If you notice any lingering odors or spills, it's time for a thorough refrigerator clean out to freshen things up.
Time 1 hour
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $15
Introduction
Eliminate odors and keep your fridge sparkling with this comprehensive overview of how to clean a refrigerator from top to bottom.
Your refrigerator may be the most important major appliance in the home. It certainly has a critical job: keeping your food fresh and bacteria-free. I’m guilty of opening my refrigerator and thinking to myself that I should wipe down the shelves, but I end up closing the door and walking away after grabbing whatever food I was after. Luckily, my laziness did not win today, and I deep-cleaned my refrigerator in under an hour without ruining my Saturday.
You don’t need much to complete this job and will most likely already own all the necessary supplies. I recommend doing this on a day right before you need to go to the grocery store so you don’t have a ton of groceries sitting on the counter as you clean. Also, this is a good time to take an accurate inventory of your needs before you head to the store. After your refrigerator is spotless, make a routine of quick-cleaning the refrigerator before putting new groceries in. A 50-50 solution of plain white vinegar and water makes a great, food-friendly fridge cleaner.
- Pro tip: If there’s an odor in our refrigerator, you can place a bowl of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb the smell.
Tools Required
- Cooler
- Measuring cup
- Sponge
- Spray Bottle
Materials Required
- Baking soda
- Cleaning rags
- Dish soap
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Paper towels
- Trash bag
- White vinegar
Watch How To Clean a Refrigerator
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Empty refrigerator
Empty the refrigerator. Toss spoiled or expired items into a garbage bag as you go. Have a cooler ready to hold highly perishable foods (e.g., milk or raw fish) and set the rest in an out-of-the-way spot on your kitchen countertop.
Step 2
Remove refrigerator drawers and shelves
Detach all the removable refrigerator drawers and shelves and set them on the countertop until they reach room temperature. When the items reach room temperature, wash them in the kitchen sink and dry them. Waiting until they are at room temperature prevents the warm water from causing them to crack.
Step 3
Wipe down refrigerator
Wipe the fridge interior with a sponge and a 50-50 solution of plain white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly wipe down the walls, shelves, shelf supports, drawers, and door gaskets, and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 4
Remove tough stains
Scrub tough stains with a paste made of baking soda and water using a sponge.
Step 5
Clean the exterior
Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator with a damp cloth or paper towel and a 50-50 solution of plain white vinegar/water (Or Multipurpose Cleaner). Pay attention to the handles, control panel, and any visible stains or fingerprints.
Step 6
Clean the freezer
Quickly clean the freezer by tossing any old or unwanted items and wiping up crumbs or spills.
Step 7
Restock refrigerator
While restocking, wipe off any crumbs, drips or sticky residue on the bottom of the items before returning them to their proper spot.
Step 8
FAQs
How do I keep my refrigerator clean?
Get in the habit of quick-cleaning the fridge before loading it with new groceries. Toss old food and wipe up crumbs or spills so the fridge is clean and ready for the fresh stuff.
What cleaning products are safe to use in a refrigerator?
A solution of water mixed with mild dish soap, 50-50 solution of plain white vinegar/water, baking soda mixed with water, or a multi-purpose cleaner.
Do I have to turn off my refrigerator to clean it?
If your refrigerator has removable shelves and drawers, you can avoid having to turn it off by letting them warm up outside before you scrub them. You can also use a sponge or rag slightly saturated with warm water to wipe down the inside of the fridge. However, it is easier to clean the inside of a refrigerator that is at room temperature.
