How to clean the microwave and fridge without harsh products (and what temperature it should be)

A microwave with sauce stains stuck to the ceiling and a fridge with that smell you cannot quite trace are two classics of every kitchen. Cleaning them does not have to be torture, and it does not require strong chemicals. Water, dish soap, lemon, vinegar and baking soda handle most situations. Here is a practical guide, with a couple of food safety facts worth knowing.

The microwave: let steam do the work

The simplest method uses steam to soften the grime:

1. Put a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl with the juice of half a lemon and the peels, or with one or two tablespoons of white vinegar.
2. Heat on full power for about three to five minutes, until the water boils and the inside fills with steam.
3. Do not open the door right away: let it stand for two or three minutes so the steam can work on the stains.
4. Carefully remove the bowl, which will be very hot, and wipe the walls, ceiling and door with a damp cloth or sponge. Grease will come off much more easily.
5. Take out the turntable and wash it in the sink with warm, soapy water.

Two important precautions: never run a microwave empty, because it can damage the appliance, and watch out for superheated water. To prevent it, it is recommended to place a microwave-safe object in the bowl, such as a wooden stick, which helps bubbles form.

To keep it from getting so dirty again, cover dishes with a microwave splatter cover or a paper towel, and wipe up spills while they are still fresh.

The fridge: a deep clean in six steps

1. Empty it in sections. Take out the food and use the opportunity to check dates and throw away anything that has gone bad. Keep perishables in a cooler while you clean.
2. Remove shelves and drawers and wash them in warm water with dish soap. If they are very cold, let them warm up first so the glass does not crack from the sudden temperature change.
3. Clean the inside with a solution of warm water and baking soda, roughly one tablespoon per liter (about a quart). It cleans without damaging surfaces and helps remove odors.
4. Do not forget the door seals. Food residue and mold collect in the folds. An old toothbrush is perfect for reaching the corners.
5. Dry everything well before putting the shelves back and returning the food.
6. Organize logically: items to be eaten first go at the front; raw meat and fish go on the bottom shelf in closed containers so they cannot drip onto other food.

Goodbye to bad smells

An open box or container of baking soda in the fridge helps absorb odors; it is a good idea to replace it every few months. Activated charcoal or a dish of dry coffee grounds can also help. But none of these tricks replaces cleaning: if a smell persists, there is almost always some spoiled food or a spilled liquid hiding in a corner.

If a long power outage has spoiled food, the clean-up needs to go further. Agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture recommend that, after removing everything and washing with soap and water, you sanitize with a very dilute bleach solution (one tablespoon of liquid bleach per gallon, about four liters, of water), then rinse and dry. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products, because toxic gases can be released.

The two key numbers

Temperature matters as much as cleanliness. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping the refrigerator at 40 °F (4 °C) or below and the freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C). Above 40 °F, many bacteria multiply faster. An inexpensive fridge thermometer lets you check, because the number on the dial does not always match the real temperature.

For the cold to work properly, do not pack the fridge to the brim: air needs to circulate. And do not put large amounts of very hot food straight in; it is better to divide it into small containers so it cools faster.

A bonus that saves energy

The condenser coils, usually behind or under the fridge, collect dust and pet hair. When they are very dirty, the appliance has to work harder to stay cold. Unplug the fridge and clean them with a brush or vacuum once or twice a year. Also check that the door seal closes properly: if a sheet of paper slides out easily with the door shut, cold air may be leaking.

How often

Wipe up microwave spills right away, and do the steam clean once a week if you use it daily. In the fridge, check what is about to expire every week and do a deep clean every three or four months, or sooner after a spill. Your food will last longer and your kitchen will smell better.

Tomwsulcer / Wikimedia Commons (CC0) · source