How to Clean a Refrigerator Inside and Out

Your refrigerator holds your food, so keeping it clean matters. Spills, sticky drips and forgotten leftovers can cause bad smells and bacteria growth. A deep clean every month or two keeps it fresh.

What You'll Need

• A cooler or bag for food
• Warm water and dish soap
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• An old toothbrush

Step 1: Empty the Fridge

Take everything out. Put perishables in a cooler. Throw away expired food.

Step 2: Remove Shelves and Drawers

Take out removable shelves and drawers. Let glass shelves come to room temperature before washing in warm water to avoid cracking.

Step 3: Wash Shelves and Drawers

Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Wipe the walls, ceiling and floor of the fridge. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes without leaving a chemical smell.

Step 5: Clean the Door Seals

Wipe the rubber gaskets with warm soapy water and a toothbrush. Dirt in the seals can stop the door from closing tightly.

Step 6: Put Everything Back

Wipe jars and bottles as you return them. Group similar items together.

Step 7: Clean the Outside

Wipe the handles and front. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain.

Step 8: Clean the Coils

Once or twice a year, unplug the fridge and vacuum the condenser coils (usually behind or under the fridge). Clean coils help it run efficiently.

Keep It Fresh

• Keep an open box of baking soda inside, and replace it every 3 months.
• Wipe spills right away.
• Do a quick clean-out of old food every week.

FAQ

How often should I clean the fridge? Wipe spills immediately, clean out food weekly and deep clean every 1–2 months.

Can I use bleach inside the fridge? It's not necessary. Baking soda and dish soap are safer around food.