser panel.

If you find Dettol products leave a strong scent inside the refrigerator, let the refrigerator air out for a few minutes before returning the food. You can also put bicarbonate soda or fresh-cut lemons inside the refrigerator to absorb any lingering scents.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol bottle

When we think of alcohol in cleaning, we may think of using it as a first-aid treatment for disinfecting wounds. But what about our refrigerators? Can you clean your refrigerator with alcohol?

You can clean your refrigerator with alcohol if it is diluted. Undiluted alcohol could be potentially corrosive to any plastic parts and it will leave a strong scent. Mix 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water in a spray bottle.

Alcohol is a solvent so it is great at dissolving dirt and oil. It is ideal for smaller, emergency jobs, but it can be used to sanitize the entire refrigerator. Just be sure to let the refrigerator air out before returning the food.

Diluted alcohol can also be used to clean the outside of your refrigerator, including stainless steel. Alcohol will gently remove fingerprints and other smudges, not leaving any streaks. Spray the diluted alcohol onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the outside, going with the grain.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Dish Soap?

Dish soap poured onto sponge

Dish soap is a household item we all have. If it’s good enough for our dishes, it should be good enough for the refrigerator, right? Can you clean your refrigerator with dish soap?

You can clean your refrigerator with dish soap. Mix the dish soap with hot water, avoiding too many suds. Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the refrigerator. The shelves and drawers can be placed in a tub or bucket of hot soapy water.

Dish soap is also a good solution to use when cleaning the rubber seal around the refrigerator doors. We don’t often think of the seal but it is crucial to ensuring the refrigerator is air-tight.

Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the seal, inspecting the seal for any cracks or tears. A loose-fitting seal will allow humid air in and let the cool air out. If food is not stored at the correct temperature, there is a very dangerous risk of getting food poisoning.

Dish soap is also a safe way to clean the outside of the refrigerator. Again, you want to avoid using very sudsy water. Too much soap will leave a film on everything.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Colin?

Hand wearing latex cleaning gloves holding spray bottle

Colin is an all-around household cleaner with vinegar as the active ingredient. Can you clean your refrigerator with Colin?

You can clean your refrigerator with colin. Colin’s active ingredient is vinegar, which is known for its strong cleaning properties. Colin products are effective at cutting through dirt and oil, disinfecting surfaces, and boosting shine.

As with any chemical cleaners, even if they contain some natural ingredients, it is best to remove all the food items from the refrigerator before starting. While Colin surface cleaners can be used in the refrigerator, it is still a chemical-based cleaner and should not be used around food.

Be sure the let the refrigerator air out before returning any food. Food will absorb any lingering chemical scent, causing potential harmful health effects.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Zoflora?

Close up of spray bottle trigger

These days we are all looking for cleaners that keep us and our families safe from viruses. Zoflora is a cleaner designed to do just that. Can you use it to clean your refrigerator as well?

You can clean your refrigerator with Zoflora. Zoflora is a concentrated multipurpose disinfectant that must be diluted when used. Mix 1 cap full of Zoflora with 40 parts (or 400 ml) of water. Let the refrigerator air out before returning food.

Zoflora has a variety of scents you can choose from. If the scent is too strong for your refrigerator, or if it lingers too long, dilute the cleaner a little more or use baking soda to absorb the scent.

It’s important that the scent is removed before returning the food, otherwise, you risk the scent being absorbed into your food, affecting your health.

Can You Clean Your Refrigerator With Vanilla Essence?

Bottle of vanilla extract

Vanilla is a sweet scent with calming capabilities. Who is still stressed after walking into a cupcake shop? But can you clean your refrigerator with vanilla essence?

Generally speaking, you cannot clean your refrigerator with vanilla essence. However, you can use vanilla essence as an added scent to your homemade cleaner or freshen the air inside the refrigerator.

Vanilla essence, by itself, is not a cleaner. However, when it is added to your homemade cleaner, it transforms the ‘boring’ into something very calming.

Whether you are using a vinegar-based cleaner or an alcohol-based one (yes, this includes vodka), adding vanilla essence will make your home smell sweet.

How To Clean Your Refrigerator Properly?

Female cleaning inside of refrigerator

We don’t often think about it, but there really is a right and wrong way to clean our refrigerator. Using the wrong kind of cleaner can not only ruin the refrigerator, but it can also be harmful to our food. Chemicals and scents can easily be absorbed into the food which, in turn, can make us very sick.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning your refrigerator properly.

Unplug the Refrigerator

This is especially important if you are doing a deep cleaning. The main reason for this step is to avoid wasting energy while you are cleaning.

Remove All Perishable Food Items

If you are doing simple spot cleaning, you can skip this step. But, again, if you are doing a deep cleaning, you need to keep the food at a safe cool temperature.

Put the food into a cooler while you are working. Besides, removing all the food will make it much easier to clean everything.

Something else to keep in mind – do not deep clean after a recent grocery trip. Time your cleaning before you stock the refrigerator full of food.

Don’t Forget The Seals

An important, yet often overlooked feature of the refrigerator is the rubber seal. The seal can easily become moldy or get dry and crack.

This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on Apr 25, 2022..

A compromised seal will affect how well your refrigerator keeps everything cool and there is a dangerous risk of food poisoning.

The seal can easily be cleaned by wrapping a cloth around a kitchen knife. Use a disinfecting wipe to remove any mold.

Wash The Shelves And Drawers By Hand

It is tempting to put the shelves and drawers into the dishwasher, but these items were not designed to go into the dishwasher and can easily become cracked. Make sure the shelves and drawers are completely dry before returning them to the refrigerator.

Let The Temp Adjust

Let the refrigerator temperature adjust back to normal before returning all of the food. Adding the food too soon will only add stress to the refrigerator, causing it to work harder.

Before returning the food to the refrigerator, take the time to check expiration dates or throw out the leftovers from last week. Part of cleaning your refrigerator also includes the items that go back into it.

This article was first published on Apr 25, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..

To clean your refrigerator properly, do not use chemical-based products near food. First remove all food items, keeping them in a cooler. Allow the refrigerator time to air out before returning the food. Add neutral odor absorbers such as bicarbonate soda or lemon to natural-based cleaners.

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WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on Apr 25, 2022 and last modified on .

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