How to Clean Your Fridge Properly
Whether you’re deep cleaning or just doing your weekly reset, keeping your fridge clean is key to a healthy home, and a fresher kitchen. Your refrigerator stores the food you and your family eat, and if not cleaned regularly, it can become a hotspot for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors.
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to clean your fridge properly, what products to use, how often to do it, and some pro tips for keeping it fresh longer.
Why Cleaning Your Fridge Matters
Before we dive into the how to, here’s why regular fridge cleaning is so important:
- Food Safety: Bacteria like Listeria can survive in cold environments.
- Avoid Cross Contamination: Spills from raw meat, spoiled produce, or expired leftovers can spread germs.
- Energy Efficiency: A clean, organized fridge uses less energy.
- Less Food Waste: You’ll actually see what food you have before it expires.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of tools and products for a thorough fridge cleaning:
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda or white vinegar (natural disinfectants)
- A bucket or large bowl
- Old toothbrush or soft scrub brush
- Trash bags
- Optional: Essential oils (like lemon or lavender) for scent
Step by Step: How to Clean Your Fridge Properly
Step 1: Unplug or Turn Off the Fridge (Optional)
If you’re doing a deep clean and your fridge will be open for 30+ minutes, unplug it or use vacation mode (if available). If not, keep the door closed between steps.
Step 2: Remove All Food
Take everything out. Use a cooler if necessary to keep perishables cold. This is a great time to:
Toss expired items
Check best by dates
Wipe sticky jars or bottles
Step 3: Remove Shelves and Drawers
Take out all removable parts and let them come to room temperature (to avoid cracking with hot water). Soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub gently and rinse well.
Step 4: Clean the Interior
Mix one of these solutions:
DIY Option: 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 quart warm water
Natural disinfectant: Equal parts vinegar and water
Wipe all surfaces: walls, ceiling, floor, shelf grooves, rubber seals (use a toothbrush here). Don’t forget corners and the light cover!
💡 Pro tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, they can damage surfaces and leave behind strong odors.
Step 5: Dry Everything
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry all surfaces and removable parts before putting them back.
Step 6: Organize As You Restock
Now’s the perfect time to organize your fridge smartly:
Keep raw meats on the bottom shelf in sealed containers.
Store leftovers and ready to eat foods on top shelves.
Use clear bins for produce and dairy.
Add an open box of baking soda to absorb odors.
How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?
- Quick clean: Once a week (wipe spills, check for expired food)
- Full clean: Every 3 – 4 weeks
- Deep clean: Every season (remove everything, including back panel if possible)
Prefer a Pro to Handle It?
Cleaning your fridge properly takes time and effort, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while. Our professional cleaning team can deep clean your fridge (and your whole kitchen) safely and efficiently.
👉 Book your fridge cleaning now or get a free quote today.
