Your refrigerator is arguably your most-used kitchen appliance—it’s always humming 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). We asked cleaning professionals for their best tips for how to keep your refrigerator sparkling clean.
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 airflow, and forgotten foods going bad and creating stenches,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids & A Mop. “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.
I’ve found that sticking to a weekly cleaning schedule really does cut down on those sneaky odors that can creep up when you least expect it. A quick scan for expired yogurt or that half-used jar of pickles can save you from a smelly surprise. Plus, regular cleaning can make a difference in your fridge’s energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a clean refrigerator runs more efficiently, potentially saving you a few bucks on your electricity bill over time. To make it easier, I like to tie my fridge cleanup to my weekly grocery run—it’s a natural time to toss out anything past its prime and wipe down shelves before restocking.
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
Having these items ready makes the whole process smoother, and I’ve learned the hard way that skipping something like a spray bottle can turn a quick clean into a hassle. A tip from my own kitchen: keep a dedicated “fridge cleaning kit” in a small caddy under the sink. It’s a time-saver, and you’re more likely to stick to cleaning if you don’t have to hunt for supplies. Also, using natural dish soap and vinegar isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s budget-friendly too. A bottle of distilled white vinegar costs about $2-3 and lasts for months, compared to pricier commercial cleaners that might not even be safe for your fridge’s surfaces.
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.
- Remove items from the refrigerator.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe out all crumbs and bits from the interior.
- Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar.
- Apply the paste to any stains (if you have them) and allow it to sit for up to five minutes.
- Use a damp sponge to wipe away the stain.
- In a bowl, mix hot water with a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe down all shelves and the interior of your refrigerator.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue. Then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe down the exterior with a surface-safe cleanser and be sure to disinfect the handle.
This weekly routine is a lifesaver for keeping things manageable. I’ve noticed that the baking soda-vinegar paste works like magic on stubborn stains, like that time I spilled marinara sauce and didn’t notice for a week. The science behind it is simple: the vinegar’s acidity breaks down grime, while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to lift it away. For the exterior, I always give the handle extra attention since it’s a germ hotspot—studies show refrigerator handles can harbor more bacteria than a kitchen sponge if not cleaned regularly. If you’re short on time, focus on the shelves and handle; those areas tend to get the dirtiest.
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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Clean the Gasket
Refrigerator gaskets collect quite a bit of grime; cleaning them regularly helps retain 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 run it along the gasket’s seam. Repeat until it is clean and dry with a microfiber cloth. - 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.” - 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. - 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.
Deep cleaning feels like a project, but it’s so worth it. I always set aside an hour every three months, usually on a quiet Sunday, to tackle this. One thing I’ve learned: don’t skip cleaning the gasket. A friend of mine had to replace her fridge seal because grime weakened it, costing her over $100. The vinegar-water mix for the interior is great because it’s non-toxic and kills bacteria—studies show vinegar can reduce up to 99% of common fridge bacteria like E. coli. For the coils, I use a vacuum with a brush attachment to avoid bending them, which can be a costly mistake. Also, when reorganizing, I group items by type (like all dairy together) to make meal prep faster and reduce food waste.
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 place 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.”
I’ve tried both baking soda and charcoal, and I lean toward charcoal—it seems to work faster, especially for strong smells like garlic or fish. A small bowl of activated charcoal costs about $5 and lasts for weeks, making it a cheap fix. The science here is that both materials are porous and trap odor molecules, neutralizing them over time. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the baking soda for a fresh scent, but be careful not to overdo it, as strong fragrances can linger. If odors keep coming back, check for hidden spills under drawers—those are often the culprits.
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.
These habits are game-changers for keeping your fridge in check. I’ve gotten into the habit of wiping spills right away with a damp cloth—it takes 30 seconds and prevents sticky messes. Rotating food is another trick I swear by; it’s how I rediscovered a jar of pesto that inspired a quick pasta dinner last week. According to the USDA, proper food rotation can cut down on food waste by up to 20%, which is good for your wallet and the planet. I also keep a small notepad on the fridge door to jot down items that are about to expire, so I can plan meals around them before they go bad.
