The refrigerator forms the heart of the home. It is one of the most frequently used appliances and stores everything you need to nourish you and your family’s bodies. However, it is also one of the easiest to overlook when cleaning. From accidental spills and forgotten leftovers to greasy fingerprints and lingering food smells, grime quickly builds up both inside and outside your fridge. A regular deep clean can help keep it fresh and hygienic. Here are 7 easy tips to help you clean your refrigerator from top to bottom.
Empty the Fridge Before You StartBefore reaching for a cleaning cloth, remove everything from the refrigerator. Check expiry dates and discard anything spoiled or past its use-by date. Place perishable food in a cooler or another refrigerator while you clean. Remove shelves, drawers and removable compartments and let them come closer to room temperature before washing them, particularly if they are made of glass, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. This is also a good opportunity to group similar foods together and reorganise the fridge once you’re done.
Use a Simple Baking Soda Solution for the InteriorFor everyday grime and food spills, you can skip strong chemical cleaners and make a simple solution using baking soda and warm water. Mix around two tablespoons of baking soda into a litre of warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe the interior walls, shelves and compartments. Baking soda is particularly useful for tackling food odours while being gentle enough for many refrigerator surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch plastic interiors.
Tackle Sticky Spills With Diluted VinegarDried sauces, juice and sticky food residue can require a little extra effort. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to a cloth rather than spraying directly around electrical components or vents. Place the damp cloth over stubborn residue for a few minutes to help loosen it before wiping.
Don’t Forget the Door SealsThe rubber gasket around your refrigerator door can collect crumbs, grease and grime that you may not notice during everyday cleaning. Use a soft toothbrush or small cleaning brush dipped in warm soapy water to gently clean the grooves. Wipe the gasket with a clean, damp cloth afterwards and dry it thoroughly. Keeping these seals clean can also help the door close properly.
Deodorise With Baking SodaEven after removing spoiled food, strong odours can linger inside the refrigerator. Place an open container of baking soda inside the fridge to help absorb unwanted smells. Replace it periodically according to the manufacturer’s or product’s recommendations. You can also make it a habit to clean up spills as soon as they happen—one of the simplest ways to prevent smells from becoming a bigger problem.
Clean the Outside With the Right SolutionDon’t stop at the inside. The refrigerator exterior can accumulate fingerprints, cooking grease and dust, particularly around the handles. For most surfaces, start with a soft microfibre cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. For stainless steel appliances, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wipe in the direction of the grain. Avoid abrasive powders, rough scrubbers and harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Clean Around and Under the FridgeDust and grease can accumulate around the refrigerator, particularly underneath and behind it. Unplug the appliance if your manufacturer’s instructions recommend doing so before cleaning accessible areas around it. Vacuum loose dust and debris from the floor and around the appliance, and wipe accessible exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.