Do you need to clean the inside of the fridge? You can do this using a product you probably already have at home

Crumbs, liquid spills, grime and greasy dirt: the fridge accumulates a lot of dirt, which sometimes is difficult to remove. And then there are the odors produced by foods - especially if they begin to spoil - and all the stains that are left behind by decomposition. For hygienic reasons, we know that we have to store food properly in a clean environment. So, from time to time, we need to clean our fridges thoroughly (especially the insides).

When dealing with the fridge drawers, shelves, and interior walls, it's a real hassle - having to empty everything out and also having work quickly to avoid keeping the doors open for too long. Given this, it's best to have a remedy on hand that we know will give us the best results in both removing dirt and unpleasant odors. And an excellent ally for this chore is hydrogen peroxide (chemical symbol, H2O2)!

Cleaning the refrigerator with hydrogen peroxide

Electrolux

Every time you go to the supermarket, you should remember to get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide which, much like vinegar and baking soda, is truly a versatile product.

When it comes to cleaning the fridge, you can use hydrogen peroxide: transfer the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle for ease of use. Spray on all the surfaces: shelves and walls, including drawers (unless they are so dirty you have to remove them for cleaning in another manner).

Let the hydrogen peroxide act for about ten minutes, during which - if necessary - you can take care of cleaning any fridge parts you have removed. Always remember, for glass shelves, wait a bit before using very hot water on them: when they come out of the fridge, they are very cold, and a thermal shock can make them shatter.

After the necessary time has passed, take a cloth and wipe down the fridge interior to remove the dirt loosened by the hydrogen peroxide, rinsing the cloth out regularly if it gets very dirty.

Always remember that wearing gloves is strongly recommended, as hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation.

Other uses for hydrogen peroxide at home

Creativo

• To remove sweat stains from clothes: hydrogen peroxide helps in pre-treating stains. Pour a little on the stain and dab to make the fabric absorb it properly. Wait 5-10 minutes and then proceed with a regular wash.
• Make sodium hydroxide (NaOH) by mixing hydrogen peroxide with sodium bicarbonate to clean the grouting between tiles. Sodium hydroxide is what we commonly know as caustic soda, a substance capable of breaking down organic substances, making them easy to remove from various surfaces. However, it is also a product that is dangerous for health if used incorrectly and without protection. So, ventilate the room, protect your hands, eyes and respiratory tracts, and use with caution.
• Sanitize cutting boards and utensils in the kitchen: you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean cutting boards/utensils of all types - silicone, metal, plastic and wood boards/utensils!

It's really worth always having some hydrogen peroxide at home, right?