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What is the Best Way to Clean a Refrigerator?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

The home refrigerator tends to collect old items, like mostly empty jam jars, half-eaten jars of salsa, salad dressing bottles, and all manner of other items. Stains are common from spilled liquids, overturned cola bottles, and so on. The outside may collect magnets, children’s art and business cards. Getting organized the is the best way to start to clean a refrigerator. Choose a day when you can devote two or three hours to the job, get a couple of sturdy garbage bags and a roll of paper towels, and begin the process.

Start by removing all the old jars, bottles, and containers. Look at the expiration dates and throw out everything that is near or past that date. Discard everything wrapped in foil or plastic wrap that is not labeled or cannot be identified. Look in the crisper drawers, butter keeper, and other compartments, and make sure old food is removed from them, as well.

Once the refrigerator is empty, it will be easier to wipe its shelves clean.
Once the refrigerator is empty, it will be easier to wipe its shelves clean.

The next step is to take all the edible food out and put it in a box in the freezer, if there is enough room. If not, store it in a cool spot next to an air-conditioner, or outside if the weather is cold. This will ensure the edible food does not get mixed up with what has been discarded in garbage bags.

Make up a solution of baking soda and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution all over the surfaces of the refrigerator and wipe it off with a paper towel. Be sure to wipe out the door gaskets, since they tend to be crumb collectors.

A baking soda and water solution in a spray bottle can be used to clean a refrigerator.
A baking soda and water solution in a spray bottle can be used to clean a refrigerator.

Do not use any kind of cleaning agent with any toxic properties. Vinegar can be used, but it may leave an undesirable odor. Baking soda and water will not leave an odor and is safe for all surfaces. Wipe down the shelves and walls, including the crisper drawers, butter keeper, and egg keepers, if you have them. Remember to clean the “ceiling” of the refrigerator, as well as underneath the crisper drawers and the back wall.

The smell and flavor of food will remain fresh longer in a clean refrigerator.
The smell and flavor of food will remain fresh longer in a clean refrigerator.

When cleaning the refrigerator, you may want to put a fresh, opened box of baking soda inside to absorb odors before putting the food back in. Replace all the shelves. If the refrigerator has a distinct odor, wiping down the shelves with a bit of diluted lemon juice will help clean the odor out without affecting the taste of the food stored inside.

Finally, put the food back in the refrigerator. Adjust the thermostat, if necessary. Take all the stuff off the front of the fridge and discard or put away old or outdated items. Clean the outside with a soft cloth and favorite appliance cleaner. With a little elbow grease, a homeowner can clean a refrigerator in a fairly short time.

Discussion Comments

gravois

I just moved into an apartment that has a refrigerator that seems to have some stains in it.

Is there any way to remove the stains? They are kind of yellow and smeary looking.

profess

When I clean my refrigerator I only use natural cleansers like baking soda or vinegar. I don't want to spread chemicals all over the place where I keep all my food.

anon163745

I agree. Wipe out your fridge every day. Don't buy too many jars of stuff (fresh is better).

Throw out any open jars of stuff if you haven't used them for two weeks. Any leftovers need to be used within 48 hours or feed them to the dog. They will only make you or someone else sick.

A really thorough cleaning every few months and your fridge will look and smell like new for many years!

anon148132

i would add to remove all drawers and the tops of them to wash well in the sink. spilled 'stuff' gets under the glass tops of the drawers. also remove the shelves as it is not possible to clean the inside well with them in place.

sherlock87

@vogueknit17, I have to agree it has never worked for me. The only way to keep a your refrigerator from smelling bad is to clean it regularly and make sure you avoid leaving food and drink in it past their expiration dates.

vogueknit17

While it can help to clean the refrigerator itself, there is very little evidence that the generally accepted practice of leaving open boxes or bowls of baking soda inside has any effect when it comes to trying to remove refrigerator odor or otherwise keeping it clean.

anon1539

What is the ratio of water to baking soda when cleaning the fridge. How much baking soda to how much water? Thanks in advance for your reply.

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    • Once the refrigerator is empty, it will be easier to wipe its shelves clean.
      By: Janis Smits
      Once the refrigerator is empty, it will be easier to wipe its shelves clean.
    • A baking soda and water solution in a spray bottle can be used to clean a refrigerator.
      By: nys
      A baking soda and water solution in a spray bottle can be used to clean a refrigerator.
    • The smell and flavor of food will remain fresh longer in a clean refrigerator.
      By: Tomasz Trojanowski
      The smell and flavor of food will remain fresh longer in a clean refrigerator.
    • Have a roll of paper towels ready when cleaning a refrigerator.
      By: Vladimir Liverts
      Have a roll of paper towels ready when cleaning a refrigerator.
    • One of the first steps to cleaning a fridge is removing all the food.
      By: Brian Jackson
      One of the first steps to cleaning a fridge is removing all the food.
    • Baking soda can be used to make an all-natural cleanser for the refrigerator.
      By: mady70
      Baking soda can be used to make an all-natural cleanser for the refrigerator.
    • Baking soda can be used to deodorize a refrigerator and is safe for all surfaces as a cleaning agent.
      By: Vidady
      Baking soda can be used to deodorize a refrigerator and is safe for all surfaces as a cleaning agent.