A clean refrigerator supports a healthier kitchen environment. If you notice spills, mysterious odors, or expired containers every time you open the door, it's time for a deep clean of your refrigerator. Use this guide to keep your refrigerator sparkling and sanitary between kitchen deep cleaning services from The Cleaning Authority, all with simple, natural ingredients that are probably in your kitchen right now!
Why Cleaning Your Refrigerator Matters
Cleaning your refrigerator impacts your household’s health, food quality, and energy use. The refrigerator is a frequent contact point for bacteria, food spills, and unnoticed leaks. Periodic deep cleaning addresses issues that spot-cleaning or tossing expired food won't resolve.
Benefits of refrigerator cleaning include:
- Healthier food storage: A clean fridge lowers the risk of foodborne illnesses from bacteria and mold growth.
- Less food waste: Clearing out expired foods makes it easier to see and use what’s left inside before it spoils.
- Improved airflow: Cleaning refrigerator vents and interiors allows for better air circulation, even cooling, and enhances energy efficiency.
- Longer appliance life: By preventing buildup and strain on internal components, cleaning extends the operating life of your refrigerator.
Supplies You'll Need
Cleaning your refrigerator can be fast, effective, and environmentally responsible with the right supplies. Gather the following:
- Cleaning gloves
- 1:1 white vinegar and water solution
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge or non-abrasive scrub pad
- Toothbrush
- Trash and compost bags
Prep Work: Get Ready to Clean
Before cleaning, clear your kitchen counters to create a clutter-free workspace. Empty your fridge, checking expiration dates as you go and disposing of or composting spoiled items. Transfer the remaining items into a cooler.
With all food removed from the refrigerator, unplug the unit or turn it off from the breaker panel. This preparation step prevents electrical hazards and allows any ice buildup to melt.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Cleaning your refrigerator thoroughly requires more than a quick wipe. Focus on one step at a time for efficient and effective results.
1. Remove Shelves and Drawers
Disassemble the refrigerator’s shelves, drawers, racks, and other removable interior components. If your fridge has glass parts, let them sit on the counter and warm to room temperature before washing them — sudden temperature changes can cause glass to shatter.
2. Wash Shelves and Drawers
Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean each shelf and drawer in the kitchen sink. For more stubborn gunk, apply a paste made from baking soda and warm water. This paste breaks down residue while also providing gentle scrubbing power.
After washing each item, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Leave these parts in an empty sink or drying rack until you’re finished cleaning the fridge.
3. Clean Interior Surfaces
Next, clean the refrigerator’s interior surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, floor, and drawer compartments. Wipe down the inside of your refrigerator with a microfiber cloth and a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with hot water. Scrub hard-to-remove surfaces with a sponge or toothbrush. Dry the interior with a clean cloth or paper towels.
4. Clean the Gasket
The door gasket seals cold air inside, but it can weaken if it’s dirty or damaged. Gently wipe the gasket with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution, making sure to remove crumbs and residue trapped in the folds. If you spot mold, scrub it carefully with a toothbrush.
5. Wipe Down the Exterior
Clean the exterior of the fridge with soapy water or the baking soda mixture you used for the inside of the fridge. If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, use a gentle stainless steel cleaner without harmful ingredients to remove dirt and prevent streaks.
6. Don't Forget These Spots
Certain parts of your refrigerator are easy to overlook. Make sure your deep clean covers these spots:
- Handles: Wipe the handles and outer surfaces with a microfiber cloth and either soapy water or a vinegar solution.
- Top of the fridge: The top of the fridge easily collects dust. Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
- Under and behind: Pull the refrigerator out to clean beneath and behind it. Sweep or vacuum crumbs and dust, and wipe grime and grease from the walls.
- Condenser coils: If you have a coil brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment, take off the back panel to remove dust and grime from the coils. Reattach the panel, plug the refrigerator in, and move it back in place.
7. Reassemble and Reorganize
Once the interior surfaces and parts are clean and dry, replace the shelves, drawers, and racks in the refrigerator. Wipe residue from sticky bottles or leaking containers before putting your food back.
For lasting refrigerator organization, consider adjusting shelf placement for better use of space based on your grocery and cooking habits. Reorganize food for better visibility, grouping similar items and using clear bins and compartments to keep them tidy and easy to reach. For example, keep dairy, meats, and produce at the front to avoid forgetting items with short shelf lives, or arrange sauces by type and freshness in the door.
8. Eliminate Odors
Baking soda is a reliable odor neutralizer. For ongoing freshness, place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb smells. Replace it every one to three months or sooner for persistent odors.
How Often Should You Clean Your Refrigerator?
Quick clean-ups for small spills prevent messes from becoming more daunting tasks. Wipe up spills immediately, and check weekly for expired items.
Otherwise, a deep clean every three to four months optimizes refrigerator performance and hygiene. If you store a lot of fresh produce or cook often, more frequent cleanings may be beneficial. Keep a simple cleaning schedule, put a reminder in your phone’s calendar, or rely on a pro to handle it for you.
Pro Tips to Keep It Cleaner, Longer
A few habits can make a noticeable difference in keeping your fridge tidy:
- Labeling leftovers and open food items with dates helps track freshness.
- Line shelves and drawers with washable mats or paper towels to catch drips and crumbs.
- Place a fresh box of baking soda inside the fridge to reduce odors naturally. Keep it away from vents, and replace it every 90 days or sooner.
- Before grocery shopping, check the fridge for expired or unwanted items. Cleaning the fridge out before restocking prevents overload and encourages proper food rotation — first in, first out.
Refrigerator cleaning tends to be easiest when it’s part of a larger kitchen cleaning routine. How you stack pantry items, keep up with counter clutter, and even load the dishwasher all affect your overall kitchen cleaning habits.
Let The Cleaning Authority Get Your Fridge Sparkling Again
If deep cleaning your refrigerator doesn’t fit into your schedule or you’d simply rather spend your time doing the things you love, don’t worry — The Cleaning Authority team gladly handles scrubbing and cleaning for you.
The Cleaning Authority offers refrigerator cleaning as an add-on service. Learn more about our refrigerator cleaning service* and call our professional fridge cleaners at (888) 658-0659.
*Please check with your local office, as services may vary by location.