Step-by-Step on How to Clean in Less than 2 Hours
- Before cleaning, read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning needs.
- Wash hands before handling any foods or containers, and anytime you need to after.
- Empty all food and other items in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Set aside refrigerated foods still within their “best by” date (Note: not a food safety date).
- Place fresh and frozen foods in a cooler to keep cold/frozen.
- Throw out moldy and questionable foods in the garbage.
- Remove shelves/drawers from the fridge and freezer, and wash with warm-soapy water.
- Use a clean-unused cloth or paper towel to dry shelves and drawers thoroughly.
- Put clean shelves and drawers in the drying rack or clean counter (Don’t put on floor).
- Use a new warm soapy towel and clean the inside of the fridge and freezer.
- Dry the inside of the fridge and freezer with another clean unused cloth or paper towel.
- Put clean shelves and drawers back into the refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean your refrigerator and freezer in 2 hours, and 1 hour if the kitchen is 90°F or more to prevent bacterial growth that could make you and your household sick.
Let’s Organize!
It’s important to store foods in proper containers. If foods aren't kept in their original packaging, put them in a clean container and cover them with a lid to prevent foods leaking into our out of the container (cross-contamination).
Store raw meat, poultry, and fish on the bottom of the fridge to prevent drippage (cross-contamination). Store any prepared foods (e.g., yogurt) in a section above these raw foods. Put perishables (e.g., leftovers) in the front and at eye level so they aren’t forgotten. Use clear containers to put food in so they can be easily seen.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Refrigerator
Read the manufacturer’s instructions first to prevent damage or corrosion. Think about cleaning high-touch surfaces such as the door handles and the counter surfaces can eliminate bacteria from contaminating other surfaces and food.
Things to Remember
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after preparing meals
- Make sure the fridge temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria such as Listeria spp. from growing.
- Check to make sure that the freezer is set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in order to properly freeze foods and prevent the growth of bacteria
- Don’t keep perishable items on the fridge door
- Check expiration dates
- Safe thawing methods are best done in the fridge
