The short answer is yes, you can use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of your fridge, as long as you follow some precautions and guidelines. Clorox wipes are convenient and effective tools for disinfecting surfaces and killing germs, but they also contain chemicals that may not be suitable for all types of materials and foods. In this article, we will explain how to use Clorox wipes safely and properly in your fridge, and what alternatives you can use if you prefer a more natural or gentle approach.
Clorox wipes are pre-moistened wipes that contain a disinfecting solution made of water, alcohol, and various active ingredients, such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), citric acid, and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. These ingredients work together to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic.
Clorox wipes are designed to be used on surfaces that are frequently touched or contaminated, such as countertops, sinks, faucets, doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and toys. They are also suitable for cleaning and disinfecting appliances, such as microwaves, ovens, stoves, and refrigerators.
However, Clorox wipes are not intended to be used on surfaces that come into direct contact with food, such as cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and cookware. They are also not recommended for surfaces that are porous, painted, varnished, or sealed, such as wood, leather, fabric, and marble. These surfaces may be damaged or discolored by the chemicals in the wipes.
How to Use Clorox Wipes in Fridge Safely and Properly?
If you decide to use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of your fridge, you should follow these steps to ensure safety and effectiveness:
Empty the fridge. Remove all the food items from the fridge and check the expiration dates. Discard any spoiled or expired food and store the rest in a cooler or another fridge. This will prevent cross-contamination and make the cleaning process easier.
Wear gloves. Clorox wipes contain chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Wear rubber or disposable gloves to protect your hands and avoid touching your face while using the wipes. You should also work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes from the wipes.
Wipe the surfaces. Use one or more Clorox wipes to wipe down the interior walls, shelves, bins, and door of the fridge. Make sure to cover the entire surface and apply enough pressure to remove any dirt, grime, or stains. You may need to use more than one wipe for larger or dirtier areas. Do not reuse the same wipe for different surfaces, as this may spread germs and reduce the effectiveness of the wipes.
Let the surfaces dry. After wiping the surfaces, let them air dry for at least two minutes. This is the minimum contact time required for the disinfecting solution to kill the germs on the surfaces. Do not rinse or wipe off the solution, as this may reduce its effectiveness and leave residues that may affect the taste or quality of your food.
Replace the food items. Once the surfaces are dry, you can return the food items to the fridge. Make sure to organize them properly and avoid overcrowding or overloading the fridge. You should also check the temperature and humidity settings of the fridge and adjust them if needed. A well-maintained fridge will keep your food fresh and safe for longer.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Clorox Wipes in Fridge?
Using Clorox wipes to clean the inside of your fridge has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making your decision. Here are some of them:
Benefits
Convenience. Clorox wipes are easy and quick to use. You do not need to prepare any cleaning solution or use any other tools or materials. You just need to pull out a wipe from the container and start wiping the surfaces. This saves you time and effort, especially if you are in a hurry or have a busy schedule.
Effectiveness. Clorox wipes are proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces. This means that they can eliminate most of the germs that may cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. They can also remove any odors or stains that may affect the appearance or smell of your fridge.
Versatility. Clorox wipes can be used on most of the surfaces inside your fridge, such as plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic. They can also be used on other appliances and surfaces in your kitchen, such as microwaves, ovens, stoves, countertops, sinks, and faucets. This makes them a handy and multipurpose cleaning tool for your home.
Drawbacks
Chemicals. Clorox wipes contain chemicals that may not be safe for your health or the environment. Some of these chemicals, such as bleach and citric acid, can cause skin irritation, eye damage, or respiratory problems if they come into contact with your body or are inhaled. They can also harm aquatic life if they are disposed of improperly or enter the water system. Moreover, some of these chemicals, such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, may not be effective against some types of germs, such as norovirus, which is a common cause of stomach flu.
Damage. Clorox wipes may not be suitable for some types of surfaces inside your fridge, such as wood, leather, fabric, and marble. These surfaces may be porous, painted, varnished, or sealed, and may be damaged or discolored by the chemicals in the wipes. You should also avoid using Clorox wipes on surfaces that come into direct contact with food, such as cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and cookware. These surfaces may retain some of the chemical residues from the wipes, which may affect the taste or quality of your food.
Cost. Clorox wipes are more expensive than other cleaning methods, such as using soap and water or vinegar and baking soda. A container of Clorox wipes can cost around $5 and contain 75 wipes. Depending on how often and how much you use them, you may need to buy several containers per month or year. This can add up to a significant amount of money in the long run.
What are the Alternatives to Using Clorox Wipes in Fridge?
If you are not comfortable or satisfied with using Clorox wipes to clean the inside of your fridge, you can try some of these alternatives:
Soap and water. This is the simplest and cheapest way to clean your fridge. You just need to mix some dish soap and warm water in a bucket or spray bottle and use a sponge or cloth to wipe the surfaces. Soap and water can remove most of the dirt and grime from your fridge, but they may not be very effective at killing germs or removing odors. You should also rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them with a towel after cleaning.
Vinegar and baking soda. This is a natural and eco-friendly way to clean your fridge. You just need to mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and sprinkle some baking soda on the surfaces. Vinegar and baking soda can create a fizzing reaction that can loosen and lift the dirt and grime from your fridge. They can also kill some of the germs and neutralize some of the odors in your fridge. You should wipe the surfaces with a sponge or cloth and rinse them with clean water and dry them with a towel after cleaning.
Lemon and salt. This is another natural and eco-friendly way to clean your fridge. You just need to cut a lemon in half and dip it in some salt. Lemon and salt can act as a mild abrasive and a natural disinfectant that can scrub and sanitize the surfaces of your fridge. They can also leave a fresh and pleasant scent in your fridge. You should wipe the surfaces with a sponge or cloth and rinse them with clean water and dry them with a towel after cleaning.
Clorox wipes are convenient and effective tools for cleaning and disinfecting the inside of your fridge, as long as you follow some precautions and guidelines. However, they also have some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of. If you prefer a more natural or gentle approach, you can use some of the alternatives we suggested, such as soap and water, vinegar and baking soda, or lemon and salt. Whatever method you choose, make sure to clean your fridge regularly and properly to keep it fresh and safe for your food and your health.
