Keeping your kitchen clean starts with the main food storage area. Over time, bacteria and food residue can build up inside the chambers, creating an unpleasant backdrop. You don’t have to use aggressive chemicals to restore the appliances to their original freshness – simple and proven methods will suffice.
Preparation and important nuances
Before starting work, it is necessary to fully defrost the unit and empty it of food. This will thoroughly flush each corner and prevent the cooling system from breaking down due to temperature differences.
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Remove all removable parts: shelves, drawers and side holders.
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Check the expiration dates of all sauces and packs.
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Leave the door open during cleaning to allow natural ventilation.
Effective fragrance remedies
To remove persistent odor, components that are in every kitchen are ideal. They effectively break down grease and neutralize the products of microorganisms.
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Baking soda. Dissolve two tablespoons of powder in a liter of warm water. This solution not only cleans surfaces, but also absorbs excess odor molecules.
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Table vinegar. Mix it with water in a one-to-one ratio. Acetic acid does a great job of fighting mold and disinfecting plastic.
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Lemon juice. A few drops on a damp sponge will help remove a slight mustiness and leave behind a subtle citrus scent.
Cleaning hidden areas
Often the source of the problem is drainage hole on the back wall or sealing gum. Crumbs and spills often accumulate in the creases of the rubber gasket and provide a medium for fungus growth. Use an old toothbrush to clean these hard-to-reach areas.
The drain can be gently cleaned with a cotton bud or a special soft wire, as it is stagnant water in this system that most often causes heavy odor.
After wet cleaning is complete, it is essential to wipe down all surfaces dry with a microfiber towel. A humid environment promotes the rapid return of bacteria, so drying is a critical step.
For future prevention, you can place activated charcoal or a saucer of ground coffee on the shelf. These natural absorbents will maintain a neutral atmosphere inside the chambers for a long time. Regularly inspecting the contents of the shelves once a week will eliminate the need for general cleaning too often.
A clean, odor-free refrigerator ensures proper food storage and a pleasant atmosphere throughout the kitchen.
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