How to Clean a Refrigerator: A Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Guide

Refrigerators are essential household appliances that house unlimited recipes, dairy products, leftovers, and more. However, they are often overlooked during regular clean-ups, making a once gradual task to be a grueling process. If you’re stumped about how to clean a refrigerator, you’re on the right track!

How to clean a refrigerator: Prepping Your Fridge

Clear out Your refrigerator

The first step to clean a refrigerator is to remove all food items. Check the expiration dates and toss expired food. For unexpired food, transfer it to a cooler filled with ice packs, so they remain fresh while you clean.

Remove Removable Drawers and Shelves

Afterwards, remove the refrigerator shelves, removable drawers, and racks. Be careful with glass shelves – sudden heat changes could cause them to crack.

Deep Cleaning of Refrigerator Interior

Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with hot water in a spray bottle. For tough stains and bad odors, you can use a homemade vinegar solution – equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Baking soda is another reliable alternative to dish soap; dissolve 2 tablespoons in a quart of hot water.

Scrub the fridge Interior

Spray the soapy water or vinegar solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub away the food residue using a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, apply baking soda directly, let it sit, then scrub.

Clean the Door Seals

Next, clean the rubber gasket around the fridge door. Use a clean cloth soaked in soapy water to remove crumbs and stains that prevent a tight seal. Remember always to dry with a clean towel to avoid trapping moisture that leads to mold. For more tips on maintaining cleanliness in hard-to-reach areas, see how to clean under a very low bed.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Clean outer surfaces and the water dispenser with a damp cloth and a few drops of dish soap. For stainless steel refrigerators, use a soft cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints, then buff with a dry cloth. Make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain for the best results. If you’re also interested in cleaning other kitchen surfaces, how to clean a kitchen sink offers additional tips.

Unplug and Vacuum

For safety, unplug your fridge before you clean the refrigerator coils. Then, using a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment, gently clean away dust and hair. This task makes your refrigerator more energy efficient. To keep your home free from pests that might affect your appliances, consider pest control measures.

Final Cleaning Steps

Hand wash all the shelves and drawers you removed earlier with warm soapy water. Rinse well to avoid fridge odors caused by soap residue, and let them completely dry. Finally, wipe down the fridge interior with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture. For a more comprehensive approach to home maintenance, you might find how to clean a refrigerator useful.

Return the dry drawers and shelves to their original place, and then restock the food, making sure to wipe any containers or bottles with a damp cloth to minimize future cleaning.

Venturing into how to clean a refrigerator might seem daunting, but with the above steps and the right cleaning products, this task becomes easier. Regular cleaning keeps your fridge free from bad odors and bacteria, making it a safe space for your food. For more detailed information on maintaining cleanliness throughout your home, consider reading about DIY cleaning solutions. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for extra advice on cleaning specific parts of your refrigerator model.