To serve great food, keep your ingredients stored properly. It’s important to have a clean and organized refrigerator. This will help you find what you need easily and keep dairy, meats, produce, and other foods fresh. Not sure how to start? This guide will show you how to clean your refrigerator and keep it neat and tidy.

Advantages of Keeping A Neat & Clean Refrigerator

To keep your kitchen fresh and pleasant, clean your refrigerator regularly. Air moves between the refrigerator and freezer, so odors can easily spread. A good cleaning helps remove odors, keeps your fridge organized, and prevents mold that can spoil food. Don’t forget to clean the outside of your refrigerator and your ice maker if you have one.

7 Steps to Cleaning a Refrigerator

Before you start cleaning your refrigerator, it’s important to know what supplies and tools to use. Use the items listed below to help sanitize your refrigerator.

Supplies

  • Mild detergent
  • Hot water
  • Garbage bags
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • affresh® stainless steel brightener

Tools

  • A clean sponge or soft cloth
  • Clean towels
  • Large container or bucket
  • Toothbrush (optional)

STEP 1: Take Out Food From The Refrigerator And Freezer

First, take everything out of your refrigerator. Keep any perishable items in a cooler or an undercounter refrigerator. Throw away any expired foods or old leftovers in a garbage bag and dispose of it right away.

STEP 2: Disconnect The Refrigerator

To save electricity while cleaning your refrigerator, unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker. If your fridge has removable shelves and drawers, this won’t matter as much. However, if you plan to keep the door open for a long time, it’s best to unplug the refrigerator to save power.

STEP 3: Take Out The Shelves And Storage Bins From The Refrigerator

Remove any shelves and drawers from inside the refrigerator. Different refrigerators have different styles of shelves and drawers, so check your owner’s guide to see which parts you can take out.

IMPORTANT: Glass shelves and covers are heavy. Always use both hands when removing them to prevent dropping. Stay safe and handle them carefully!

STEP 4: Clean The Shelves And Bins Of The Refrigerator

Let your shelves and bins reach room temperature before cleaning them. Wash the bins with a mild cleanser and warm water using a sponge, or you can put them in the dishwasher. Check your use and care guide if you’re unsure whether your shelves or drawers are safe to wash in the dishwasher.

Glass shelves and bins are usually safe for the dishwasher, but it’s best to wash them by hand with mild dish soap and water.

IMPORTANT: Avoid using warm water to clean cold glass shelves or covers, as this can cause them to break due to sudden temperature shifts or impacts from bumping. Remember, when tempered glass breaks, it shatters into many small, pebble-sized pieces for safety. Additionally, refrigerator shelves with under-shelf LED lighting are not dishwasher-safe, so be sure to clean them by hand.

STEP 5: Clean Interior Surfaces And Detachable Components By Hand

To effectively clean the inside of your refrigerator, use a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner to eliminate mold, mildew, and germs. Alternatively, grab a clean sponge or cloth and mix mild detergent with warm water, white vinegar, or a solution of baking soda and hot water. Spray or wipe down the walls, door, and permanent shelves thoroughly. For any stubborn grime or spills, a toothbrush will work perfectly for scrubbing.

If your refrigerator has a built-in ice maker, make sure to clean it inside and out.

Don’t forget to change your water filter as needed.

Once you’re finished cleaning, dry the interior completely with a clean towel to ensure it’s spotless.

STEP 6: Clean And Wipe The Outside Of The Refrigerator

To effectively clean your doors, use a combination of mild dish soap and water. Focus on wiping down the door seals and handles, then dry everything thoroughly with a clean cloth for a polished finish.

For stainless steel refrigerators, apply stainless steel cleaner directly onto a fresh microfiber cloth. Wipe the surface in the direction of the grain for optimal results.

If you don’t stainless steel cleaner spray have on hand, you can achieve great results with a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge dampened with a mixture of dish soap and water.

Remember to dry the exterior of your stainless steel refrigerator immediately to prevent unsightly water spots.

STEP 7: Connect The Refrigerator To The Power Source

Once you clean and dry the interior and shelves, confidently plug the refrigerator back in or turn on the circuit breaker. Expect it to take up to 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the optimal temperature, so plan accordingly. Store your perishable items in a cooler or another refrigerator if necessary during this time. Make sure to wipe down any dirty food containers and jars with warm water and soap before placing them back in the refrigerator.