Keeping your fridge clean and bacteria-free is crucial for good health. Unfortunately, many people don’t give their fridge the attention it deserves, and as a result, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Here are 30 tips to help keep your fridge clean and hygienic:.

1. Keep Your Fridge Temperature Below 40°F (4°C)

The ideal temperature for a fridge is below 40°F (4°C). Anything above this temperature can encourage the growth of bacteria. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of your fridge regularly, and adjust the thermostat as needed.

2. Don’t Overcrowd Your Fridge

Overcrowding your fridge can prevent the air from circulating properly, which can cause hot spots and cold spots. This can affect the quality of your food and encourage the growth of bacteria.

Keep your fridge well-organized and don’t fill it too full.

3. Store Food in Air-Tight Containers

Storing your food in air-tight containers can help prevent the spread of bacteria. It also helps to keep food fresh for longer and prevents it from absorbing unwanted odors. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

4. Keep Raw Meat Separate from Other Foods

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, so it’s essential to keep it separate from other foods in your fridge. Store it on the lowest shelf, where it can’t drip onto other foods.

Use a separate cutting board for raw meat and wash it thoroughly after each use.

5. Keep Your Fridge Clean

Regular cleaning of your fridge is essential to keep bacteria at bay. Wipe down the shelves and walls of your fridge with a solution of hot soapy water every few weeks. Be sure to clean up any spills or leaks immediately.

6. Don’t Leave Leftovers in the Fridge too Long

Leftovers are a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s essential to eat them or dispose of them before they go bad. An easy rule of thumb is to eat leftovers within three days of storing them in the fridge.

7. Store Dairy Products on the Top Shelves

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt should be stored on the top shelves of your fridge, where the temperature is most consistent. This helps keep these highly perishable items fresh for longer.

8. Keep Your Fridge Dry

Bacteria love moisture, so it’s essential to keep your fridge as dry as possible. Wipe up any spills or condensation immediately, and make sure your fridge is well-ventilated to prevent excess moisture from building up.

9. Use a Fridge Deodorizer

Unwanted odors can be a sign of bacteria growth in your fridge. Using a fridge deodorizer can help keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

You can purchase a commercial deodorizer or make your own by placing a bowl of baking soda or white vinegar in your fridge.

10. Defrost Your Fridge Regularly

Ice buildup in your fridge can block air circulation and cause bacteria growth. Defrost your fridge regularly to prevent this from happening. Most modern fridges have an automatic defrost cycle, but you may need to manually defrost an older fridge.

11. Keep Fruits and Vegetables in the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer in your fridge is designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. To maximize their lifespan, store fruits and vegetables unwashed in the crisper drawer.

12. Store Eggs in the Carton

Eggs should be stored in their original carton, not on the fridge door. The door is the warmest part of the fridge, and temperature fluctuations can cause eggs to spoil more quickly.

13. Keep Beverages on the Fridge Door

The fridge door is the warmest part of the fridge, making it the perfect place to store beverages. Keep your milk, juice, and other drinks on the door shelves.

14. Label and Date Food

Labeling and dating your food can help you keep track of how long it has been in your fridge. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure that you don’t eat anything past its expiration date.

15. Wipe Down Your Fridge Shelves After Grocery Shopping

After grocery shopping, wipe down your fridge shelves with a solution of hot soapy water. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your fridge clean.

16. Dispose of Moldy Food Immediately

If you find mold on any of your food items, dispose of them immediately. Mold can spread quickly and contaminate other foods in your fridge.

17. Rotate Your Food

Rotating your food can help prevent waste and keep your fridge organized. Place the oldest items in front, so you’re more likely to use them first.

18. Use a Meat Drawer

If your fridge has a meat drawer, use it to store raw meat. This can help prevent cross-contamination and keep your meat fresh for longer.

19. Keep Your Fridge Freezer Clean

Keeping your freezer clean is just as important as keeping your fridge clean. Dispose of any expired or freezer-burned items, and wipe down the shelves with a solution of hot soapy water.

20. Keep Your Fridge Well-Stocked

A well-stocked fridge can help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the spread of bacteria. Keep your fridge full, but not too full.

21. Store Raw Vegetables Separately from Ready-to-Eat Foods

Raw vegetables can contain harmful bacteria, so it’s essential to store them separately from ready-to-eat foods. Keep them wrapped in plastic or in a separate container.

22. Use Produce Savers

Produce savers can help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. They work by absorbing excess moisture and preventing bacteria growth.

23. Keep Your Fridge Door Closed

Opening your fridge door too frequently can allow warm air to enter, which can cause temperature fluctuations and encourage bacteria growth. Try to minimize how often you open the door, and don’t leave it open for long periods.

24. Don’t Store Food Too Close to the Fridge Light

The fridge light can generate heat, which can affect the temperature of food items stored nearby. Keep your food at least an inch away from the fridge light to prevent any adverse effects.

25. Store Bread in a Bread Box

Storing bread in the fridge can cause it to dry out quickly. Instead, keep your bread in a bread box or a plastic bag on the counter.

26. Use a Fridge Thermometer

A fridge thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of your fridge and adjust the thermostat as needed. Place it in the center of your fridge for accurate readings.

27. Store Raw Fish on Ice

Raw fish should be stored on ice to keep it fresh and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Place the fish in a shallow dish or pan and cover with ice.

28. Don’t Use Your Fridge to Chill Hot Foods

Placing hot foods in your fridge can cause the temperature to rise, which can encourage the growth of bacteria. Allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before placing them in the fridge.

29. Take Food Out of the Fridge to Defrost

Defrosting food in your fridge can take a long time and can cause other foods in your fridge to spoil. Instead, take food out of the fridge and allow it to defrost in a cool place, such as on the counter.