How to Clean Your Refrigerator From Top to Bottom

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly ensures that it functions properly.

Your refrigerator is undoubtedly your most-used kitchen appliance—it’s always humming, the door swings open and closed throughout the day, and the shelves are regularly stocked and restocked! with the dishes your family enjoys. Because it is so vital in your everyday life, you want to do everything you can to keep it in good condition.

What is the best approach to accomplishing this? Prioritize regular maintenance if you want your computer to run—and continue to run—efficiently. Scheduled cleanings are part of that maintenance since they maximize airflow, keep your foods and beverages from rotting quickly, and keep your machine in operating order for years to come.

How Often Should You Clean Your Refrigerator?

It is critical to clean your refrigerator regularly for sanitary, health, and efficiency reasons. An overstuffed fridge can result in decreased energy efficiency, poor airflow, and abandoned foods spoiling and emitting odors. To avoid odors, spills, and bacteria, clean your fridge once a week and watch for rotten vegetables, neglected leftovers, and expired products.

Aside from weekly maintenance, it would be best to deep-clean your refrigerator every three months.

Materials Required

Before you begin, make sure you have these supplies on hand.

Sponge(s) Microfiber cloth(s)

Baking powder

White vinegar that has been distilled

Bowl

The spray bottle

discarded toothbrush

Dish soap made from natural ingredients

Using cotton swabs

Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Once a week, give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning. This will prevent stains and odors from accumulating and make deeper cleanings easier when the time comes.

Take everything out of the refrigerator.

Wipe clean all crumbs and debris from the interior with a microfiber cloth.

Make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar in equal parts.

Allow the paste to sit for up to five minutes on any stains if you have them.

Wipe away the discoloration with a moist sponge.

In a mixing bowl, combine hot water and a few drops of dish soap.

Wipe off all shelves and the interior of your refrigerator with a clean sponge dipped in the solution.

Remove any soap residue with a moist microfiber towel. Then, using a microfiber cloth, wipe dry.

Wipe down the outside with a surface-safe cleaner and disinfect the handle.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator Thoroughly

Deep cleaning your refrigerator requires more effort than basic cleaning, but it only needs to be done once every three months.

1. Take everything out of your refrigerator.

Begin by emptying your refrigerator. While you clean, keep perishables in a deep freezer or cooler. Check for mold and expired goods as you remove items. Throw away anything suspicious.

Wipe down anything you intend to preserve with a damp microfiber cloth. Remove all shelves and drawers from the refrigerator once all food, beverages, and condiments have been removed.

2. sanitize the shelves and drawers

Combine natural dish soap and warm water in a bucket. Scrub both sides of the drawers and shelves with a clean sponge until they are clean. To remove any soapy residue, rinse the compartments under running water and dry each frame and bin with a microfiber towel.

3. Vacuum the Interior

In a spray bottle, combine equal parts vinegar and warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing and cleaning all inside surfaces with a soft cloth. Spray the built-in side drawers of your refrigerator as well as any grooves.

After the solution has sat, clean the refrigerator with an old toothbrush. Remove the cleaning solution using a wet sponge, then dry the interior with a microfiber towel. Return the refrigerator’s shelves and drawers.

4. Clean the Outside

Before cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator, consult the owner’s manual; methods and instructions may differ. However, a fair rule of thumb is that any surface should be cleaned with warm water and a little mild dish soap.

If any streaks remain, spray the outside with water and vinegar and buff with a paper towel. Microfiber towels could contain debris that will harm stainless steel. After cleaning, wipe the outside dry.

5. Remove the Gasket

Refrigerator gaskets accumulate a lot of filth; cleaning them regularly helps keep the appliance’s seal intact. To clean the gasket:

Combine equal parts water and vinegar.

Dip a cotton swab into the solution and run it along the seam of the gasket.

Repeat with a microfiber towel until it is clean and dry.

6. Remove the Coils

Check your appliance’s manual for advice on cleaning and locating the coils. This step is usually only required once a year. The coils are in charge of maintaining the desired temperature in your refrigerator. Dirty coils may cause your refrigerator to overwork, resulting in a higher electricity cost or a shorter lifespan for your refrigerator.

7. Clean the area beneath the refrigerator.

Remove your refrigerator from the wall and unplug it. Vacuum or sweep the floor beneath the refrigerator. Wipe the floor dry with a mop soaked with an all-purpose cleaner. Replace your refrigerator in its original location and reconnect it to the power source.

8. Replace the contents of the refrigerator

After cleaning all of the components of your refrigerator, you can replace any things you removed at the start. Make any changes to your organization that will help you use sauces more effectively or reduce food waste by putting stuff like goods in the front and center so you remember to use them.

How to Get Rid of Odors in Your Refrigerator

If any residual odors remain in your refrigerator after cleaning it, there are two reliable techniques to eliminate them. Baking soda and charcoal are our two favorite odor-removing agents. Please put a box or bowl of baking soda at the back of the fridge, or one to two pieces of charcoal. These absorb any unpleasant odors.

How to Keep Your Refrigerator Clean

Follow basic maintenance measures to keep your refrigerator neat between comprehensive cleans.

Clean up any spills as they happen.

When replenishing the fridge, toss out any expired food.

Rotate food to keep an eye on all accessible products. This is also useful for meal-planning inspiration.

When you replenish your refrigerator, pay attention to any spots that require apparent cleaning.