10/5 Way to Clean Your Fridge: A Complete Guide

Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home, keeping your food fresh and safe to eat. 

However, without regular cleaning, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, odors, and grime. 

A well-maintained fridge not only improves food safety but also enhances energy efficiency and prolongs the life of the appliance. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the best way to clean your refrigerator, the common mistakes to avoid, and the safest natural cleaners to keep it fresh and hygienic. Follow these simple steps to ensure your fridge stays spotless, odor-free, and organized.

The Best Way to Clean Your Fridge

To keep your refrigerator in top condition, follow these step-by-step cleaning instructions:

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before starting the cleaning process, ensure you have the following supplies:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Microfiber cloths or sponges
• A toothbrush or small scrub brush
• A dry towel
• A trash bag
• Storage containers for perishable items

2. Empty the Refrigerator

Begin by removing all food items from the refrigerator. Sort through everything and discard expired, spoiled, or moldy food. Place perishable items, such as dairy and meats, in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh while you clean.

3. Remove Shelves and Drawers

Carefully take out all removable shelves, drawers, and racks. Allow them to reach room temperature before washing to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.

4. Wash Shelves and Drawers

Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean the shelves and drawers. For stubborn stains, soak them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.

5. Wipe Down Interior Surfaces

Mix a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar or a tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the fridge. Pay special attention to areas with spills and stains. For stubborn grime, let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.

6. Clean the Fridge Seals and Gasket

The rubber door seal can trap dirt and food particles, leading to poor sealing and reduced efficiency. 

Wipe it down with a mixture of vinegar and water using a soft cloth or an old toothbrush. Dry it thoroughly to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean the Exterior

For stainless steel refrigerators, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap or a specialized stainless steel cleaner. 

Wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. If your fridge has a water dispenser, clean the nozzle with a small brush or cotton swab dipped in vinegar.

8. Dry and Reassemble

Once everything is clean and dry, reinsert the shelves and drawers. Make sure they are properly aligned and secured.

9. Organize Food Items

Before returning food to the fridge, wipe down bottles and containers to prevent spills and contamination. Group similar items together, keeping raw meats on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination. Store leftovers in airtight containers and label them with dates to track freshness.

10. Maintain Regular Cleaning

To keep your fridge clean, wipe up spills immediately, check for expired food weekly, and deep clean the refrigerator every 3 to 6 months.

What Should Be Avoided in Cleaning a Refrigerator?

While cleaning your fridge, there are certain things to avoid to prevent damage or contamination:

1. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Never use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals inside your fridge. These chemicals can leave behind strong odors and residue that may contaminate food.

2. Do Not Use Abrasive Scrubbers

Avoid steel wool, rough sponges, or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the interior surfaces of the refrigerator and damage stainless steel exteriors.

3. Never Use Hot Water on Cold Glass Shelves

Sudden temperature changes can cause glass shelves to crack. Let them warm up to room temperature before washing with warm water.

4. Do Not Ignore the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge should be vacuumed or dusted regularly to ensure optimal cooling efficiency.

5. Avoid Overloading the Fridge After Cleaning

Once your fridge is clean, avoid stuffing it with too many items. Overloading can block air circulation, causing temperature fluctuations and food spoilage.

The Best Natural Cleaner for a Refrigerator

Using natural cleaning solutions is safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. Here are the best natural cleaners for a refrigerator:

1. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful natural disinfectant that cuts through grease and eliminates odors. 

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is excellent for removing odors and scrubbing stubborn stains. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a quart of water and use it to clean shelves, drawers, and walls.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has antibacterial properties and leaves a fresh scent. Mix it with water or vinegar for a natural, fragrant cleaner.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to harsh chemicals for sanitizing your fridge. Use a diluted solution to clean and disinfect surfaces.

5. Essential Oils

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to a vinegar or baking soda solution can enhance cleaning power while leaving a pleasant scent.

Store Cleaning in Your Home

Make sure to extend these cleaning habits throughout your home, regularly maintaining your appliances, surfaces, storage areas, and store cleaning to ensure a hygienic and organized living space. 

This includes your refrigerator, pantry, shelves, and food storage, keeping everything fresh and safe. 

Maintaining cleanliness in all areas helps create a healthier environment and prevents dust, bacteria, and odors.

How to Keep Your Fridge Smelling Fresh

• Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. Replace it every 3 months.
• Use activated charcoal in a small container to neutralize strong smells.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds in a bowl to absorb bad odors.
• Store food properly in sealed containers to prevent spills and cross-contamination.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent bacteria and odors from forming.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is crucial for food safety energy efficiency and overall kitchen hygiene. 

By following these simple steps and using natural cleaning solutions you can maintain a fresh odor free fridge without harsh chemicals. 

Remember to avoid common cleaning mistakes and incorporate routine maintenance to keep your refrigerator in top condition. 

A clean fridge not only looks great but also ensures that your food stays fresh and safe for consumption.