How to Clean Samsung Refrigerator Drawers Easily and Quickly

You might feel frustrated when your Samsung refrigerator drawers get sticky, dirty, or smelly. You want them clean fast, but you don’t know the right way to do it. You can clean those drawers without any hassle, and I will show you exactly how to do it step by step. Cleaning your refrigerator drawers regularly will keep your food fresh and your fridge smelling nice. Follow this guide, and your Samsung fridge drawers will look like new again.

Remove the Drawers Carefully

First, you need to take out the drawers from your Samsung refrigerator. Open the fridge door fully and pull the drawer gently toward you. Most Samsung fridge drawers slide out easily, but sometimes they might be stuck. If you feel resistance, don’t pull too hard. Instead, look for any stops or clips on the sides or bottom that hold the drawer in place. Press or lift those clips to release the drawer smoothly.

Once the drawer is out, place it on a flat surface like your kitchen counter or table. Check if there are any small parts like covers or handles attached. Some Samsung drawers have plastic covers or seals that you can remove carefully for better cleaning. Make sure you keep those parts safe so you can put them back later.

If your fridge has glass shelves inside the drawers, remove those as well. Glass parts are easier to clean separately. Also, take a picture of how everything fits together. This will help you remember how to put the drawers back correctly.

Take your time removing the drawers. If you rush, you might break the clips or handles, which are not easy to fix or replace.

Open fridge door fully
Pull drawer gently
Release clips or stops if stuck
Place drawer on flat surface
Remove covers, handles, glass shelves carefully
Take picture to remember setup
Be slow and gentle to avoid damage

Wash the Drawers with Warm Soapy Water

After removing the drawers, the next step is to wash them. Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean all surfaces. Fill your kitchen sink or a large basin with warm soapy water. Avoid using very hot water because it might damage plastic parts. Mild soap is important because strong detergents can leave a smell or damage the plastic.

Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the drawers. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and seals where dirt and food bits get stuck. If you find sticky spots or stains, gently rub with the sponge but don’t use anything rough that can scratch the surface.

For smaller parts like handles or seals, use a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water. This helps clean hard-to-reach areas carefully.

If there are stubborn stains or smells, you can add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to the water. These natural cleaners help remove odors and break down grease.

After scrubbing, rinse the drawers with clean water to remove all soap. Soap left behind can cause slippery surfaces or smells. Dry the drawers with a clean towel or let them air dry completely before putting them back.

Use warm water and mild soap
Avoid very hot water and harsh detergents
Scrub with soft sponge carefully
Use toothbrush for small parts
Add vinegar or baking soda for tough stains
Rinse well and dry fully before reassembling

Clean the Refrigerator Interior Where Drawers Sit

While the drawers are drying, clean the inside of your Samsung refrigerator where the drawers normally sit. Food spills and dirt often build up in these spaces and cause bad smells or stains. Use a clean cloth or sponge with warm soapy water to wipe down these areas.

Be careful around any electrical parts or light bulbs inside the fridge. Avoid spraying water directly. Instead, dampen the cloth and wipe gently. Check the drawer rails or tracks too, because they can collect crumbs and sticky liquids.

If the tracks are dirty, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean inside them. You can also use a cotton swab to reach small corners. Dry everything with a clean towel.

Cleaning the fridge interior will help your drawers slide smoothly when you put them back and keep your fridge fresh.

Wipe inside fridge with damp soapy cloth
Avoid spraying water directly on electrical parts
Clean drawer rails and tracks with brush or cotton swab
Dry everything fully before inserting drawers

Sanitize the Drawers to Kill Germs

Cleaning removes dirt, but sanitizing kills germs and bacteria that can make food spoil faster. After your drawers are dry, sanitize them using a safe method. You can make a simple sanitizing solution by mixing one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water. Use this only if you don’t have allergies or sensitivities.

Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring it out, and wipe all drawer surfaces. Let the solution stay on the drawers for a few minutes to kill germs, then rinse with clean water and dry again. If you don’t want to use bleach, white vinegar is a natural sanitizer and safe for food contact surfaces. Spray or wipe vinegar on the drawers and let it air dry.

Sanitizing is especially important if you have recently stored raw meat, fish, or vegetables in your fridge drawers. It helps keep your food safe and your fridge smelling fresh.

Mix bleach and water (1 tbsp bleach per gallon)
Wipe drawers with solution and wait a few minutes
Rinse and dry thoroughly
Use white vinegar as a natural alternative
Sanitize especially after storing raw foods

Reassemble and Replace the Drawers

Once the drawers are clean, dry, and sanitized, it’s time to put everything back in your Samsung refrigerator. Start by replacing any parts you removed earlier, like glass shelves, seals, or covers. Make sure they fit snugly and securely.

Slide the drawer carefully back into its track inside the fridge. Don’t force it; it should glide smoothly if the rails are clean. If you feel resistance, check to make sure the drawer is aligned correctly and nothing is blocking the path.

Double-check that the drawer is locked or clipped in place if your model requires it. This will keep the drawer from moving or falling when you open the fridge door.

Close the fridge door gently and check that the drawers open and close easily. This step is important for keeping your fridge working well and your food safe.

Replace glass shelves, seals, covers
Slide drawer smoothly into track
Align properly to avoid resistance
Lock or clip drawer if needed
Check drawer movement after closing door

Maintain Clean Drawers Regularly

Cleaning your Samsung refrigerator drawers once is great, but keeping them clean regularly is even better. Try to wipe spills and crumbs as soon as they happen. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to quickly clean inside the drawers without removing them.

Schedule a deep clean of your drawers at least once every 1-2 months. This keeps your fridge smelling fresh and food safe. If you store messy or strong-smelling foods like cheese or fish, clean drawers more often.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads. They can damage the plastic and seals. Instead, use mild soap, warm water, and gentle brushes or cloths.

Keeping your fridge drawers clean will help your Samsung refrigerator last longer and keep your food fresh and tasty.

Wipe spills immediately with damp cloth
Deep clean drawers every 1-2 months
Clean more often if storing strong-smelling food
Use mild soap and gentle cleaning tools
Regular care prolongs fridge life and food freshness

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Samsung refrigerator drawers does not have to be hard or take a long time. By carefully removing the drawers, washing them with warm soapy water, cleaning the inside of the fridge, sanitizing to kill germs, and putting everything back correctly, you keep your fridge fresh and safe. Regular cleaning and quick wipes prevent buildup and bad smells. Following these easy steps will make your fridge a clean, fresh place for your food and help your Samsung refrigerator work better for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use bleach to clean Samsung refrigerator drawers?

Yes, it is safe to use a very diluted bleach solution to sanitize your Samsung refrigerator drawers, but you must use it carefully. Mix one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic or leave harmful residues. Always rinse the drawers thoroughly with clean water after wiping them with the bleach solution. If you have sensitive skin or prefer natural methods, white vinegar is a great alternative. It kills many germs without chemicals and is safe to use on food contact surfaces.

Can I clean refrigerator drawers in the dishwasher?

Most Samsung refrigerator drawers are made of plastic that might be dishwasher safe, but it is best to check your user manual first. If the manual says they are dishwasher safe, use the top rack and a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid using high heat drying settings because the heat can warp or damage plastic parts. If you are unsure, washing by hand with warm soapy water is safer and just as effective. Hand cleaning also lets you reach corners and seals better.

Do I need to remove all parts before cleaning the drawers?

Yes, it’s best to remove any removable parts such as handles, glass shelves, and seals from the drawers before cleaning. This allows you to clean all surfaces thoroughly and reach hidden areas where food can build up. Some parts may require extra care or gentle cleaning tools like soft brushes. Keeping these parts separate while cleaning helps prevent damage and ensures a full clean. Just remember to keep track of how everything fits so you can reassemble the drawers correctly.

Is it necessary to dry refrigerator drawers before putting them back?

Yes, drying the drawers fully before putting them back in your Samsung refrigerator is very important. Moisture left on drawers can cause mold, mildew, and bad smells inside the fridge. It can also make the drawers slippery and harder to slide in and out. Use a clean towel to dry each drawer and let them air dry for a little while if possible. Dry drawers also help keep your food fresh and the fridge interior clean.

Can I use vinegar instead of soap to clean the drawers?

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and deodorizer, but it works best as a supplement to mild soap, not a full replacement. Soap helps remove grease and stuck-on food better, while vinegar helps kill germs and remove smells. You can clean drawers with warm water and soap first, then wipe them down with vinegar for extra freshness. Avoid using undiluted vinegar on seals or rubber parts because it might dry them out. Always rinse drawers well after cleaning.

Do I need to clean the inside of the fridge where drawers go?

Yes, cleaning inside the fridge where the drawers sit is very important. Food spills, crumbs, and liquids often collect in these spaces, causing smells and dirt buildup. Clean these areas with a damp cloth and mild soap, but avoid spraying water directly inside to protect electrical parts. Also, clean drawer tracks and rails with a soft brush or cotton swab to help drawers slide easily. Keeping these parts clean helps your fridge work better and stay fresh.

Is it okay to use harsh chemicals on refrigerator drawers?

No, harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach (undiluted), or abrasive cleaners are not recommended for Samsung refrigerator drawers. These products can damage the plastic, seals, and finishes on the drawers. They can also leave harmful residues that affect your food. Instead, use mild dish soap, warm water, and natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda. These options clean well without hurting your fridge or food safety.

Can I clean the drawers without removing them?

You can do quick wipe-downs of the drawers without removing them, especially to clean small spills or crumbs. Use a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe inside and outside the drawers carefully. However, for deep cleaning, removing the drawers is much better because you can clean every corner, seal, and part thoroughly. Taking out the drawers also lets you clean the fridge interior where the drawers sit, which helps keep the whole fridge fresh and clean.