(HealthDay News) -- A clean refrigerator can help prevent food-related illness.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions:

• Immediately clean up spilled juices, particularly from raw meat. To defrost, always put uncooked meat on the bottom shelf inside a container with a lid.
• Use warm, soapy water and a sponge to clean shelves, drawers and other surfaces. Avoid spray cleaners. Dry with a clean paper towel or cloth.
• Clean the door handle frequently.
• Place an open box of baking soda inside your fridge to absorb odors. Change it every three months.
• Wipe away dust from the front grill of your refrigerator to keep it working efficiently.