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Fridge-freezers are one of the kitchen appliances that rarely see a cleaning brush; especially when people consider it to be a time-consuming chore which requires a lot of effort.

However, giving this appliance a deep clean doesn’t necessarily need to be a painstaking task and can be done within a few minutes. Read on to find out why it is important to clean your fridge freezer and how to do so in five easy steps:

Why should I clean my fridge freezer regularly?

There are many reasons why your fridge freezer needs cleaning regularly, with the most common being that food in there is being forgotten about and left to rot which can lead to funny smells and nasty bacteria.

The freezer is often neglected territory in the kitchen and can house months’ worth of frozen food that is being saved for another day, which often never comes. Over time, this can harvest bacteria which is very unhygienic. But the fridge can be even more hygienic if not cleaned regularly, and items such as raw meat touching the surfaces can even result in the spreading of harmful bacteria such as salmonella.

Bacteria can also multiply as a result of piling too many items within the appliance so if you notice that your fridge-freezer is becoming overcrowded, you may also want to consider giving the appliance a clean. The unit can become ineffective when too many items are packed in, which can result in bacteria growing in uncooked food as it is not being frozen properly. If this occurs you may need the help of a fridge-freezer repair specialist.

Cleaning a fridge freezer

You will need:

To give your fridge freezer an intensive clean, you will need the following equipment:

  • A sponge or damp cloth
  • Vinegar
  • Hot water

These simple steps will help you achieve best cleaning results for your appliance:

  1. Unplug the appliance at the mains in order to eliminate any supply of electricity.
  2. Remove all inserts from the fridge freezer (including trays and food).
  3. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle and apply to all internal areas of the unit, as well as the door seal.
  4. Leave to sit for two minutes and wipe away the solution with a damp cloth.
  5. Thoroughly dry the inside of the appliance and re-insert trays and food, being wary of food that may have defrosted, developed freezer burn, or now be inedible.
  6. Turn the appliance back on at the mains.
  7. Repeat the process once a month for the best results and prevent bacteria from overtaking the fridge freezer.

As you can see, cleaning your fridge freezer doesn’t have to be a complicated and lengthy task. Using a simple at-home solution of household items, you can give your appliance a deep-clean and ensure that all food items in there are suitable for eating!