How to Clean Your Fridge: A Step-by-Step Guide
A fridge clean takes about 60–90 minutes and saves you money: a clean, organized fridge reduces food waste, helps you find what you have, and prevents that mystery smell that even baking soda can't fix.
What You'll Need
- 2 large coolers or a clean countertop
- Warm soapy water (dish soap is fine)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar in a spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- Old toothbrush
- Cooler or large bin for fridge contents
Step 1: Empty Everything Out
Yes, everything. Use this as an opportunity to triage. Expired? Compost or trash. Won't be eaten? Compost or trash. Coolers help keep cold items cold while you work.
Step 2: Remove All Shelves and Drawers
Take out every shelf, drawer, and door bin. Let glass shelves come to room temperature for 10 minutes before washing — cold glass shatters in hot water.
Step 3: Wash Shelves and Drawers
Wash everything in the sink with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Tough stuck-on bits? Apply baking soda paste, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior
Use a soft cloth with warm soapy water to wipe every surface inside the empty fridge. Pay extra attention to:
- Door seals (use the toothbrush)
- The drip tray under the crisper drawers
- The back wall (drips collect here)
- Door bins where bottles sit (sticky spots)
Step 5: Tackle Smells
If there's a lingering smell, wipe the interior with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water. Then place an open box of baking soda inside (replace every 1–3 months for ongoing odour control).
Step 6: Clean the Exterior
Stainless steel exteriors: wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with vinegar or stainless steel polish. Plastic and painted exteriors: warm soapy water.
Step 7: Don't Forget the Coils
This is the step everyone skips. The condenser coils on the back or bottom of your fridge collect dust, which forces the fridge to work harder and shortens its life. Once or twice a year, unplug the fridge, pull it out, and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment.
Step 8: Reload Strategically
As you put food back, organize by zone:
- Top shelves — leftovers and ready-to-eat foods
- Middle shelves — dairy and deli
- Bottom shelves — raw meat (sealed, to prevent drips on other food)
- Crisper drawers — produce (separate fruits from veg)
- Doors — condiments and drinks (warmest spot, so no dairy)
How Often?
Deep clean every 3 months. Quick wipe-down weekly. Spot-clean spills immediately — the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
Want Us to Do It?
Our deep cleaning service includes a full fridge clean inside and out. Call 306-700-6576.