It is true that today's refrigerators are built in such a way that they hardly freeze over and germs and bacteria now find it difficult to take hold. Nevertheless, regular cleaning of the appliance is essential to create an ideal basis for good hygiene. Dirt and stains should always be removed immediately with a sponge or cloth. Regular cleaning of the vegetable compartment, with clean warm water, should also be routine. A thorough cleaning of the fridge is recommended every four to six weeks and the freezer compartment should be defrosted and cleaned once or twice a year.

We are happy to share our best tips with you and help prevent stubborn dirt and keep your fridge clean:

1. Empty out your refrigerator and freezer compartment and store the food in a cool box.

1. Disconnect the appliance from the mains and unplug the power cord from the socket.
2. If the refrigerator is free-standing, pull it away from the wall if possible and vacuum the condenser at the back.
3. Open the drain opening and place a container underneath to collect the condensation water. In case of heavy icing, it is advisable to lay cloths on the floor in front of the refrigerator to soak up the water running out.
4. To speed up the defrosting of the freezer, leave the door open. If this is still not fast enough, a bowl of hot water can be placed in the freezer compartment, the door closed and the ice melted.
5. Remove all movable parts, such as shelves, drawers and storage compartments from the refrigerator. Clean them using water mixed with a little vinegar or lemon or a cleaning product and then leave them to dry.

1. Wipe cleaning product all over the inside of the refrigerator and freezer compartment and then dry with a cloth.

1. Replace the movable parts of the refrigerator and put the food away.

When cleaning the refrigerator, do not forget the rubber seals on the door. Dirt and bacteria often settle unseen between the rubber seal, which can cause mould and thus unpleasant and foul odours. Finally, clean the outside of the appliance.

It should be noted that a soft cloth is used for cleaning the surfaces. Chemical cleaners or harsh cleaning agents that are abrasive and contain acids or solvents are not suitable for cleaning. The most sustainable way to clean your fridge-freezer is to use hot vinegar or lemon water. To neutralise odours, you can also place half a lemon in the fridge.

Under the cooling plate, which cools the inside of the refrigerator, there is a channel and an opening into which the condensation water drains off. The channel and the opening must not be blocked, so you should check them often and clean them if necessary (e.g. with a plastic straw). New refrigerators hardly ever form ice deposits. However, if ice deposits do occur, quick cleaning is recommended. Even a 3-5 mm thick ice deposit increases electricity consumption. To keep electricity costs within the regular or normal range, regular cleaning of the refrigerator and removal of the ice layer is mandatory. Your food will thank you for it.

As a general rule, do not overload the refrigerator with food, make sure that the products do not touch the back wall and store food that has already been prepared in suitable containers. This allows the air to circulate optimally between the food and distributes the cold evenly.

In our guide "How to properly organise a refrigerator", you will find important tips on how to optimally position your food so that it will keep for as long as possible.