How to Deep-clean Your Fridge
This comprehensive guide will keep your refrigerator clean and odour-free
Bonnie McCarthy
16 October 2016
Houzz Contributor. Style anthropologist, freelance writer and photographer with a passion for design and living with style.
Join me on the adventure at ThisAmericanHome.blogspot.com, and follow me on Houzz!
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Until you find your kitchen invaded by a UFO (Unidentified Foul Odour), it’s easy to take a clean-smelling fridge for granted. But the perks of keeping one of the hardest-working home appliances in top shape go beyond eliminating unwanted ‘science projects’ and unsavoury smells.
“There are many reasons a refrigerator needs to be kept clean,” says Meg Roberts, president of housekeeping service Molly Maid. “A clean refrigerator can keep food fresh for a longer period of time. Due to the moisture in the fridge, cross contamination can easily occur, so it’s necessary to take precautions. Plus, a stuffed fridge means some items are hidden away, causing food to go to waste.”
In short, a clean fridge not only looks and smells better, it also functions more efficiently and can ultimately save you money. Here’s how to get it into tip-top shape.
“There are many reasons a refrigerator needs to be kept clean,” says Meg Roberts, president of housekeeping service Molly Maid. “A clean refrigerator can keep food fresh for a longer period of time. Due to the moisture in the fridge, cross contamination can easily occur, so it’s necessary to take precautions. Plus, a stuffed fridge means some items are hidden away, causing food to go to waste.”
In short, a clean fridge not only looks and smells better, it also functions more efficiently and can ultimately save you money. Here’s how to get it into tip-top shape.
Clean living
Roberts recommends doing a top-to-bottom deep clean of the fridge every season, but at the bare minimum twice a year.
To begin, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the mains. Although plastic shelves and drawers can be washed with hot water and washing-up liquid while still cold, glass and ceramic parts have the potential to crack if not allowed to come to room temperature.
Empty the contents of the fridge. Throw out food that’s past its sell-by-date, dubious leftovers and food that’s no longer fresh.
Roberts recommends doing a top-to-bottom deep clean of the fridge every season, but at the bare minimum twice a year.
To begin, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the mains. Although plastic shelves and drawers can be washed with hot water and washing-up liquid while still cold, glass and ceramic parts have the potential to crack if not allowed to come to room temperature.
Empty the contents of the fridge. Throw out food that’s past its sell-by-date, dubious leftovers and food that’s no longer fresh.
Pretty on the inside
Next, remove empty shelves and drawers and set them aside.
Working from top to bottom, wipe down the fridge interior with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with one litre of hot water. “This solution will not leave behind a scent,” Roberts says. “Many people just reach for common detergent, but that doesn’t always work as well, and it leaves behind a scent that can be unwanted on kitchen appliances.”
For sticky or stubborn spills that have crystallised, increase the elbow grease using a non-abrasive scrubbing tool or lay warm, wet paper towels or cloths over the area for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen whatever’s on there.
Next, remove empty shelves and drawers and set them aside.
Working from top to bottom, wipe down the fridge interior with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with one litre of hot water. “This solution will not leave behind a scent,” Roberts says. “Many people just reach for common detergent, but that doesn’t always work as well, and it leaves behind a scent that can be unwanted on kitchen appliances.”
For sticky or stubborn spills that have crystallised, increase the elbow grease using a non-abrasive scrubbing tool or lay warm, wet paper towels or cloths over the area for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen whatever’s on there.
Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of the door and hard-to-reach crevices that trap dirt and crumbs. Keep an old toothbrush on hand for cleaning awkward nooks and seams.
Since bulky drawers and shelves can be slippery when wet, consider wearing washing-up gloves for a better grip. Then, using either the baking soda solution or mild washing-up liquid and water, wash and dry the shelves and drawers.
Once the interior and the drawers and shelves are dry, replace everything, including the food, and turn the power back on.
Since bulky drawers and shelves can be slippery when wet, consider wearing washing-up gloves for a better grip. Then, using either the baking soda solution or mild washing-up liquid and water, wash and dry the shelves and drawers.
Once the interior and the drawers and shelves are dry, replace everything, including the food, and turn the power back on.
Dirty trick
“It’s common to forget to clean the items inside the refrigerator,” Roberts says. “When emptying out the fridge for a deep clean, make sure you take a damp microfibre cloth and wipe down the bottom and outside of any jars, dressings or other items.”
Roberts says another area that’s often overlooked is the rubber seal on the door. She suggests wiping it down with a microfibre cloth. Keeping the seal in good condition improves the effectiveness of the appliance, reduces the energy bill and lengthens the life of the fridge.
“It’s common to forget to clean the items inside the refrigerator,” Roberts says. “When emptying out the fridge for a deep clean, make sure you take a damp microfibre cloth and wipe down the bottom and outside of any jars, dressings or other items.”
Roberts says another area that’s often overlooked is the rubber seal on the door. She suggests wiping it down with a microfibre cloth. Keeping the seal in good condition improves the effectiveness of the appliance, reduces the energy bill and lengthens the life of the fridge.
Ice, ice baby
“Freezers need to be kept in top shape just like refrigerators,” Roberts says, “and because the freezer is a place for long-term storage, it often becomes more packed than the fridge. We recommend cleaning the freezer as often as the refrigerator, and the same steps apply.”
If you’re in a housekeeping mood, check out how to clean tile grout
“Freezers need to be kept in top shape just like refrigerators,” Roberts says, “and because the freezer is a place for long-term storage, it often becomes more packed than the fridge. We recommend cleaning the freezer as often as the refrigerator, and the same steps apply.”
If you’re in a housekeeping mood, check out how to clean tile grout
Quick fix
For between cleanings, Roberts offers this tip: “To keep a clean-smelling fridge, place a small amount of coffee beans on a plate [inside the appliance] overnight. The coffee beans will soak up and mask any bad smells.” Another reason to love coffee.
An open box of baking soda inside the fridge is a similar solution. Just be sure to write the date on the box and swap it for a fresh one every 30 days for optimal effectiveness.
See more ecofriendly tips and tricks for cleaning your home
For between cleanings, Roberts offers this tip: “To keep a clean-smelling fridge, place a small amount of coffee beans on a plate [inside the appliance] overnight. The coffee beans will soak up and mask any bad smells.” Another reason to love coffee.
An open box of baking soda inside the fridge is a similar solution. Just be sure to write the date on the box and swap it for a fresh one every 30 days for optimal effectiveness.
See more ecofriendly tips and tricks for cleaning your home
Drip-pan protocol
Some fridges have a removable drip pan, located on the bottom of the appliance just above the condenser coils. You can determine if you have one by removing the front grille and checking with a torch. This feature is designed to collect condensation and prevent it from hitting the coils or the floor.
Warning If you do have a drip pan but have never (or rarely) cleaned it, there’s a good possibility it may be mouldy and in need of cleaning. Depending on how squeamish you are, you might consider wearing gloves.
After pulling out the drip pan, clean it with detergent or a suitable cleanser, and dry thoroughly.
Before replacing the pan, you may want to use a vacuum attachment to clear out accumulated dust.
Some fridges have a removable drip pan, located on the bottom of the appliance just above the condenser coils. You can determine if you have one by removing the front grille and checking with a torch. This feature is designed to collect condensation and prevent it from hitting the coils or the floor.
Warning If you do have a drip pan but have never (or rarely) cleaned it, there’s a good possibility it may be mouldy and in need of cleaning. Depending on how squeamish you are, you might consider wearing gloves.
After pulling out the drip pan, clean it with detergent or a suitable cleanser, and dry thoroughly.
Before replacing the pan, you may want to use a vacuum attachment to clear out accumulated dust.
Cleaning coils
And speaking of vacuuming, refrigerator coils attract dust like a magnet and are vital to peak performance. Appliance manufacturer GE says if the refrigerator is running cold, but not cold enough, dusty condenser coils may be the culprit.
In fact, GE notes that homes with pets that shed hair, or in areas that are particularly dusty, condenser coils collect dust more quickly.
Here’s GE’s advice for getting coils clean:
First unplug the fridge to minimise the possibility of electric shock.
If the coils are on the bottom: Remove the base grille if necessary and use a refrigerator coil brush (you can find them online and at shops that sell appliances), then sweep or vacuum up any dirt and dust on the floor. Replace the grille and plug the appliance back in.
If the coils are at the back: Move the fridge away from the wall carefully and wipe away accumulated dirt and dust. Sweep or vacuum up anything that fell on the floor. Finally move the fridge back into place, being careful to avoid running over cords or tubing, and plug it back in.
If the coils are on top: For built-in appliances, disconnect the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker, then raise the grille panel at the top of the refrigerator. Be warned: the condenser fins have sharp edges. Wear a protective long-sleeved shirt and gloves for safety.
If you have a model with the condenser coils located at the very back of the machine behind the compressor, you will have to reach through the middle with a soft bristle brush to loosen dust and lint on the condenser fins, then use a vacuum hose to remove the dirt. When you’re done, restore the power.
If you have misplaced the owner’s manual for your refrigerator, check the manufacturer’s website to see if there are specific directions for your model.
And speaking of vacuuming, refrigerator coils attract dust like a magnet and are vital to peak performance. Appliance manufacturer GE says if the refrigerator is running cold, but not cold enough, dusty condenser coils may be the culprit.
In fact, GE notes that homes with pets that shed hair, or in areas that are particularly dusty, condenser coils collect dust more quickly.
Here’s GE’s advice for getting coils clean:
First unplug the fridge to minimise the possibility of electric shock.
If the coils are on the bottom: Remove the base grille if necessary and use a refrigerator coil brush (you can find them online and at shops that sell appliances), then sweep or vacuum up any dirt and dust on the floor. Replace the grille and plug the appliance back in.
If the coils are at the back: Move the fridge away from the wall carefully and wipe away accumulated dirt and dust. Sweep or vacuum up anything that fell on the floor. Finally move the fridge back into place, being careful to avoid running over cords or tubing, and plug it back in.
If the coils are on top: For built-in appliances, disconnect the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker, then raise the grille panel at the top of the refrigerator. Be warned: the condenser fins have sharp edges. Wear a protective long-sleeved shirt and gloves for safety.
If you have a model with the condenser coils located at the very back of the machine behind the compressor, you will have to reach through the middle with a soft bristle brush to loosen dust and lint on the condenser fins, then use a vacuum hose to remove the dirt. When you’re done, restore the power.
If you have misplaced the owner’s manual for your refrigerator, check the manufacturer’s website to see if there are specific directions for your model.
The big finish
Finally, wipe down the outside of the refrigerator from top to bottom.
On a fridge with an enamelled steel surface, wipe it down with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, or a fresh mixture of the baking soda and water solution used earlier.
For stainless-steel surfaces, Roberts says, “Dab a few drops of baby oil on a clean microfibre cloth and rub the surface along the grain.”
What process do you use to clean your fridge? Let us know in the Comments below.
Finally, wipe down the outside of the refrigerator from top to bottom.
On a fridge with an enamelled steel surface, wipe it down with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, or a fresh mixture of the baking soda and water solution used earlier.
For stainless-steel surfaces, Roberts says, “Dab a few drops of baby oil on a clean microfibre cloth and rub the surface along the grain.”
What process do you use to clean your fridge? Let us know in the Comments below.
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The only thing one could ever add? It's nearing the cook and bake of a major holiday. Yeah..... time for a sparkly fridge . Again. Read the entire thread and laughed aloud. Again.
how does time fly so fast that you have a little spill in the frig and then it becomes gray concrete or that thing in the frig container with no label gets pushed out of the way and next time you look it is fuzzy and you can't remember what it was in the beginning! Labels that are dissolvable have been a lifesaver. We still have some lost souls that are little dried nuggets...but the team is getting better. Having a composter help to lessen the guilt of waste too...not a lot but a little!