7 Quick Ways to Clean Your Refrigerator’s Interior Surface

Have you ever opened your refrigerator and been hit with an unpleasant odor or seen stains that make you wonder how long it’s been since you last cleaned it? If so, you’re not alone! A fridge is an essential kitchen appliance, but it can easily become a breeding ground for spills, stains, and bacteria. Keeping it clean not only ensures your food stays fresh but also promotes a hygienic environment that will keep your kitchen smelling great.

Cleaning your refrigerator’s interior may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking just a little time every few weeks, you can keep your fridge spotless and prevent any unwanted odors or bacteria buildup. With a few simple tools and the right techniques, you’ll restore your fridge’s cleanliness and efficiency in no time.

In this post, we will go over seven quick, effective ways to clean the interior surfaces of your fridge. Whether it’s cleaning the shelves, tackling stubborn odors, or maintaining energy efficiency, these tips will help you keep your fridge in tip-top shape. Let’s dive in!

1. Empty the Refrigerator and Sort the Items

Cleaning your refrigerator always starts with emptying it out. Although it might seem like a hassle, this is one of the most important steps to take before starting the cleaning process. You’ll be able to clean every corner without worrying about making a mess on your food. Plus, it’s an opportunity to get rid of expired items and organize your fridge.

Why Sorting Is Important

• Check for expired food: One of the main reasons fridges start to smell is because of expired food items that go unnoticed. Take the time to go through every shelf and discard any food that’s past its expiration date. Look for items that might be forgotten at the back, like sauces or opened jars.
• Organize the contents: As you remove everything, it’s a good time to reorganize your fridge. Put items that need to be used soon in the front, and group similar items together. This will make it easier for you to access everything and will prevent unnecessary waste.
• Prevent cross-contamination: This step also helps prevent cross-contamination between raw foods, leftovers, and other items in the fridge. If you have meat or fish in your fridge, it’s especially important to ensure that it doesn’t drip or spill onto ready-to-eat items.

How to Empty Your Fridge Effectively

• Have a cooler ready: If you have a lot of perishable items, place them in a cooler or on the counter temporarily to keep them fresh while you clean the fridge.
• Check every drawer and shelf: Don’t forget to check under the shelves or in the crisper drawers for hidden spills or forgotten food.

Once the fridge is empty, it’s time to start the cleaning process.

2. Clean Shelves and Drawers Thoroughly

The next step is to clean the shelves and drawers inside your refrigerator. These areas tend to get dirty quickly, as spills and crumbs accumulate from everyday use. The best part is that most refrigerator shelves and drawers can be easily removed for a deeper clean.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers

• Remove shelves and drawers: Most refrigerators have removable shelves, trays, and drawers. Carefully take them out and set them aside for cleaning. If they are particularly sticky, let them soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any residue.
• Scrub with soap and water: Fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the shelves and drawers, focusing on sticky spots and stains. If you encounter stubborn marks, use a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water) to scrub them away gently.
• Rinse and dry: Once the shelves and drawers are clean, rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue. Use a clean towel or cloth to dry them before returning them to the fridge. This helps prevent water spots and ensures they are dry before storing food.

Extra Tip

• If your shelves are glass, avoid drastic temperature changes (e.g., placing hot water on them) to prevent cracking. Let them cool before placing them back inside the fridge.

Why Clean Shelves and Drawers

• Prevents bacteria growth: Leftover food or spills can harbor bacteria that spread across the fridge, so cleaning these areas ensures that your fridge stays hygienic.
• Improves fridge efficiency: Cleaning these parts makes it easier to organize your food. Clean shelves provide a better foundation for stacking, preventing overcrowding and improving airflow within the fridge.

3. Wipe Down the Interior Walls

The walls of your fridge are just as susceptible to spills, splashes, and condensation as the shelves. Cleaning these surfaces is a crucial part of the process, as it eliminates food residues and prevents odors from accumulating.

How to Clean Refrigerator Walls

• Make a DIY cleaning solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. White vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can break down grease, remove odors, and fight bacteria. You can also add a small drop of dish soap for extra cleaning power.
• Spray and wipe: Lightly spray the solution on the interior walls and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen up grime. Then, use a microfiber cloth or a sponge to wipe down all surfaces, paying attention to the door seals, corners, and edges. Be sure to wipe the door gaskets, as crumbs and food particles often get stuck in them.
• Rinse and dry: After cleaning, rinse the walls with clean water to remove any soap or vinegar residue. Wipe them dry with a clean towel to prevent moisture from lingering.

Why It’s Important to Clean the Walls

• Prevents mold growth: Moisture buildup on the walls can create an ideal environment for mold. Regular cleaning reduces this risk.
• Removes stubborn stains: The walls of your fridge are prone to food splashes and stains. Cleaning them regularly helps to keep the surfaces spotless and hygienic.

4. Remove Odors with Natural Deodorizers

Even if your fridge looks clean, you might still encounter lingering odors. Often, these smells are caused by food spills or the accumulation of moisture. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive chemical air fresheners to address fridge odors. Natural deodorizing solutions are effective and much safer for your food.

Natural Odor Solutions

• Baking soda: One of the most popular and effective methods for neutralizing odors is to place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Baking soda absorbs odors over time, making your fridge smell fresh. You can also sprinkle baking soda on shelves, let it sit for a few hours, and wipe it off to help remove smells.
• Activated charcoal: Another great deodorizer is activated charcoal. You can place a small container of activated charcoal in the fridge, and it will absorb both moisture and odors. It’s an eco-friendly and efficient solution.
• Lemon: Lemons are natural disinfectants with a fresh, pleasant scent. You can place a few lemon peels or lemon slices in a bowl to deodorize your fridge. You can even rub lemon juice onto shelves to help eliminate bad smells while adding a light, refreshing scent.

Why You Should Use Natural Deodorizers

• Non-toxic: Unlike chemical air fresheners, natural deodorizers like baking soda and charcoal don’t release harmful substances into the air.
• Cost-effective: These natural methods are cheap and can be found in your pantry or local store.
• Long-lasting effects: Baking soda and activated charcoal work over time to neutralize odors, keeping your fridge smelling fresh for weeks.

5. Clean the Door, Handles, and Seals

The fridge door and handles are frequently touched, and over time, they collect fingerprints, grease, and grime. The seals around the door are also prone to food buildup, which can affect the door’s ability to close tightly, causing your fridge to work harder.

How to Clean the Door and Handles

• Use a non-toxic cleaner: Choose a non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Spray it onto a cloth (not directly on the surface) and wipe down the door and handles. Make sure you clean every part of the handle, as this is where grease and fingerprints tend to accumulate.
• Clean the door seals: The rubber seals around the fridge door can trap food crumbs and moisture. Clean the seals with a cloth dampened with vinegar or warm soapy water. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean the grooves in the seals.
• Dry and polish: After cleaning, wipe down the handles and door with a dry cloth to remove moisture and prevent streaking. You can also use a stainless steel cleaner if your fridge has stainless steel surfaces to give it a polished look.

Why It’s Important to Clean the Door and Handles

• Prevents contamination: Cleaning the handles and seals ensures that bacteria and germs don’t transfer to your food.
• Improves fridge performance: Clean seals allow the fridge door to close more securely, improving temperature regulation and energy efficiency.

6. Clean the Refrigerator Coils

The condenser coils of your refrigerator play an essential role in maintaining a cool temperature. Over time, they can collect dust and debris, which can cause the fridge to run inefficiently and even lead to mechanical problems. Cleaning the coils is one of the best ways to ensure that your refrigerator runs efficiently.

How to Clean the Coils

• Unplug the fridge: Before cleaning the coils, always unplug your fridge to avoid any electrical hazards.
• Use a coil cleaning brush: You can find coil cleaning brushes at most hardware stores. These brushes are designed to remove dust and dirt from coils without damaging them. Gently sweep the brush through the coils, being careful not to bend or damage them.
• Vacuum: After brushing, use the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove the remaining dust and dirt. This will ensure that the coils are completely clean and free of debris.

Why Cleaning the Coils is Important

• Improves energy efficiency: Clean coils help the fridge maintain a consistent temperature, which reduces the energy required to keep your fridge running. This can lower your utility bills.
• Prolongs the lifespan of your fridge: Regular coil cleaning can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your refrigerator.

7. Regularly Check and Adjust the Temperature Settings

Lastly, maintaining the proper temperature is crucial for both food safety and the efficient operation of your fridge. If your fridge is too warm, food can spoil faster. If it’s too cold, it can waste energy and cause ice to form in the freezer.

How to Adjust the Temperature

• Check the thermometer: Invest in a fridge thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. The ideal range for your refrigerator is 37°F to 40°F (3°C to 4°C). The freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C).
• Adjust as needed: If your fridge is too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature using the dial or control panel. Allow the fridge to stabilize for a few hours before checking the temperature again.

Why Temperature Control is Important

• Food safety: Keeping your fridge at the proper temperature helps prevent the growth of bacteria, ensuring that your food stays safe to eat.
• Energy efficiency: Proper temperature control ensures that your fridge doesn’t overwork, which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.

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I hope this guide has given you the tools and techniques you need to clean your refrigerator effectively. By following these simple steps, you can keep your fridge running smoothly, smelling fresh, and your food safe. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your refrigerator stays in optimal condition, and a clean fridge will certainly make your kitchen a more pleasant place.

Are These Questions in Your Mind?

Is it safe to clean the inside of the fridge with vinegar?

Yes, vinegar is safe and effective for cleaning. It’s a natural, non-toxic cleaner that works well to remove stains and odors from your fridge.

Can I use bleach to clean the inside of the fridge?

It’s better to avoid using bleach inside the fridge. Bleach can leave harmful chemical residues that might affect your food. Stick to vinegar or mild dish soap instead.

Do I need to remove all food from the fridge before cleaning?

Yes, it’s essential to remove all food items. This ensures a thorough cleaning and prevents contamination of your food.

Is it okay to clean the fridge coils with a regular brush?

No, it’s best to use a coil cleaning brush, as it is designed to reach and clean tight spaces effectively without damaging the coils.

Can I use a microfiber cloth to clean my fridge?

Yes, microfiber cloths are great for cleaning fridges. They don’t leave lint and can easily pick up dirt and grease.

Is it necessary to unplug the fridge when cleaning it?

While it’s not always required, unplugging your fridge is a good practice when cleaning the coils or performing deep cleaning. It helps ensure safety.

Do I need special cleaners for the fridge?

No, simple solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or mild dish soap work great for cleaning your fridge’s interior.

Can I clean the fridge with hot water?

Hot water can be used, but it’s important not to use water that’s too hot to avoid damaging the fridge’s surfaces, especially if the shelves are glass.

Is it okay to use store-bought cleaners inside the fridge?

Yes, store-bought cleaners can be used if they are non-toxic and food-safe. Always check labels before use.

Do I need to clean the fridge frequently?

It’s a good idea to clean your fridge at least once a month or more frequently if you notice spills, odors, or expired food.