How to Clean a Fridge: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Fresh and Hygienic Refrigerator

A refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in every home. It keeps fresh fruits and vegetables, leftover meals, dairy items, and frozen foods at safe temperatures. Keeping it clean is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the appliance works efficiently. Over time, spills, expired food, and bacteria can accumulate inside the fridge, resulting in bad smells and possible health issues.

Knowing how to clean a fridge properly helps maintain food safety, extends the appliance’s lifespan, and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a refrigerator thoroughly, from shelves and drawers to door seals and the freezer.

Fridge cleaning isn’t just about appearances; regular maintenance plays a vital role in keeping your kitchen hygienic and your appliance efficient. A clean refrigerator helps prevent bacterial growth and food contamination, eliminates unpleasant odors, and ensures optimal cooling performance.

It also reduces wear and tear on the appliance, helping extend the life of your refrigerator while keeping food fresh for longer. Experts recommend deep cleaning your fridge every 3–4 weeks, along with quick weekly wipe-downs, to maintain cleanliness and efficiency consistently.

Many people rely on baking soda, vinegar, or lemon to clean refrigerators. While these methods can help with light cleaning, they may not effectively remove grease, sticky residues, or stubborn stains.

A refrigerator cleaner is specially formulated to:

• Be food-safe and non-toxic

• Remove grease, stains, and food residues

• Neutralize odors instead of making them

• Protect interior surfaces like plastic, glass, and rubber seals

Using a dedicated refrigerator cleaner ensures deep cleaning without damaging the appliance or leaving harmful residues behind.

Before you start, gather the following items:

• Refrigerator cleaning liquid or spray

• Microfiber cloth or soft sponge

• Warm water

• A small brush or toothbrush (for corners and seals)

• Dry cloth or paper towels

Having everything ready will make the process quick and efficient.

1. Switch Off and Empty the Refrigerator

Start by turning off the refrigerator or unplugging it for safety. Remove all food items and place perishable products in a cooler bag if needed. Check expiry dates and discard spoiled or expired food.

This step helps you clean every surface thoroughly without obstruction.

2. Remove Shelves, Trays and Drawers

Take out removable shelves, vegetable drawers, door trays, and racks. These parts often collect spills and sticky residues.

Wash them separately using warm water and a small amount of refrigerator cleaner. Avoid using hot water on glass shelves immediately, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.

3. Spray Refrigerator Cleaner Inside the Fridge

Spray the refrigerator cleaner evenly on the inner walls, shelves area and corners. Focus on areas with visible stains, dried spills, or sticky patches.

Let the cleaner sit for 2–5 minutes (as per product instructions) to break down grease and food residues.

4. Wipe Surfaces Thoroughly

Using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, gently wipe all interior surfaces. Work from top to bottom to avoid spreading dirt. Make sure you clean:

• Back panel

• Side walls

• Shelf grooves

• Door interiors

For stubborn stains, apply a little extra cleaner and wipe again.

5. Clean Rubber Door Seals Carefully

Rubber gaskets around the door trap moisture and crumbs, making them prone to mold growth. Use a toothbrush or small brush with a little refrigerator cleaner to clean these seals gently.

Wipe dry afterward to prevent moisture buildup.

6. Wash and Dry Removable Parts

Once the shelves and drawers are clean, rinse them with water and dry completely using a clean cloth. Moisture left behind can lead to odors or bacterial growth once placed back inside.

Reassemble all components only after they are fully dry.

7. Clean the Fridge Exterior (Optional but Recommended)

Use the refrigerator cleaner or a suitable surface cleaner to wipe the exterior door, handle, and sides. These areas collect fingerprints, grease, and dust.

For stainless steel finishes, wipe in the direction of the grain for a polished look.

8. Switch On and Restock the Refrigerator

Plug the refrigerator back in and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Arrange food items neatly, keeping raw and cooked food separate. Use airtight containers to avoid spills and odors in the future.

• Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains

• Store food in sealed containers

• Use fridge liners for drawers and shelves

• Keep an open box of baking soda for odor control

• Clean handles and door seals weekly

Regular maintenance reduces the effort needed during deep cleaning sessions.

• Weekly: Wipe spills and check for expired food

• Monthly: Deep clean shelves and interiors

• Quarterly: Clean freezer and door seals thoroughly

Regular maintenance keeps your refrigerator hygienic and efficient.

Keeping your fridge clean doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Knowing how to clean a fridge properly is essential for maintaining food safety, reducing energy consumption, and keeping your kitchen fresh. With simple tools and natural cleaning solutions, you can ensure your refrigerator stays clean, odor-free, and efficient all year round.

Choose the right refrigerator cleaner today and give your fridge the care it truly deserves.