How to – clean a refrigerator
Your refrigerator is one of your home’s most important and most used appliances. Keep it looking tidy, running efficiently and smelling fresh in 30 minutes or less by following these simple cleaning steps.
Tools and supplies
- Refrigerator coil brush
- Broom or vacuum
- Clean cloths or rags
- Multi-purpose cleaner or 50/50 water and white vinegar solution with spray bottle
Clean the coils
Unplug the refrigerator. Following the manual for your appliance, use a coil brush to remove any dirt, dust, pet hair, etc. from the refrigerator’s condenser coils. Take care if you need to move the appliance away from the wall to access the coils, and consider using furniture sliders to avoid damaging your floor. Sweep or vacuum up any remaining mess.
Clean the exterior
Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the refrigerator using a clean cloth and your cleaning solution of choice.
Empty the contents
Remove all foods from the refrigerator and dispose of any expired items. Most foods should be fine if left out for less than an hour, but consider placing items in a cooler (or outdoors if it’s 35 degrees Fahrenheit or colder) if you need more time or want to be safer. Use a damp cloth to wipe down any messy containers.
Clean the interior
Take out any removable shelves and drawers and scrub them with warm, soapy water. Allow the drawers to air dry or wipe off all moisture with a dry cloth.
Spritz the inside of the fridge with your cleaner of choice, and allow the solution to soak in before wiping everything down with a cloth. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies, including the refrigerator door and its gasket seal.
Put everything back
Plug the refrigerator back in, replace the shelves and drawers and return the food. Consider adding a small, open box of baking soda to help reduce odors.
That’s it! Step back and enjoy your newly pristine refrigerator. This process should be repeated every season or so to keep your appliance tidy.