The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the home, as it allows us to keep all our dairy, proteins, sauces, stews, and fresh fruits and vegetables in the best conditions. However, on many occasions, we do not have the ideal hygiene in the refrigerator. 

It is worth noting that it is not necessary to disinfect and clean the refrigerator thoroughly so often; however, this will depend on the current conditions and how dirty it is. So before panicking, we will explain why it is important to disinfect it, how to do it step by step, and how often, so take note! 

You can also read: How to eliminate bad odors from the refrigerator?

Why should you disinfect the refrigerator? 
We know that cleaning and disinfecting the refrigerator may seem like a tedious and even unnecessary task, but the reality is that it is a very important activity for taking care of your health, saving money, and reducing food waste. So take note because we will explain the reasons why it is essential to disinfect your fridge every so often. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cleaning this appliance is imperative due to the possible presence of two different families of bacteria. The organization explains that we can find pathogenic bacteria, which cause very serious illnesses, while we also find bacteria that cause the putrefaction of food. 

On one hand, the USDA explains that pathogenic bacteria cause various ailments after consuming food that contains them. Additionally, it emphasizes that they can grow rapidly in the “danger zone, where the temperature ranges from 4.4 °C to 60 °C.” It also mentions that this type of bacteria usually does not “affect the taste, smell, or appearance of food, and people cannot determine if pathogens are present.” 

In the case of bacteria that cause putrefaction, these tend to trigger very unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures. Additionally, the USDA points out that this type of bacteria grows at low temperatures, such as in the case of the refrigerator. The most alarming thing is that, as experts mention, bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes proliferate in the cold, so if present in the refrigerator, it could cause serious illnesses such as listeriosis. 

On the other hand, the portal Health IQ indicates that dirty refrigerators become the perfect space for bacteria such as salmonella, e. coli, listeria, and a long list of germs. So keeping it clean reduces your chances of getting sick. 

You can also read: What foods should not be stored in the refrigerator?

How to disinfect your refrigerator 
At Kiwilimon, we always share the most updated and accurate information, so on this occasion, we explain how to disinfect your refrigerator, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so pay close attention! 

According to the American organization, this is what you need to clean your refrigerator: 

• Water with a little bleach 
• Clean rags 
• Warm soapy water 
• Resealable bags  

Instructions 

1. Put the spoiled food in bags, seal them well, and throw them in the trash. 
2. Once you turn off and unplug the refrigerator, take all the food out of the refrigerator. 
3. Remove the drawers and shelves; it should be empty. 
4. Wash the shelves, drawers, and other accessories with the soapy water. 
5. Dilute one tablespoon of bleach in 3.7 liters of water. Set aside. 
6. Clean the inside of the refrigerator with the soapy water, dry it, and disinfect it with the bleach solution. 
7. Disinfect the shelves and drawers with the bleach solution. 
8. Dry the inside of the refrigerator with a dry, clean rag. 
9. Before putting the food back, clean the containers, bottles, and bags with soapy water and dry them very well. 

Once everything is clean and in place, do not forget to wash your hands with soap and water, as well as clean the surfaces where the food was while you disinfected the refrigerator. 

You can also read: How to clean the stove hood easily 

How often should the refrigerator be cleaned? 
Now that you know how to properly disinfect your refrigerator, you should also consider how often you should clean it, as this depends on various factors. 

• Daily: If something spills inside the refrigerator, you should clean and disinfect it immediately, especially when it comes to meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. This will also prevent it from becoming more difficult to clean later. 
• Weekly: This is a good option before going shopping, as it allows you to organize your refrigerator, avoid buying unnecessary items, throw away what is no longer good, and keep your refrigerator clean for a longer time. 
• Monthly: Clean your fridge inside and out, as dust and stains can accumulate on the outside. Additionally, it is a good strategy to disinfect it and prevent bacteria and germs. 

Now that you know how, why, and how often to disinfect and clean your refrigerator, don't hesitate to put all these tips into practice; they will make a difference and help you take care of your health!