Ultimate Hacks for Cleaning Your Fridge Inside and Out

Keeping your fridge clean is essential for food safety, freshness, and overall kitchen hygiene. Yet, many people find cleaning their fridge a daunting task. With spills, stains, and odors, it can quickly become overwhelming. This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow hacks to clean your fridge thoroughly, both inside and out, making the process faster and more effective.

A spotless fridge interior with neatly arranged food items

Prepare Your Fridge for Cleaning

Before you start scrubbing, preparation is key. Begin by unplugging your fridge or turning it off to save energy and avoid electrical hazards. Next, remove all food items. This is a great opportunity to check expiration dates and toss anything spoiled or no longer needed.

Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh during cleaning. Remove all detachable shelves, drawers, and bins. These parts can be soaked and cleaned separately, which makes cleaning the fridge interior easier.

Use the Right Cleaning Solutions For the Interior

Avoid harsh chemicals that can leave residues or damage your fridge surfaces. Instead, use natural and effective cleaning solutions:

• Baking soda and water: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. This solution cleans and deodorizes without leaving a strong smell.

• White vinegar: Dilute equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar cuts grease and kills bacteria.

• Mild dish soap: For tough stains, a few drops of dish soap in warm water can help break down grime.

  
  

Note: Test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Clean Removable Parts Thoroughly

Soak shelves, drawers, and bins in warm, soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot, spray them with a mix of vinegar, dish soap and water and leave on for a few minutes. I personally like to place the bins in the kitchen sink or place them on a cotton towel on the kitchen counter rather than bring them into the bathtub. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away sticky residues. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and scrub gently. Rinse with clean water and dry completely before putting them back.

If your fridge has glass shelves, handle them carefully to avoid cracks or chips. Drying these parts thoroughly prevents water spots and mold growth.

Deep Clean the Fridge Interior

Wipe down the fridge interior with your spray bottle mix of vinegar, dish soap and water solution. Pay special attention to corners, door seals, and crevices where dirt and spills accumulate. Use an old toothbrush or small soft bristle brush to clean tight spaces.

For persistent odors, place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge after cleaning. Baking soda absorbs smells and keeps the fridge smelling fresh.

Clean the Fridge Door and Exterior

There are different fridge surface types, the two common household ones are enamel or stainless steel.

You must clean each fridge differently or the wrong cleaner or method of cleaning can scratch and damage the surface, and eat away the protective coating. Even paper towel can scratch!

Note: It is crucial to let your cleaner know the type of stainless steel you have and be prepared to have the correct cleaner on hand.

The exterior surface of a white fridge is made of sheet metal that has been coated with a baked on enamel or powder coat paint, which is rust resistant and easy to wipe clean. The smudges and drops of food or drink are usually easy to wipe off with a solution of soap and water. Never use a scratch sponge of any kind or brush to clean the surface of stuck on debris.

The exterior surface of a stainless steel fridge is a metal alloy that is often finished with a clear protective coat or a fingerprint resistant polymer coat. These two factors determine the proper way to clean each surface and what type of cleaning solution to use.

Maintain Your Fridge Cleanliness

Keeping your fridge clean doesn’t have to be a big chore every time. Here are some simple habits to maintain cleanliness:

• Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains and odors.

• Organize food in clear containers to avoid leaks and make cleaning easier.

• Check expiration dates weekly and remove old items.

• Clean the fridge interior every 3 to 4 months.

• Replace the baking soda box every 3 months to keep odors at bay.

  
  

Tips for Handling Tough Stains and Odors

Some fridge stains and smells can be stubborn. Here are hacks to tackle them effectively:

• Sticky spills: Use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to loosen sticky residues before wiping.

• Mold or mildew: Clean affected areas with a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach in 1 quart of water. Rinse well and dry completely.

• Strong odors: Place activated charcoal or coffee grounds in an open container inside the fridge to absorb smells.

• Ice buildup: Defrost your fridge regularly if it’s not frost-free to prevent ice buildup that makes cleaning harder.

• Regulate temperature settings: The weather outside often affects the fridge temperature, having a fridge thermometer prevents food spoilage from freezing or being too warm.

  
  

Organize Your Fridge for Easy Cleaning

A well-organized fridge is easier to clean and helps food stay fresh longer. Use these organization tips:

• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid drips contaminating other foods.

• Use clear bins or containers to group similar items.

• Label leftovers with dates to track freshness.

• Keep frequently used items at eye level for quick access.

• Avoid overcrowding to allow air circulation and reduce spills.

  
  

When to Call a Professional

If your fridge has persistent mechanical issues, mold growth inside hard-to-reach areas, or severe odors that don’t go away, consider calling a professional appliance cleaner or technician. They can safely deep clean and inspect your fridge to ensure it works efficiently.

Note: These are suggestions only from Accent On Clean. As a home owner you are responsible for finding out the correct cleaning solutions for your fridge exterior to relay that information to the cleaner and to supply the product for your cleaner.