It is often believed that the cold does all the work and that the refrigerator stays clean almost by itself. In reality, drips, sauce residues, and humidity turn the fridge into a playground for bacteria responsible for gastroenteritis.
Faced with recurring questions about the proper frequency of cleaning, a highly followed French virologist on Instagram, under the pseudonym thefrenchvirologist, has decided to respond clearly. Her advice aligns with that of French health authorities and challenges the idea that one can wait for the fridge to be visibly dirty before cleaning it, which poses a simple question: how often should it be cleaned?
How often to clean your fridge: the golden rule of the French virologist
In a viral video, the specialist emphasizes the need to clean your fridge at least once a month. The French virologist, highly followed on Instagram, summarizes the steps to follow in a direct formula, quoted by Marmiton: “Clean your fridge at least 1 time per month with soapy water: scrub, rinse with clear water, then dry with a clean cloth.” For her, there is no need for miracle products or complicated recipes.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Safety Agency confirm this monthly frequency to limit the proliferation of bacteria such as salmonella or listeria in the refrigerator. The cold does not kill these microbes, it only slows down their growth; over the weeks, accumulated drips and crumbs can become a real breeding ground, especially in a very full fridge.
Cleaning or disinfecting your fridge: what the virologist really recommends
The scientist, however, points out the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. The first involves removing dirt, grease, and food residues with soapy water, then rinsing and drying carefully. Regarding disinfection, she clarifies: “Disinfecting the fridge after cleaning is not always necessary (so don’t overdo it!)”, she reminds. A good cleaning as soon as food spills often suffices to stay safe.
She believes that disinfection becomes useful “if you have very vulnerable people at home or if dirt has been sitting in the fridge for several days before being cleaned.” In these cases, she advises using diluted bleach with 2.6% active chlorine, left for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinsed and dried with a clean cloth. White vinegar “dissolves limescale, but it is not a good disinfectant”: it mainly serves to deodorize, not to kill germs.
The right routine for a clean fridge and fewer gastro risks
Concretely, once a month, it is sufficient to empty the shelves, discard expired foods, and wash the walls, bins, and shelves with a clean sponge dipped in warm soapy water. Then rinse with clear water, wipe everything with a dry and clean cloth, before putting the food back in the fridge while taking the time to organize them better.
In a very active household, with children or continuous homemade meals, aiming for a deep cleaning every two weeks can provide reassurance. The important thing is to maintain a clear routine: thoroughly cleaning the fridge at least once a month significantly reduces the risk of gastroenteritis.
