As the New Year arrives, many of us turn our attention to refreshing our homes, with the kitchen often top of the list. According to food experts at Good Food, the refrigerator is frequently one of the grubbiest appliances we own.
The Simple Solution Hiding in Your Cupboard
You do not need expensive specialist cleaners or to spend hours scrubbing to achieve a sparkling fridge. The secret, according to cleaning content creators, is likely already sitting in your kitchen cupboard. White vinegar is the magical, multi-purpose ingredient that can tackle grease, neutralise stubborn odours, and cut through grime in one go.
Cleaning expert Chantel Mila, known on TikTok as @mama_mila, shared her straightforward method. She advises mixing one cup of water with half a cup of white vinegar and a dash of vanilla extract in a spray bottle. This concoction will "clean tough grime from your fridge and make it smell amazing," she said.
Expert Advice for a Germ-Free Fridge
Isabella Forgione, a small appliances expert at AO, strongly agrees with this approach. Speaking to Good Food, she explained that a vinegar and water solution is ideal for disinfecting your fridge. "Mix vinegar and water into a solution and wipe this onto your fridge's shelves and drawers - this will kill any germs and neutralise any lingering odours," she recommended.
She also emphasised a crucial, often-missed step: "Wipe this solution onto the door seals too, as dirt and crumbs love to get right into the hidden nooks." This area, along with shelf corners and old food containers, provides perfect conditions for microbial life to flourish due to the mix of temperatures inside the appliance.
Beyond the Fridge: Other Uses for the Mixture
This versatile cleaning solution is not just for your refrigerator. Chantel Mila suggests it can be incredibly effective for other household tasks.
For fresh and clear drains, combine equal parts baking soda and white vinegar and pour it directly down the plughole. The fizzy reaction helps to loosen grime and buildup, preventing blockages and neutralising bad smells.
For a powerful bathroom cleaner that tackles mould and soap scum, you can create a stronger mixture. Combine one cup of white vinegar, a quarter cup of washing-up liquid, and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Apply it to surfaces, leave it to work, and then wipe clean for a fresher, shinier bathroom.
Starting your New Year with a deep-clean has never been simpler or more cost-effective, thanks to this one common kitchen staple.
