April 23, 2025
Your refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in your home, yet it’s also one of the most neglected when it comes to regular cleaning. Over time, spills, spoiled food, and lingering odors can build up, making your fridge unhygienic and less efficient.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your fridge at home properly—step-by-step, using safe and simple methods. Whether you’re doing routine maintenance or deep cleaning after a power outage or food spill, this article covers it all.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Fridge Regularly
Before diving into the cleaning process, let’s look at why regular fridge cleaning matters:
- Prevents Mold and Bacteria: Leftover food particles and spills can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
- Eliminates Odors: Regular cleaning removes foul smells from spoiled food and liquids.
- Improves Energy Efficiency: A clean fridge doesn’t have to work as hard, helping reduce your electricity bill.
- Extends Appliance Life: Regular maintenance keeps the components working smoothly for years.
- Enhances Food Safety: A clean fridge reduces the risk of food contamination and spoilage.
How Often Should You Clean Your Refrigerator?
- Light Cleaning: Wipe down shelves and spills once a week.
- Deep Cleaning: Perform a thorough cleaning every 1 to 2 months.
- Defrost Freezer: Every 3–6 months, depending on frost buildup.
Now let’s go step-by-step through the process of cleaning your fridge at home.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for an effective fridge clean-up:
- Dish soap or mild detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- Trash bags
- Old toothbrush
- Vacuum cleaner (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Fridge at Home
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Fridge
Safety first. Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning, especially if you’re doing a deep clean. This also saves energy and allows the fridge to defrost.
If you have a lot of frozen food, store it temporarily in a cooler or an insulated bag to keep it from spoiling.
Step 2: Empty the Fridge Completely
- Remove all food items and store perishables in a cooler.
- Discard expired or spoiled food. Be sure to check the labels for expiration dates.
- Take out removable shelves, drawers, and bins for separate cleaning.
Step 3: Wash Removable Parts
- Fill your sink or a bucket with warm water and dish soap.
- Soak shelves, drawers, and bins for 10–15 minutes.
- Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away sticky spots and stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry.
Avoid using hot water immediately on cold glass shelves—they can crack due to temperature shock.
Step 4: Clean the Interior
Now focus on the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the fridge:
- Make a cleaning solution with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water.
- Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe all surfaces.
- For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, let sit for 10 minutes, and scrub gently.
- For extra odor removal, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe the surfaces.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia—they may leave harmful residues.
Step 5: Clean the Door Seals
Fridge door gaskets (rubber seals) often trap crumbs and mold:
- Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar or baking soda solution to scrub the seals.
- Wipe with a damp cloth afterward.
- Make sure seals are dry to avoid mold regrowth.
Well-maintained gaskets also help keep the door sealed tight and energy-efficient.
Step 6: Clean the Exterior
Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge:
- Use a mild soap solution to wipe the exterior with a soft cloth.
- For stainless steel, use a stainless steel cleaner or a vinegar-water solution for a streak-free shine.
- Clean the top of the fridge, which often gathers dust and grease.
Step 7: Vacuum the Coils (Optional but Recommended)
The condenser coils, usually located at the back or bottom, help cool the fridge. Dust buildup here can cause overheating and high energy use.
- Unplug the fridge if not already.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from coils.
- Do this once every 6–12 months to maintain efficiency.
Step 8: Reassemble and Restock
Once everything is dry:
- Replace shelves, drawers, and bins.
- Plug the fridge back in.
- Organize and return food items.
- Wipe containers before putting them back to avoid re-soiling the clean surfaces.
Tips to Keep Your Fridge Clean Longer
- Use airtight containers to store food.
- Label leftovers with dates and throw out old ones weekly.
- Clean spills immediately to avoid sticky messes.
- Keep baking soda in the fridge to neutralize odors.
- Wipe jars and bottles before placing them in the fridge.
How to Clean the Freezer
If your freezer isn’t frost-free, it may need defrosting:
- Unplug the fridge or turn off the freezer.
- Remove all frozen food and store it in a cooler.
- Leave the door open to let the ice melt.
- Wipe excess water with a towel or sponge.
- Clean with the same baking soda solution as the fridge.
- Plug it back in once everything is clean and dry.
Natural Solutions for Odor Removal
Try these DIY deodorizing hacks:
- Place an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge.
- Use activated charcoal or coffee grounds in a small container.
- Put a bowl of lemon slices or cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract for a fresh scent.
Replace deodorizers every 30 days for best results.
Conclusion
Keeping your refrigerator clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about health, safety, and energy efficiency. With regular care and a thorough cleaning every few months, you can avoid odors, extend the life of your appliance, and enjoy a more organized, food-safe fridge.
Now that you know how to clean a fridge at home, set a monthly reminder to wipe things down and schedule a deeper clean every season. A few hours of effort will save you a lot of hassle down the road!
