How to Clean Your Refrigerator From Top to Bottom

Your refrigerator is arguably your most-used kitchen appliance—it's always humming, the door is constantly swung open and closed throughout the day, and the shelves are regularly stocked (and restocked!) with your family's favorite foods. Since it plays such a large role in your daily life, you want to do everything you can to ensure it stays in good condition.

The best way to do that? Prioritize regular maintenance, which is essential if you want your machine to run—and continue to run—efficiently. Part of that maintenance includes scheduled cleanings, which maximize air flow and prevent your foods and beverages from spoiling quickly (and keeps your machine in working order for years to come).

How Often to Clean Your Refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is important for sanitary, health, and efficiency reasons. "An overcrowded fridge can lead to decreased energy efficiency, bad air flow, and forgotten foods going bad and creating stenches," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "To keep smells, spills, and germs at bay aim to clean your fridge out weekly and always keep an eye out for rotten produce, forgotten leftovers, and expiring products," she says.

In addition to weekly maintenance, you should deep clean your fridge every three months.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Sponge(s)
• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Bowl
• Spray bottle
• Old toothbrush
• Natural dish soap
  
• Cotton swabs

How to Clean Your Refrigerator

Give your refrigerator a routine cleaning once a week. This will ensure it doesn't build up with stains or odors and will make your deeper cleans easier when the time comes.

1. Remove items from the refrigerator.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe out all crumbs and bits from the interior.
3. Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar.
4. Apply the paste to any stains (if you have them) and allow it to sit for up to five minutes.
5. Use a damp sponge to wipe away the stain.
6. In a bowl, mix hot water with a few drops of dish soap.
7. Dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe down all shelves and the interior of your refrigerator.
8. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue. Then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
9. Wipe down the exterior with a surface-safe cleanser and be sure to disinfect the handle.

How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Deep cleaning your refrigerator is a more involved process than routine cleaning, but it only needs to be done once every three months.

1. Remove Everything From Your Refrigerator

Start by emptying everything from your refrigerator. "Store perishables in a deep freezer or cooler while you clean," says Cohoon. "As you remove items be sure to check for mold and expired foods. Toss anything suspect in the trash."

Anything you're keeping should be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth. Once the refrigerator is empty of food, beverages, and condiments, remove all of the shelves and drawers.

2. Clean the Shelves and Drawers

In a bucket, mix a solution of natural dish soap and warm water. Dip a clean sponge in the solution and scrub all sides of the drawers and shelves until clean. Rinse the compartments under running water to remove any soapy residue. Dry each of the shelves and bins with a microfiber cloth.

3. Clean the Interior

Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. "Spray down all surfaces of the interior and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a soft cloth," says Cohoon. Make sure to also spray the built-in side drawers of your refrigerator and any grooves, too.

After the solution is done sitting, use an old toothbrush to scrub the refrigerator clean. Use a wet sponge to remove the cleaning solution, then wipe the interior dry with a microfiber cloth. Return the shelves and drawers to the refrigerator.

4. Clean the Exterior

Check your refrigerator's manual before you clean the exterior; methods and instructions may vary. "However, a good rule of thumb is that warm water with a bit of mild dish soap is appropriate for any exterior," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds, a line of non-toxic, sustainable cleaning products.

If any streaks are left behind, spray the exterior with equal parts water and vinegar and buff them with a paper towel. "Microfiber towels may have debris that could scratch stainless steel," she says. Wipe the exterior dry after cleaning.

5. Clean the Gasket

Refrigerator gaskets collect quite a bit of grime; cleaning them regularly helps retains the appliance's seal, says Parnell. To clean the gasket, mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and and run it along the gasket's seam. Repeat until it is clean and dry with a microfiber cloth.

6. Clean the Coils

You should check your appliance's manual for instructions on how to clean and locate the coils. This step typically only needs to be done once a year. "The coils are responsible for keeping your refrigerator at the preferred temperature," says Parnell. "Dirty coils could lead to your fridge overworking leading to a higher electricity bill or lower lifespan for your fridge."

7. Clean Under the Refrigerator

Unplug your refrigerator and move it away from the wall. "Vacuum or sweep the floor under the fridge," says Cohoon. Wipe the floor with a mop dampened with an all-purpose cleaner, then wipe dry. Return your refrigerator to its original position and plug it back in.

8. Return Contents to Refrigerator

Once all of the components of your refrigerator have been cleaned, you can return any items you took out at the beginning. "Take this time to make any edits to your organization that will help you utilize sauces more or cut down on food waste by putting things like products front and center so you remember to use them," says Cohoon.

How to Remove Odors From Your Refrigerator

If any lingering odors persist in your refrigerator after cleaning it, there are two dependable ways to get rid of unwanted smells. "Our two favorite options for removing odors are baking soda and charcoal," says Parnell. "Either please a box or bowl of baking soda or one to two pieces of charcoal in a bowl in the back of the fridge. These will absorb any unwanted odors."

How to Maintain a Clean Refrigerator

Keep your refrigerator tidy in between deep cleans by following a few simple maintenance protocols.

• Wipe up any spills as they occur.
• Throw away any expired food items when restocking the fridge, says Parnell.  
• Rotate food to keep an eye on all items available. "This is also great for inspiring meal planning," says Parnell.
• Every time you restock your refrigerator tend to any areas that need visible cleaning.