There's a Right Way to Clean Your Refrigerator

Drips and spills in cabinets and the refrigerator can create a home for illness-causing bacteria. However, some household products used to clean them contain chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems. The Environmental Working Group tested 94 kitchen cleaners and gave 62 of them a grade of D or F due to factors including their potential to exacerbate asthma, respiratory problems, or allergies (see the full list at ewg.org). Take a pass on low-ranking products and any solvents or abrasives that can leave a chemical odor on things you plan to eat. The safest way to wipe down food storage areas is with a food-based solution: Mix a half cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda in a half gallon of hot water.