How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Refrigerator for the Tet Holiday

Begin by removing all food from the refrigerator and placing it on a clean surface. Ensure that the refrigerator is completely empty at this time!

Sort the food. Discard any moldy items, such as a jar of pickles that have been unused for a long time. Save usable food by packaging or vacuum sealing.

Remove all drawers, shelves, and compartments from the refrigerator. Cleaning them separately allows for a more thorough cleaning.

Wash the drawers and shelves by hand, avoiding the use of a dishwasher. Use soap and a sponge to create a gentle foam. Avoid using hot water to prevent surface cracking.

Clean the inside of the refrigerator with a sponge. If you prefer natural solutions, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with hot water or combine 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts hot water. For stubborn stains, try using a small amount of toothpaste.

Don’t forget to clean the door area of the refrigerator where eggs and leftover food are often stored. Clean it thoroughly and remove any buildup.

After cleaning, allow the drawers and shelves to drain and then wipe them dry with a clean cloth before returning them to the refrigerator.

Once the refrigerator is completely dry, organize the food. Clean all bottles and containers and check the expiration dates of canned foods.

Wrap fresh fruits and vegetables in food wrap and place them in a low-humidity compartment.

Group dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and whipping cream together on a shelf near the door.

Use the next shelf behind the door for condiments such as chili sauce, ketchup, fish sauce, spices, and pickled jars.

Store milk, soft drinks, fruit juice, and other beverages in the last compartment of the door.

Organize foods and vegetables that will be cooked and used within the day by placing them in separate boxes and neatly arranging them on the shelves in the cool compartment.

Place meat, seafood, and other items that will not be immediately processed in the freezer compartment to keep them fresh for a longer time.

Store leftover food in sealed containers, placing them in a separate area and labeling them for easy retrieval.

Keep the refrigerator smelling fresh by cleaning it with baking soda or vinegar every month. For strong-smelling foods, seafood, and raw food, ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent odor absorption. Clean up spills promptly and identify the source to eliminate them. Regularly maintaining the refrigerator in this manner will save you time and effort in the future.

Avoid a strong, stale smell in the refrigerator by using simple solutions. Some suggestions include using activated charcoal, baking soda, tea bags, or freshly ground coffee beans to absorb odors.

In addition to eliminating odors, create a pleasant fragrance for your refrigerator. Choose natural fragrances with delicate scents such as vanilla, tea tree oil, mint essential oil, dried lavender sachets, or citrus peels (orange or lemon). Remember to replace these fragrances every few weeks.

Crumpled paper, such as the type used for wrapping flowers or gifts, can be useful in the refrigerator. Wrap a small ball of paper and place it near fruits and vegetables to help protect against odors.