A clean fridge supports a healthy life

Add a fridge deep clean to your seasonal to-do list....

You probably clean your stove, microwave and kitchen countertops often because messes happen and spills can be all too visible. But you're likely overlooking another important kitchen appliance: your fridge.

After all, the fridge is where you store the food you serve yourself and others, so keeping it clean is the start of safely handling your food and beverages. Here are some easy and effective tips for cleaning out your fridge -- and how often you should be doing these tasks.

Wipe down refrigerator handles daily:

Using a food-safe, antibacterial wipe, take the time to wipe down the handles of your refrigerator each day.

Take care of spills immediately:

When a mess happens in the fridge, clean it immediately. It's important to not let spills and messes get out of hand, otherwise your fridge can easily become a hotbed for germs and bacteria.

Toss expired food weekly:

At the start of each week, go through the food you have in the refrigerator. Toss old leftovers and anything that's expired. Spoiled food can encourage bacteria growth and leave mold spores in your refrigerator, so it's important to sift through your fridge regularly.

Do a deep fridge clean each quarter:

Do a deep cleaning of your refrigerator every three to four months. To keep things simple, you may choose to do a deep clean of your fridge at the start of each season. To deep clean your refrigerator, you'll need to completely clear out all the food and put it in a cooler for safekeeping. Many people choose to try to finish most of the big food items in their fridge just before a deep cleaning, so they don't have to remove and replace a lot of food.

Learn more about how regularly cleaning and disinfecting your home can go a long way toward preventing many infections—from respiratory illnesses to food poisoning.