How to Clean the Inside of a Refrigerator — Toronto Home Guide

The refrigerator interior accumulates food spills, drips, and odours that transfer to other food. A thorough clean every 3 months — and a quick wipe-down of spills as they happen — keeps the fridge sanitary and prevents odours from developing.

Preparation

1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn it to the highest temperature setting — not essential but reduces energy waste while the door is open
2. Remove all food — check expiry dates and discard anything past its best, using this as a forced inventory
3. Remove all shelves, drawers, and removable door bins

Washing Removable Parts

1. Allow glass shelves to reach room temperature before washing — placing cold glass in warm water can cause cracking
2. Wash shelves, drawers, and bins in warm soapy water in the sink
3. For stubborn residue, let soak for 10 minutes
4. Rinse and allow to air dry or dry with a clean cloth before reinserting

Cleaning the Interior

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 litre of warm water — baking soda cleans effectively without leaving a chemical smell that transfers to food
2. Wipe down all interior surfaces — walls, ceiling, floor of the fridge — with this solution using a cloth
3. Use an old toothbrush to clean the edges and corners where the shelves rest
4. For dried spills, let the baking soda solution soak for a few minutes before wiping
5. Wipe dry with a clean cloth

Door Gasket

The rubber gasket seal around the door folds trap moisture and mould:

1. Use a cloth dampened with the baking soda solution to wipe into the gasket folds
2. For black mould in the gasket, use a toothbrush with diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 10 parts water)
3. Rinse and dry thoroughly

Deodorizing

• Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge — replace every 3 months
• A small bowl of coffee grounds or activated charcoal also absorbs odours effectively
• Store strong-smelling foods in sealed containers rather than open bowls