WSU Thurston County

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Lacey WA  98503

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Thurston County Extension

Food Safety: Cooking Equipment

The Olympian, January 13, 1999

When was the last time you cleaned out your refrigerator?

Carolyn Verweyst of Whirlpool Home Appliances says that "From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, refrigerators are used more often than any other time of the year. And, the more the refrigerator is used, the more it is going to be abused."

January is a great time to deal with those holiday leftovers that have long exceeded their useful shelf life. That is unless, your daughter or son is looking for a new science project for school.

Here are some tips for cleaning your refrigerator that will enhance your family’s health and safety.

QUESTION: What is the best way to clean a refrigerator?

ANSWER: There are a number of recommended steps for a complete cleaning:

Check the food in your refrigerator. Look at dates on the food and eliminate outdated items. "When in Doubt, Throw It Out."

Turn the refrigerator control to OFF and unplug the unit for a major cleaning.

Take out all removable parts, wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Wash refrigerator walls with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda added to 1 quart of warm water. Rinse and dry.

Wash gasket and door liner with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

If your refrigerator has a removable drain plug, remove the plug and force warm water mixed with baking soda through the drain. If you have a meat baster, it should work well. Thoroughly wash the basting tool after cleaning is completed.

Wipe down jars, bottles, and containers before returning them to the refrigerator.

Clean the defrost drip pan underneath the refrigerator. It’s often overlooked. Remove the pan and wash with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry.

Vacuum condenser coils two to six times a year. Whirlpool recommends you clean more frequently in homes with pets.

Remove the base grill and use a long narrow vacuum attachment. This is great for energy conservation and your energy bill. When there’s dust and pet hair trapped on the coils, the refrigerator has to work harder to keep food cool.

QUESTION: There’s always an odor in my refrigerator. What causes it?

ANSWER: There are a number of things that can cause unpleasant odors in your refrigerator. Frequently odors come from foods that are stored uncovered or wrapped inappropriately. This is especially true for strong flavored foods like onions. If you’ve had a spill and didn’t wiped it up right away or simply left food in your refrigerator too long that can also cause lingering odors.

Finally, if you used a cleaning solution that leaves a strong chemical or fragrant odor this might be the cause of your problem.

B. Susie Craig

Area Faculty

WSU Cooperative Extension Thurston County

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.  Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.   Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the county of Thurston.

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