Shelves, drawers, coils, oh my! Cleaning your refrigerator shouldn't be intimidating. Use this guide to freshen up your fridge from the inside out.

How to Clean Inside Your Refrigerator

 

If you’re looking for a truly deep clean, tackling the inside of your refrigerator is a two-part process.

 

How to Clean Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers

 

Start by removing all shelves and drawers. Wash these parts in your sink with warm water, mild dish soap, and a scrubbing soap. To prevent any of the glass or plastic from cracking, let the shelves and drawers warm to room temperature before washing. Air dry or wipe with a clean towel. 

 

How to Clean the Interior

 

For the inside of your fridge, a great natural cleaning solution can be made from two tablespoons of baking soda and warm water. You can also make a solution of one part water and three parts white vinegar. Using a spray bottle, cover the interior surfaces of your refrigerator with the cleaning solution. Wipe clean with a sponge or cloth. 

 

How to Clean Outside Your Refrigerator

 

After you’ve cleaned the inside of your refrigerator, it’s time to tackle the outside. Wet a clean cloth with warm soapy water and wipe the sides, front, and top of the refrigerator. If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, use a stainless steel cleaner or a solution made of water and white vinegar. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. 

 

How to Clean Stainless Steel Refrigerator Doors

 

There are plenty of ways to remove smudges and fingerprints from your stainless steel refrigerator. Branded products can work wonders, while white vinegar can help with water spots, and rubbing alcohol can get rid of fingerprints and other greasy smudges.

 

Once you’ve chosen your cleaning solution, wet a clean cloth with it and wipe your stainless steel in the direction of the metal’s grain until all marks have disappeared. Then dry with a clean microfiber cloth. 

 

How to Clean the Water Dispenser

 

Check your owner’s manual for the best way to clean your particular water dispenser and follow the directions there.

 

Typically, you’ll start by disconnecting your fridge’s water supply and flushing the dispenser system with three cups of white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit for about five minutes and then drain. Finally, reconnect the water supply and flush out any remaining vinegar. A soft toothbrush dipped in white vinegar can be used to clean the water dispenser nozzle. 

 

How to Clean Refrigerator Parts

 

There are a few overlooked parts of your refrigerator that it’s important to clean regularly, including the gasket and coils. 

 

How to Clean a Refrigerator Gasket

 

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the inside of your refrigerator door. Warm water and dish soap can clean away regular dirt and food matter, while a solution made of water and two tablespoons of baking soda can get rid of any mold. Wipe with your chosen solution and a clean cloth or sponge, then dry with a clean cloth. 

 

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

 

Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions. First, you’ll want to unplug your refrigerator. Your coils should be located on the back of the fridge, or underneath it. Move the refrigerator so that the coils are easily accessible, and then clean with a coil cleaning brush. Sweep up any dust that falls onto the floor, then plug your device back in. 

 

How to Remove Refrigerator Odors

 

The best way to get odors out of your refrigerator is to leave a box of baking soda inside the fridge until all the smells have been neutralized. You can also use fresh coffee grounds and even unscented cat litter. If you’re still noticing smells, give the refrigerator a deep clean and leave the door open for several hours, making sure the refrigerator is off.

 

How to Clean Refrigerator Mold

 

Refrigerators are a prime environment for mold. While a diluted bleach solution can be okay for a quick clean of your refrigerator’s gasket, you won’t want to do a deep clean with bleach. Make a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda and warm water, and use it to clean any moldy surfaces. When you’re done, wipe dry with a clean cloth. 

 

How to Disinfect a Refrigerator

 

To disinfect your refrigerator, make a cleaning solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. The acid in the vinegar will act as the disinfecting agent. Spray the inside of the refrigerator, as well its handles, with the cleaning solution and wipe clean with a cloth. 

 

How to Keep a Refrigerator Clean

 

Here are a few tips to make keeping your refrigerator clean easy:

• Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen.

• Don’t overload your refrigerator. A crowded refrigerator can make it harder for cool air to circulate and makes it easier for spills and stains to go unnoticed.

• Thaw frozen items on a tray or plate to prevent leakage.  

• Wipe containers like ketchup bottles clean before putting them back into your refrigerator. 

• Keep a box of baking soda in your refrigerator to help absorb odors. 

 

Refrigerator Cleaning FAQs

 

What is the best thing to use to clean the inside of a refrigerator? 

Some easy homemade solutions that work wonders include a solution made out of equal parts white vinegar and water, and a solution made out of two tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water. You can even add a few drops of mild dish soap to these solutions to increase the cleaning power. 

 

Should I turn off my refrigerator when cleaning? 

It’s not strictly necessary, but it is a good idea if you’re being environmentally conscious, since leaving the door open for a long time can dramatically increase the electricity your refrigerator is using.

 

How often should a fridge be cleaned? 

You should give your refrigerator a deep clean about once every 3 months, but it’s a good idea to stay on top of your cleaning in the meantime. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur, and make sure to toss out food whenever it goes bad. 

 

What can I put in my refrigerator to make it smell better? 

Leaving an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator can help absorb odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh. You can also use fresh coffee grounds or unscented cat litter to neutralize odors. Soaking a few cotton balls in vanilla extract and leaving them overnight in your fridge can also add a pleasant smell. 

 

Can you steam clean inside a fridge? 

 

You can absolutely steam clean the inside of a fridge. It’s a relatively quick way of cleaning your fridge, and it helps sanitize your fridge without the use of any harsh cleaning products. You also won’t have to worry about any lingering scents from cleaning solutions containing vinegar or bleach.