iSavta | 15.11.2021

Christmas is just ‘round the corner. It’s time to flip pages and get ready for another year. The upcoming Holiday is a perfect reason for you to rearrange your pantry and clean up your refrigerator at home!

 

There might not be a big celebration because Christmas is not very popular in Israel but cleaning out your refrigerator as often as possible totally makes sense. It’s a perfect opportunity for you to check everything and throw away food that’s been there for quite a while, not totally consumable by you and your elderly patient.

 

How do you often clean your refrigerator?

 

Due to other priorities, such as the basic needs of your patient, the cleaning of your pantry and refrigerator are often gets neglected. Meat and vegetable drawers are reported to be the dirtiest places in the kitchen. These spots get contaminated easily and contamination can cause stomach diseases. 

 

While cleaning up, take note of the expiration dates of all your food supplies. Understanding food labels such as “best before” dates is important. This will help you segregate those that can still be eaten not to waste food as well.

 

Here are some suggestions for your refrigerator cleaning:

 

1. Empty every shelf and detach every detachable part.
2. Wipe every nook and cranny of your refrigerator with a sponge and food-safe disinfectant
3. Throw away all expired and moldy food and get rid of anything that you are not using from your fridge.
4. Wash all the detachable parts with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly, wipe dry with a clean cloth.
5. Wipe the outside part and vacuum it out under the refrigerator.
6. Restock shelves and drawers with good healthy food.

 

Clean your fridge every week or two or right before you go grocery shopping. This will help you not to overshop and buy things you don’t necessarily need. Make it a habit to check every corner of your refrigerator for food that gets shoved back that you cannot see. It is also helpful to label your food containers to organize them better.

 

Food contamination can cause major problems in the Elderly as their digestive system is not as adaptive as before. A little upset stomach can bring you to the hospital for diarrhea and dehydration. It is important to be clean and cautious in handling food. Cleaning your refrigerator for you and your patient’s health.