How to Clean a Fridge - And How Often You Need to Do It

How to Clean and Disinfect a Refrigerator

Posted: 1 month ago

Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator may not be the most fun activity, but it’s an important part of keeping your family healthy and your fridge running smoothly for years to come. The simple, if unglamorous, act of wiping down your refrigerator’s shelves, drawers and interior walls significantly reduces fridge odors, stains, and bacteria that can spoil food.

Read on to learn how to clean your refrigerator and how often you should give it a deep clean, too.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?

Most manufacturers and health experts recommend deep-cleaning your fridge seasonally, about 4 times a year. This consistent routine is a smart way to not only disinfect your refrigerator but also keep it organized and address any stains you missed.

How to Clean the Inside of a Fridge

Start by choosing a safe cleaning product that won’t damage your fridge’s interior walls or shelving. Always check your owner’s manual for recommendations, but you can usually use common household cleaning products or natural alternatives, including:

Vinegar
Baking soda
Hot soapy water

There are also specialty refrigerator cleaning products available, but those are usually only necessary if you’re dealing with a very dirty or potentially moldy fridge. Never use bleach; even diluted, it’s often too harsh for the materials used in your fridge’s interior.

Cleaning Your Fridge, Step-by-Step

Once you unplug your fridge, it’s time to get into it!

Start by removing all your food, plus shelves and drawers. Use this time to check the expiration date on every food or beverage item, and toss or recycle everything that has spoiled.
Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. Using a damp cloth and soapy water, wipe down the fixed shelving, walls, and the inside of the doors. You can use vinegar or baking soda to address stuck-on food and spills.
Wipe down the drawers and shelving before you put them back into the fridge. Make sure all the surfaces are dry, then replace the food.
Clean your refrigerator’s condenser coils. Cleaning the condenser coils helps regulate your fridge’s temperature, reducing the risk of failure and energy waste. Your coils are usually accessible under the fridge; remove the front grille and use a vacuum to pick up any debris that may be clogging them.

How to Clean the Outside of a Fridge

After you remove all of your kids’ artwork and your souvenir magnets (we all have them!), it’s time to wipe the outside of the fridge.

Use a clean, damp cloth and soapy water. Wipe down the entire surface.
To clean a stainless steel refrigerator, use a specialty stainless steel cleaner to avoid streaks or residue. As always, check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.
Dry the surface with a clean, dry cloth

Why Does My Fridge Smell?

Smelly, stinky fridges are usually the result of spoiled food, a dirty drip pan, or mold and mildew on the door seals.

Removing spoiled food immediately and wiping up food spills is the best way to avoid foul odors.
Drain pans can sometimes collect spilled liquids, which are then broken down by bacteria. Here’s a great guide to show you how to clean your refrigerator drain pan from one of our favorite brands, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
Door seals can sometimes trap moisture, leading to bacterial growth. Wipe these rubber seals with a damp cloth to address the problem.

Regular cleaning and proactive maintenance are great ways to extend the functional lifespan of a fridge, reducing the need to repair or replace your fridge earlier than expected.

Your Local Refrigerator Experts

Max’s Service is a locally owned appliance store located in beautiful downtown Traverse City. We’re proud to help Northern Michigan families find the appliances they need and keep the appliances they have working perfectly. Shop our selection of refrigerators from top brands at our showroom, or schedule service with our expert team today!

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Max's Service

135 East State Street
Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone:(231) 947-6830 (231) 947-6830

Store Hours

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Sales 8:30am-6pm
Office and Parts 8am-5pm
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