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Organizing the fridge with clear bins and space-saving helpers is fun. But the fridge should be clean before you break out the drink organizers, food storage containers and other TikTok-famous gear.
Wondering how to clean a refrigerator the right way? There’s more to it than simply getting rid of the leftovers (although that’s an important step!). We’re breaking down the fastest and most efficient way to make your refrigerator sparkle and get rid of any suspicious smells.
Just like anything else in your home, keeping the fridge clean takes maintenance. We recommend keeping up with daily, weekly and occasional tasks.
Treat your fridge as you would a messy closet—which means the first step is emptying it entirely. Take out all the food and place it on the counter. If you’re worried about spoiling, you can throw the most perishable items in an ice cooler while you work.
Start by removing the shelves, drawers and racks and scrub them down in the sink. (Take note: don’t run cold glass shelves under hot water—the glass could crack! Let the shelves come to room temperature first.) Then, wipe any remaining trays and drawers with a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water. If you have any sticky or greasy messes, try using a Scrub Daddy sponge.
Once you’ve washed and dried the trays and drawers, put them back in the fridge. Spray everything, including the walls of the fridge with a disinfecting spray. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe.
Mildew and mold can get stuck in the gasket (the rubber door seal). To clean it, wipe with a mixture of one quart warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth. The baking soda not only cleans the gasket, but also neutralizes odors.
Put the food back in the fridge. (This is also a great time to reorganize with glass storage containers and reusable bags.) Go through every item and discard anything past the expiration date. Wipe down bottles and jars to remove any residue before returning them. Then, add a refrigerator deodorizer—like Chill Bill—to keep unpleasant smells at bay.
Wipe down the exterior with a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water. Wipe again with a dry microfiber cloth.
Want to keep cleaning? Read up on how to clean your freezer, too.
The most effective product for cleaning stainless steel might surprise you—it’s soap! Yep, regular dish soap is the most recommended method for cleaning stainless steel.
Fill your sink with warm water a couple drops of dish soap. Next, dip a microfiber cloth in the water, squeeze away excess and wipe down the stainless steel exterior from top to bottom. This will get rid of any finger smudges and food stains. Pay special attention to the door handles where stains and residue often gathers.
Wipe the fridge again with a clean microfiber cloth to polish and dry. Finish with our favorite Weiman stainless steel cleaner which protects stainless steel and makes it shine!
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