8 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator

We understand that cleaning your refrigerator might not be the most exciting task for you, but it’s super important for keeping your food fresh and your appliance running smoothly. After all, having a clean fridge means no more weird odors and a healthier kitchen environment. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of opening a tidy fridge?

So, let’s dive into some easy steps on how to clean your refrigerator effectively. We’ll also share some handy tips to keep it smelling great and organized. Your fridge will thank you for it!

1. Empty the Refrigerator Completely

First things first, empty your refrigerator completely before you even begin cleaning. Remove all food items, beverages, and containers that might be lying on the shelves. This step will allow you to access every corner of your fridge easily so that you don’t miss any spots while cleaning. 

Our Suggestion: You should consider placing perishable items in a cooler or another refrigerator to protect them from spoiling while you clean. 

2. Discard Expired and Spoiled Items

When you’re emptying your fridge, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to check the expiration dates and condition of the food that was stored in your refrigerator. You should quickly discard any expired or spoiled items, including condiments and leftovers that have been sitting for too long. This step not only reduces clutter but also helps you tackle those unpleasant odors in your fridge.

3. Wipe Down the Interior

Now that your refrigerator is empty, it’s time for you to clean its interior surfaces. You must start by wiping down the refrigerator shelves using warm, soapy water or a gentle cleaner.

Ice Maker

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve removing the ice bin and washing it with warm soapy water.

Deep Freezer

For those with a deep freezer, follow similar steps to clean it thoroughly. Empty the freezer, dispose of any expired items, and wipe down the walls and shelves.

4. How to Sanitize Refrigerator

Once you’re done wiping down the surfaces, it’s essential for you to sanitize the refrigerator to eliminate any bacteria that might be lingering on its surface. You can also use a commercial sanitizing spray or a homemade solution of water and vinegar for this purpose. Spray the surfaces and let them sit for a few minutes before wiping them down with a clean cloth.

5. Dry Everything Thoroughly

After cleaning and sanitizing your refrigerator, it’s crucial for you to dry all its surfaces thoroughly. For this purpose, you should use a clean and dry cloth to wipe down all your shelves, walls, and bins. This will also help you prevent any moisture buildup, which can lead to unpleasant smells and in the worst-case scenario, an ugly mold!

6. Clean Refrigerator Exterior

Don’t forget about the refrigerator exterior! Here are some key areas you should focus on:

Refrigerator Gasket

The refrigerator gasket is the rubber seal around the door of your fridge. To clean it, you can use warm and soapy water or even a solution of vinegar and water. This will help you maintain a proper seal and prevent any air leaks, which helps you prevent any excessive energy consumption by your fridge. 

Coils on a Frigidaire

Cleaning the coils on your Frigidaire – or really any refrigerator – is super important for keeping it running efficiently. Who wants a fridge that’s working harder than it has to, right? Over time, dust and debris can build up on those coils, making your fridge work overtime. To deal with this, just grab a vacuum or a coil cleaning brush and gently clear away the dirt. You’ll usually find the coils at the back or underneath the fridge. It’s a simple task that can help your refrigerator stay in its top condition. 

Stainless Steel

If you’re wondering how to clean a stainless steel refrigerator without streaks​, you can either grab a specialized stainless steel cleaner or mix up some warm water with mild dish soap. Just remember to wipe in the direction of the grain for those streak-free results. And don’t forget to dry it right away – that’s the secret to clean stains on stainless steel refrigerator​. 

Refrigerator Water Line

Next up, if your fridge has a water line for those ice and water dispensers, it’s a good idea to check for any leaks or gunk buildup. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the line, and you’ll keep everything running smoothly!

Clean From Behind

Cleaning your refrigerator from behind is one of the most important steps to clean it thoroughly. It’s because it can be a home to a huge amount of dust and bacteria that you might not even realize. 

But the question is – How to go about cleaning behind refrigerator? Start by unplugging your fridge, then gently pull it away from the wall. You’ll be surprised at how much dust and dirt can build up back there- it can really mess with airflow and efficiency! Once you’ve given that space a good clean, plug your fridge back in and slide it back into place. 

7. Organize and Return Food Items

Once everything is nice and clean and totally dry, it’s time that you get organized and put your food back in your fridge. You can start by grouping similar items together – like keeping dairy, meats, and produce in their own little sections. Not only does this make it super easy to find what you need, but it also helps your food stay fresh by keeping everything at the right temperature.

Pro Tip: Think about using clear bins or organizers to keep those smaller items together. That way, they won’t get lost in the back of the fridge. 

8. Deodorize to Keep Things Fresh

Additionally, if you want to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh, regular deodorizing can take you long way. Along with the baking soda, you might also want to try using activated charcoal or even coffee grounds in an open container. They do a fantastic job of soaking up those pesky odors. Your fridge will smell great, and you’ll be glad you did it!

FAQs

How to Clean Fingerprints Off Stainless Steel Refrigerators?

To clean fingerprints off stainless steel refrigerators, you can use a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Consider wiping it down with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain to avoid any streaks. This can also help you clean mold on stainless steel. 

What Is the Best Thing to Clean the Inside of a Fridge With?

The best cleaning solution for the inside of a fridge is a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap or a vinegar-water solution. These natural cleaners effectively eliminate the bacteria without using any harsh chemicals.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Fridge?

When you’re cleaning your fridge, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch its surfaces. Do not neglect to unplug the fridge before cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Also, never leave food items out for too long to prevent spoilage.

How to Move a Refrigerator to Clean Behind?

To move a refrigerator to clean behind, ensure it’s unplugged, then gently pull it away from the wall while being cautious not to damage the water line or power cord.

How to Clean a Refrigerator After a Power Outage?

After a power outage, discard any food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours. Clean any spills and sanitize surfaces to prevent odors and bacteria growth.

Keeping your refrigerator clean is super important for both food safety and making sure your appliance lasts a long time. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a hygienic space for all your food storage needs. If you’re looking for even more in-depth cleaning solutions, don’t forget to check out our Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist and our Deep Cleaning Services For Home. 

Happy cleaning!