When it comes to cleaning your refrigerator, not every product is okay. You have to know what item to use and the one to avoid. After all, we have lots of horror stories proving behind doubt that not every product is a good match for your appliance.
Surprisingly, most of the products to avoid work well for other cleaning chores around the house. In other words, if a product works well for cleaning your coffee table, it doesn’t have to deliver the same when it comes to cleaning the refrigerator.
The gist? When next you think about cleaning your fridge, begin by identifying the ideal supplies for the job. It’s the first step to avoiding trouble. So, are Clorox wipes ideal for your unit? Well, today is all about Clorox wipes and where you can use them. Just read to discover the facts about Clorox and cleaning your fridge!
Can You Use Clorox Wipes Inside The Refrigerator?
Clorox wipes have a solid reputation for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Perhaps that’s why you are here. And yes, if you are wondering whether you can use them for your fridge, then the answer to your bothering question is affirmative – Clorox wipes work well for cleaning the inside of your refrigerator.
The most common way of cleaning your fridge is to use warm water and dishwashing solution. This deep-cleaning method will remove germs and dirt, leaving your fridge looking clean and at the same time free from microbes.
However, not every occasion calls for the use of soapy water. For instance, you can’t use it when doing simple cleaning. It would still do, but it’s taking things way too far. And yes, that’s where Clorox wipes turn helpful.
Again, all isn’t sunshine and rainbows for soap and water. As much as it’s an effective way of removing dirt and germs, this method comes with its own set of downsides.
For instance, you could leave small puddles of water on the floor of your fridge, and that may attract issues. Unsightly streaks are also likely, especially when you don’t make the wiping thorough enough.
Now, Clorox wipes are the solution to all these issues. They save you elbow grease when cleaning just as effectively as soap and water – if not better! And with the disinfecting agent, your fridge will be free from germs just as it looks free from stains.
And the best part – Clorox wipes are ideal for use in the short and long term since they don’t contain bleach. One caution, though – be careful when handling them. Clorox wipes can sometimes irritate the skin.
Can You Use Clorox To Clean The Microwave?
Yes, Clorox wipes are reliable for cleaning the microwave. They will remove food stains and any microbes from your appliance, making whatever you prepare or reheat with your microwave ultra-safe for your consumption.
We’ve all found the microwave to be a handy invention. Microwave goes a long way to simplify things in the kitchen. However, much like an oven (or any other kitchen appliance), your microwave needs proper cleaning from time to time.
All those cooking and reheating make your microwave dirty with time. Left uncleaned for long, it could also convert it to a favorite breeding ground for bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms. But Clorox wipes will help you avoid all these.
So, how do you go about it? Well, the process is straightforward;
- Get all the supplies – You need Clorox wipes, a microwave-safe container, a few wedges of lemon, and a cup of water.
- Add water and the wedges into the container
- Nuke for 3 minutes
- Remove and wipe with Clorox wipes the loose food particles.
Should I Turn Off The Refrigerator When Cleaning?
Maybe you can turn your refrigerator off when cleaning. It depends on the type of cleaning. For thorough or deep cleaning, unplugging it off is a great idea. But if no serious scrubbing is needed, you can work with it plugged.
You need to deep-clean your fridge at least once every three months. And yes, it takes time. Sometimes you may even need to air your refrigerator out after cleaning in the case of a musty smell.
And yes, you definitely can’t keep the unit plugged all this time. That would cost you much in terms of energy. As such, to keep your energy bills low, it’s always a good idea to first plug the unit out.
Again, if using water and soap for the job, the cold temperatures of the running unit may make the soapy water freeze to the side of your freezer. Actually, that’s the primary reason manufacturers recommend that you turn your fridge off when cleaning.
If aiming at quick cleaning with Clorox wipes, you can keep the fridge connected all through. Sure, turning it off would mean saving energy. Nonetheless, the difference is too small and won’t make much difference.
Is It Safe To Clean The Refrigerator With Bleach?
Unfortunately, it’s not safe to use bleach for cleaning your refrigerator. While this versatile cleaning product would be ideal for removing food stains, mold, and bacteria, it doesn’t make the perfect go-to product when it’s time to clean your fridge.
You see, bleach is undoubtedly a strong chemical. That’s why we all turn to it for removing tough stains that won’t easily come out with other cleaners. However, it isn’t just tough on stains alone – bleach can be dangerous when it gets to food.
As much as it’s safe to work with this cleaner, bleach can be dangerous after it gets into the body. Obviously, you aren’t going to drink it down your throat. But you can eat it in food. You see, using bleach for your fridge increases its chances of getting into the food. Sometimes it’s even the smell.
But that’s not all yet – the ingredients of bleach can affect the inside of your fridge. While they won’t stop or affect how the appliance operates, they can change how it looks. And who wants to have an ugly fridge, anyway?
What is The Best Thing To Clean The Inside of a Fridge With?
While commercial cleaners are superb for home cleaning chores, not all are ideal for cleaning your refrigerator. The majority have a strong scent that can diffuse into the food. As such, you better be picky when choosing the product to use for cleaning your fridge. Here are a few other safe products besides Clorox wipes.
1. Water and Dish Soap
When cleaning your fridge interior, begin by removing all foods. Then, also take out all removable shelves and drawers for cleaning. For these components, hot water and mild dish soap should do.
But before using hot water on them, ensure that you allow any glass shelves to warm up to about room temperature. Tossing glass shelves that just came from the fridge into warm water can make them crack.
After they are ready for washing, cover any stains with warm water and leave for some time for them to soften. You can then remove them using a non-abrasive scrubber.
2. Water and Baking Soda
After cleaning the shelves, it’s time to wash the remaining fridge interior. Baking soda and water here come in handy. Only ensure that you get the mixing ratio right. The general rule of thumb is seven parts of water for every one part of baking soda.
After making the solution, you can put it into a squirt bottle. That will give you better convenience for use. If you don’t have one, use dish towels. They are still effective for the job. For the spots where these towels won’t apply, for instance, small crevices, go for an old toothbrush.
3. Water and White Vinegar
I know there are many other areas where you’ve previously used white vinegar. But have you ever known that it works well for cleaning the inside of your refrigerator? Well, in case you haven’t known, white vinegar is one of the best cleaners for your fridge interior.
As usual, you need to mix it with water. Use equal parts of white vinegar and water. From there, follow every other step of using baking soda solution.
But again, white vinegar can leave some smell behind. Luckily, you can still get rid of it by airing your fridge out. If you lack the patience to wait, use baking soda to absorb the smell. It’s simple; enclose a bowl of this product in your fridge. It will do the job with a fraction of the time.
How To Use Clorox Wipes?
Clorox wipes are a favorite cleaning product for most households. However, not many people know how to use them correctly. And as we all know, the only way to make the most out of anything is to use it the right way.
So, how do you use these wipes? It’s simple; follow what the label says. The good thing is that Clorox wipes come with use instructions. So yes, before you get started with your new pack of these wipes, first read through the instructions with a keen eye on details.
You’ll get to know much when you read through those instructions. For instance, have you ever known that you should use enough wipes to keep the surface visibly wet for four minutes?
Well, not many people know that. Even if they do, most don’t practice it. Instead, most people keep wiping until the place looks clean and dry. That will reduce the number of wipes you need to use. However, what that does is spread germs all over the surface.
Things You Shouldn’t Clean With Clorox Wipes
As much as they don’t contain bleach, you shouldn’t use Clorox wipes anywhere. These household cleaners have other ingredients that don’t work well for some applications. As such, it’s best to know where they are applicable and where they aren’t.
Here are things you shouldn’t clean with Clorox wipes;
- Skin
- Unpainted wood
- Unfinished surfaces
- Sealed and oiled surfaces
- Worn-out surfaces
- Carpet
Final Verdict
Clorox wipes are okay for cleaning the inside of your fridge and for several other applications around the house. But no matter where you are using them, always ensure that you follow the use instructions.
That’s the only way you can make the most out of them. Also, be sure to avoid using it on unrecommended surfaces as the citric acid and other ingredients could harm them.