6. A Food-Safe Way to Clean Your Refrigerator and Microwave
When cleaning appliances that come in contact with your food, you want to be sure you’re using something safe and non-toxic. Vinegar is an excellent choice for cleaning the inside of your refrigerator and microwave. It effectively cleans surfaces and neutralizes odors without leaving behind any harmful chemical residues. This is a perfect example of a frugal hack that prioritizes safety.
Cleaning and Deodorizing the Refrigerator:
A clean refrigerator is essential for food safety. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow the growth of harmful bacteria. A weekly wipe-down and a seasonal deep clean are great habits.
Step 1: Empty and Prepare. Turn off the refrigerator or set it to its warmest setting. Remove all food items. This is a great time to check expiration dates and discard any old or spoiled items. For food safety guidance, you can refer to resources like FoodSafety.gov. Place perishable items in a cooler with an ice pack while you clean.
Step 2: Remove Shelves and Drawers. Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and bins. Let them come to room temperature before washing them with hot, soapy water in the sink. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass or plastic to crack.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. Use a clean sponge or microfiber cloth dipped in the solution to wipe down every interior surface: the walls, the ceiling, the door shelves, and the floor of the fridge. The vinegar will help cut through sticky spills and neutralize odors from things like onions or leftover fish.
Step 4: Dry and Reassemble. Use a clean, dry towel to wipe the interior dry. Wash and dry the shelves and drawers, then return them to the clean refrigerator. You can now return your food items and turn the temperature back to its normal setting.
Steam Cleaning the Microwave:
The microwave is notorious for accumulating baked-on food splatters. A vinegar steam is a no-scrub trick to loosen that grime effortlessly.
Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one cup of water and one-quarter cup of white vinegar. For a fresh scent, you can add a few slices of lemon to the bowl as well.
Step 2: Steam It Up. Place the bowl in the center of the microwave. Heat on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture comes to a rolling boil and the microwave window is steamy.
Step 3: Let it Dwell. This is the most important part. Keep the microwave door closed for another 5 to 10 minutes after the timer goes off. The trapped steam needs time to soften the caked-on food.
Step 4: Wipe It Clean. Carefully remove the hot bowl (use an oven mitt). The food splatters should now be soft and loose. Use a damp sponge or paper towel to wipe the interior clean. The grime should come off with almost no effort. Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of the door and the turntable.
