Chemical-Free Fridge Cleaning Using Household Products

Sometimes we look in our refrigerators and think, "What a disaster." There may be a covered bowl that the bravest person does not want to open. It's OK to admit that fridge's interiors sometimes look like a science experiment gone wrong. I have had a bowl or two of surprises. When it is time to clean the fridge, do it in an all-natural, chemical-free way.

Commercial cleaners leave VOC's

The commercial may say that the cleaner will leave a sparkling interior. It may also leave some volatile organic compound's that are unhealthy. These VOC's are emitted from certain cleaners and are a heath hazard. The residue of chemicals will linger in your fridge and may contaminate your food.

According to the EPA, these VOC's are found in many commercial products. That is one reason why the label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area. Sticking your head in a fridge to clean it is not my idea of a well-ventilated area.

Household cleansers, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays and disinfectants all contain VOC's. You should never use any spray cleaner in your fridge and then close it. You are just trapping the chemicals in there with your food. That doesn't sound too appetizing, does it?

The reason the commercial cleaners say to use them in a ventilated area is because the compounds that are released can cause health issues such as eye, nose and throat irritation. Some of the organic compounds are even known to cause cancer in animals and are suspect in causing it in humans. It is better to be safe and do away with chemical commercial cleaners when possible.

Steps to thoroughly cleaning your fridge naturally with household products.

If you just bought a used refrigerator, give the interior a thorough cleaning because you have no idea what kind of chemical cleaner has been used inside it. I have purchased used fridges in the past and the first chore was a good all-natural cleaning before the food went in.

You'll need baking soda, salt, lemon juice, sponges and a toothbrush made for dentures. The denture toothbrush has an extra pointed brush on the other side and is great for tiny crevices. I use them for all types of household cleaning jobs. You can find them in the regular toothpaste, toothbrush aisle at any store.

1. Empty all of the contents. Have a cooler and a trash container within reach. As you remove things, check for expiration dates. Place good stuff in the cooler and toss away anything that is outdated or near empty. If you can no longer read the expiration date, use the safe bet and toss it.

2. Fill the closest bathtub half full of hot water, depending on how deep the fridge trays are. Sprinkle in a cup of baking soda and 2 or 3 teaspoons of salt as the water is filling. Take all of the shelves and drawers out of the fridge and immerse them into the hot water. Let them soak while you clean the rest of the fridge with all-natural household products.

3. Fill a small container with as hot of water as you can stand to have your hands in. Use rubber gloves, if you can work with them. I cannot seem to clean anything wearing them. Set the container in the bottom of the fridge. Pour a small pile of baking soda beside it. Pour a small amount of salt next to the baking soda. Wet the sponge.

4. Dip the wet sponge in the baking soda then dab it into the salt and wash small sections of the fridge, rinsing out the sponge frequently. Change the water as often as necessary if it gets nasty. If you have a stubborn stain, use more of the salt as it acts as an abrasive without harming the interior. Utilize the denture brush to get into tight spots. Just dip it into the baking soda and scrub.

5. Don't forget the gasket around the door. This is where the toothbrush comes in really handy. Use the wet toothbrush dipped in baking soda to thoroughly clean the dust and gunk out of the grooves of the gasket around the fridge door. I once dislodged a cookie chunk, compliments of a grandchild.

6. Fill the pail with warm water and add a few caps of lemon juice to the water to rinse the fridge thoroughly. This will remove any trace of the baking soda residue, plus it will make the fridge smell lemony fresh and clean.

7. Clean the drawers and shelves using the denture brush on the stuck-on grime. Rinse and dry them and put the fridge back together. Restock it with the items you saved in the cooler.

For quick cleans without removing everything, just mix a little baking soda in a pail of warm water and use a soft rag to wipe the interior shelves down as you move stuff around. Leave the box of baking soda in the fridge for an odor reducer. Cleaning with all natural household products is not only better for you; it will save you money in the process.

Related articles by this writer:

Guide to Learning to Clean Green

Dangers that Lurk in Reusable Shopping Bags

Home Remedy Tips to Reviving Your lawn

Source:

EPA on Volatile Organic Compounds