How to Sanitize a Refrigerator

Refrigerators can become unsafe to use when moldy food is stored inside them.

It happens. The refrigerator gets full and foods are forgotten or aren't used before they spoil. When this happen, your appliance becomes smelly and even unsafe to use, as spoiled foods can cause mold, mildew and harmful bacteria. To prevent illness and make your refrigerator a healthy place to store food in, it must be cleaned out and sanitized. Inexpensive, readily available and easy to use, chlorine bleach is a household sanitizer that can have your fridge spic and span in little time.

Things You'll Need

• Cooler
• Dishwashing detergent
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Clean bucket
• Dish cloth
• Paper towels
• Tablespoon measuring spoon
• 1/2 cup measuring cup
• Plain household bleach
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Unplug the refrigerator, if applicable, and remove all of the food stuffs. Discard any spoiled or moldy food. To be on the safe side, discard any questionable food as well. Place edible food in a cooler.

2. Add 3 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent to a sink full of hot tap water. Swish the detergent around to mix it in.

3. Remove the refrigerator shelves, produce drawers and ice cube trays.

4. Wash the refrigerator shelves, produce drawers and ice cube trays thoroughly with a dish cloth dipped in the hot water and dishwashing detergent mixture.

5. Put on the rubber gloves and safety goggles.

6. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of hot tap water. Measure out 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach and pour it into the water to make a sanitizing solution. Swish a gloved hand around inside the bucket to mix the bleach into the water.

7. Rinse the parts you removed in this sanitizing bleach solution. Set them aside.

8. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda into a gallon of hot water. Wash the inside of the refrigerator with a clean dish cloth and the soda solution. Make sure to reach into all the nooks and crannies.

9. Rinse the inside of the refrigerator with the sanitizing bleach solution. Be sure to rinse off the door and the door gasket.

10. Dry off the items you removed, as well as the interior of the fridge, with paper towels. Allow the refrigerator to air out for at least 15 minutes.

11. Replace the removed parts. Plug the refrigerator back in. Place the edible food back inside and close the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when handling, storing and working with chlorine bleach. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not splash bleach when pouring it. Do not get it on your skin, clothing or in your eyes.

References

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Safe Food Handling