Appliances are an essential part of any home or work environment. One of the most important, both in professional and domestic kitchens, are the refrigerators . These are particularly sensitive, and without proper maintenance and cleaning they can lead to problems with food hygiene and preservation.
The cleaning the refrigerator It must be a primary task and must be planned both in the short and medium term, to ensure its optimal functioning and extend its useful life.
In this article we are going to give you some tips on how to clean the refrigerator inside and out. Keep reading, we will show you the keys to developing a professional cleaning process for your refrigerator.
Steps to clean the inside of the refrigerator
Without regular maintenance, stains and food residue can build up on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the refrigerator (shelves, drawers, etc.), while perishable foods left in the back can give off unpleasant odours every time you open the door.
Before I start listing the steps to clean a refrigerator inside , we must keep in mind that it is It is important to use professional cleaning products , designed to provide maximum safety and efficient cleaning and disinfection.
Step 1.- Unplug the refrigerator
It may seem obvious, but many times we forget to unplug the refrigerator before starting to clean it. Remember that it is very dangerous to manipulate or move a refrigerator that is plugged into the mains.
Step 2.- Remove food and accessories from the refrigerator
Empty all contents of the refrigerator, including shelves, drawers and any other accessories that you can remove . You must select all the spoiled foods, and only reintroduce (in later steps) those that will be used.
Step 3.- Wait for defrosting
Ice patches often appear on the back walls. It is necessary to wait until the ice has disappeared in order to carry out a proper cleaning.
Step 4.- Wash the accessories
Wash shelves and drawers with warm water and a degreasing product . If there are stubborn stains, use a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub the area.
Step 5.- Cleaning the rubber
The rubber parts are the part that gets dirtiest and probably one of the most difficult to clean. Start with the rubber parts, cleaning them with hot water and a professional product. This way the dirt will decrease naturally and without much effort.
Step 6.- Clean the interior and walls
Use professional cleaning products to remove surface dirt and then apply a professional disinfectant to eliminate any remaining germs. Do a final wipe with water to remove any remaining cleaning product, and dry thoroughly.
Step 7.- Add the removable pieces
Put the removable parts and trays in. Then it is recommended to leave the refrigerator door open so that it dries well and completely.
Step 8.- Reintroduce the food
Put back any good food that is going to be used, and throw away any that is spoiled.
How to clean a new refrigerator
There is no doubt that there is a big difference between a used refrigerator and a new one. Despite this, many people believe that a new refrigerator does not need to be cleaned. This is a mistake!
It is important cleaning a new refrigerator before using it for several reasons:
- Remove dust and dirt residue : Even though a new refrigerator looks clean, it may have dust, dirt or manufacturing residue inside. Initial cleaning will ensure that the refrigerator is really clean before you use it to store your food.
- Preventing Bad Odors : While a new refrigerator doesn't usually smell bad, it may have a smell of plastic or other chemicals used during manufacturing. The initial cleaning will help you eliminate any unpleasant odors and prevent them from transferring to your food.
- Eliminate possible bacteria : Although the new refrigerator has undergone quality controls and sanitization during manufacturing, it is possible that it has been contaminated during transport or storage. Initial cleaning will allow you to eliminate any bacteria or microorganisms that may be inside the refrigerator.
In summary, cleaning a new refrigerator Before using it, it is important to make sure it is really clean, prevent bad odors and eliminate any possible bacteria or microorganisms.
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External cleaning of the refrigerator
Although internal cleaning of the refrigerator is possibly the most important, we must not forget to take care of the hygiene of its exterior surfaces. Some of the Reasons why you should also clean the outside of the refrigerator are:
- Maintaining a good appearance : One of the most obvious reasons to clean the outside of a refrigerator is to maintain a good appearance. Dirt, stains, and dust can make the refrigerator look old and unkempt, which is not pleasing to the eye. This is especially important in restaurants, where a poor image can directly impact business.
- Prevent dirt build-up : Dirt, dust and grease that build up on the outside of your refrigerator can affect its performance and durability. If they build up too much, they can clog the vents and cause the refrigerator to work harder to maintain the proper temperature, which will increase energy consumption and reduce its lifespan.
- Prevent the spread of bacteria : The outside of your refrigerator can be a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms if it is not cleaned regularly. If spilled food or liquids accumulate there, bacteria can grow and spread to other surfaces, including the food you are storing.
- Prevent Corrosion : Dirt and grease build up on the outside of your refrigerator can damage the finish and cause surface corrosion. Corrosion can make your refrigerator look unsightly and can also affect its performance.
In short, it is It is important to clean the outside of the refrigerator To maintain a good appearance, prevent the accumulation of dirt, avoid the spread of bacteria and prevent corrosion. It is recommended Clean the outside of the refrigerator regularly , at least once a month or more frequently if dirt accumulates more quickly.
Cleaning a No Frost Refrigerator
The refrigerators No Frost They are designed to eliminate frost formation in the freezer, thereby preventing ice from forming at the back of the appliance.
Cleaning it is very similar to cleaning any other type of refrigerator. The only advantage is that we will not have the inconvenience of waiting for the frost to defrost, which is usually produced, thus speeding up the cleaning process.
Cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator
The stainless steel refrigerators They have the ability to offer greater resistance to corrosion, making them last much longer.
For To clean stainless steel refrigerators , which are widely used in professional restaurant kitchens, it is necessary, or at least advisable, to use professional products that guarantee an excellent result.
You have more information about the cleaning stainless steel appliances in:
Products to clean the refrigerator
At this point, you will have seen that we have emphasized the use of professional products for cleaning refrigerators .
Some of the most interesting products are:
Virtuoso Degreaser : Perfumed liquid bactericidal/yeast-killing biocide. Formulated with surfactants and degreasing agents. Cleaning and disinfection of all types of surfaces in a single operation . All types of surfaces and utensils in the food industry, hospitality, sports facilities, communities, large stores, and even for domestic use.
Superpin Professional Degreaser : Cleaner specifically formulated for general cleaning. Thanks to its content of surfactants and bio-alcohols, it has great degreasing power and easy drying. It can be used for cleaning, both in industry and for the kitchen cleaning and bathrooms.
This is one of the great secrets to achieving the best and most effective cleaning both inside and outside your refrigerator. professional cleaning products They are designed not to damage surfaces and offer the best disinfection and cleaning.
For both home and work use, Using professional products for the maintenance and cleaning of kitchen appliances is key to extending their useful life and keeping them in perfect condition.