Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the appliance in Ontario homes that most often gets cleaned only partially — the visible shelves get wiped, but the door seals, drip tray, and condenser coils rarely receive attention. A thorough fridge deep clean covers all of these components.
Step 1: Empty and Remove
Remove all food (use a cooler for dairy and meat — it takes time to clean thoroughly). Remove all shelves, drawers, and door shelf bins. Wash these in warm soapy water in the sink.
Step 2: Interior Walls, Ceiling, and Floor
Wipe all interior surfaces with a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 litre warm water — this deodorizes as it cleans and is food-safe. Avoid bleach inside the fridge (the smell transfers to food). Pay particular attention to the floor of the fridge compartment and the rear wall (where drips accumulate).
Step 3: Door Seals
The rubber gasket that runs around the door is one of the most commonly missed areas. Food residue and mould accumulate in the folds of the gasket — clean it thoroughly with a soft brush (an old toothbrush is ideal) and the baking soda solution. Mould in the door seal is a common landlord inspection finding at Ontario move-outs.
Step 4: Drip Tray
Most fridges have a drip pan/tray under or at the back of the unit that collects condensation water. This tray is rarely cleaned and can develop mould and bacteria in a wet Ontario climate. Consult your manual for access — the tray typically slides out from the front or back.
Step 5: Condenser Coils
Dusty condenser coils (located at the back or beneath the fridge, behind a kick plate) reduce cooling efficiency significantly. Vacuum the coils with a brush attachment annually — it's a 10-minute task that can meaningfully extend the appliance's life and reduce energy consumption.