In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the cleanliness of your refrigerator, the workhorse of your kitchen. Beneath its cool exterior lies a system that keeps your meat, fruits, veggies, and dairy fresh. From preventing microbial mischief and conquering bad odors to boosting energy efficiency, learn what you need to do to keep your fridge fresh.

Benefits of Regular Cleaning

• Reduces odors and maintains a pleasant kitchen environment
• Prevents cross-contamination of food
• Saves time and effort in the long run

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

• Liquid dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponge or soft brush
• Dry towels
• Toothbrush for crevices
• Vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristled coil brush

Remove the Contents of the Refrigerator

1. Transfer perishable items to a cooler to maintain freshness.
2. Discard Expired Items. We're not expiration date extremists, but take this as a moment to get rid of old sauces, salad dressings, and condiments that are way past-due.
3. Organize remaining items into similar groups for easy restocking.

Remove and Clean Drawers and Shelves

Unhooking the removable shelves and drawers is the best way to get at the inside of your refrigerator.

1. Wash everything. Depending on the manufacturer, most of the interior accessories should be easily removed and washed in the sink with hot water.
2. Dish soap and a clean sponge will handle grime buildup on most surfaces. Wash both sides of the plastic or glass shelves, submerge smaller door bins in the sink to soak sticky spills, and thoroughly wash the crisper drawers that store your fruits and vegetables.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean in crevices and along drawer tracks.
4. Set these accessories to the side and allow them to air dry on a dry cloth or towel.

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Clean the Inside Surfaces

While the shelves and drawers are drying, clean the empty inside of the refrigerator. This is your chance to clean all of the cavities that are usually occupied by bottles and jars.

• Use simple cleaning products. Using a damp cloth soaked in warm water and dish soap or a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution, wipe down all interior surfaces, including walls, shelves, and drawers. If your unit has non-removable shelves, make sure you clean those thoroughly, too.
• Sprinkle baking soda on stubborn buildup. It'll be abrasive enough to loosen tough stuck-on spills without leaving toxic cleaner inside your fridge. It's also the best option for handling bad smells, so if you've had a smelly mishap, make a paste of baking soda and warm water, dip a clean cloth into the solution, and use it to wipe down the inside of your fridge, just as you would with chemical cleaners.

Clean the Built-In Ice and Water Dispenser

Cleaning the ice and water dispenser helps maintain your clean water supply and prevents the growth of bacteria.

1. Turn off (or lock) the water dispenser
2. Remove and clean the drip tray. Use warm, soapy water to wash it in the sink. Let it air dry.
    
3. Clean the nozzle and dispenser area. Use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in white vinegar to clean the nozzle and the area around it. Pay attention to any nooks where food residue and crumbs might accumulate.
4. Wipe down exterior surfaces. Clean the exterior of the dispenser, including buttons and handles, using a damp, soapy cloth.
5. Replace drip tray and turn on. Once everything is dry, replace the drip tray and turn the water dispenser back on.
6. Replace the water filter
7. Flush the system. Dispense a cup of cold water to flush out any remaining cleaning solution or vinegar from the system.

Clean the Door Seals and Rubber Gaskets

Ensure a tight seal by cleaning the door seals and gaskets on your refrigerator. A tight seal will prevent cold air from escaping, and help your appliance work more efficiently (which also helps extend its lifespan).

1. Wipe down door gaskets with a mild detergent solution and hot water
2. Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas and crevices
3. All the while, inspect for any signs of wear, tears, or damage
4. Replace damaged gaskets promptly to maintain efficiency

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Clean the Exterior of the Fridge

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your refrigerator. Never use an abrasive cloth on a stainless steel refrigerator, and always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Matte, glossy, and enamel finishes require different needs. It's safest to use a damp microfiber cloth and mild dish soap when washing or drying your appliance to reduce the likelihood of scratches. Then, use a dry, soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Dry and Reassemble Removable Items

Ensure that the removable drawers and shelves are thoroughly dry before reassembly. This is your chance to adjust the positioning of the removable shelves and customize them for the height of the products and containers you use. Double-check that everything fits securely in its place before filling it back up.

Organize Items By Category

1. Place frequently used items at eye level for convenience
2. Organizing for future ease of cleaning
3. Group similar items together for a more organized fridge
4. Commit to storing near-expiry items in their own bin so you look to using them first

FAQs

How can you prevent smells in your clean refrigerator?

• Use baking soda. Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb bad odors. Replace it every 1-3 months for optimal effectiveness.
• Use activated charcoal. A packet of activated charcoal helps absorb smells. Replace it every month.
• Use coffee grounds. You might think this makes your fridge smell like the inside of a Starbucks, but coffee grounds help neutralize strong odors.
• Use vanilla extract. Place an uncovered jar with a tablespoon of vanilla extract on a shelf to mask unpleasant odors and leave a pleasant scent.

Should you clean behind the refrigerator?

Yes! Cleaning behind your fridge is a small effort with big benefits. Dirty coils can accumulate dust, hindering efficiency and increasing energy consumption. The area behind the fridge can also become a breeding ground for smells, a bit of mold, and pests. Furthermore, fire risks are minimized when condenser coils are free from dust.

To make this task more manageable, carefully roll the refrigerator forward to expose the plug and coils. Unplug it and use a soft-bristled coil cleaning brush and a vacuum cleaner to clean refrigerator coils and the surrounding area. Check and clean drip pans if applicable, then roll the fridge back in place until it's 2-4" from the wall.

How do you clean the freezer?

1. To clean your freezer, start by sorting the frozen items. Discard old or expired items, and move the rest to a cooler. If you live in a cold climate, use Mother Nature's cold temperatures to your advantage!
2. Remove shelves, drawers, and ice trays
3. Defrost if needed by turning off, unplugging, and allowing ice to melt. Yes, this takes some time!
4. Clean removable parts with soapy water, rinse, and air dry.
5. Wipe interior surfaces. Use a damp cloth and cleaning solution, paying attention to corners.
6. Reassemble dry parts, plug in, and turn on the freezer.
7. Organize the contents back into the freezer. Placing similar items together for easy access.