How to Clean a Refrigerator Properly
The refrigerator is one of the most-used appliances in every Toronto home and one of the most neglected when it comes to deep cleaning. Most people wipe up obvious spills when they happen, but a true deep clean of the refrigerator — interior shelves and drawers, door gaskets, the exterior coils underneath or behind the unit, and the drip pan — should happen at minimum twice a year, ideally at the spring and fall seasonal cleaning cycles. A dirty refrigerator is not just an aesthetics issue: a clogged condenser coil forces the compressor to work harder and can shorten the appliance's lifespan by years; a dirty door gasket creates gaps that allow warm air in, increasing energy consumption; and accumulated organic residue in the interior creates odours and accelerates food spoilage.
Step 1 — Empty and Sort
The only way to clean a refrigerator properly is to remove everything. Use the opportunity to check expiry dates and discard anything past its best-before date. Move remaining contents to a cooler with ice packs for the duration of the clean (30–45 minutes for a thorough job). Remove all removable shelves and drawers — they'll be washed separately.
Step 2 — Wash Shelves and Drawers
Glass shelves must be allowed to reach room temperature before washing in hot water — thermal shock from placing a cold glass shelf directly into hot water can crack it. Wash all shelves and drawers in the sink with hot water and dish soap. For stubborn residue, soak in hot soapy water for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before replacing — wet surfaces encourage mould growth and cause produce to deteriorate faster.
Step 3 — Clean the Interior
Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda per litre of warm water — this is the safest interior cleaning solution because it deodorizes as it cleans and leaves no chemical residue that could affect food. Wipe all interior walls, ceiling, and floor with a microfibre cloth dampened in the solution. Pay particular attention to:
- The back wall (where condensation drips and residue accumulates)
- The door shelves (salad dressings, condiments, and jams drip and pool in the corners)
- The drain hole at the back of the refrigerator interior (this tiny drain channel carries condensation to the drip pan — it frequently gets blocked by food debris, causing water pooling)
Step 4 — Clean the Door Gaskets
The rubber door gasket (the flexible seal around the perimeter of both the fridge and freezer doors) is the most frequently overlooked part of the refrigerator. Mildew and food residue accumulate in the accordion folds of the gasket, creating odours and eventually degrading the seal. Clean with an old toothbrush dipped in a baking soda solution, working into all the folds. For mildew, a diluted white vinegar solution (1:1 with water) is effective. Dry thoroughly — a damp gasket is an ideal mildew environment.
Step 5 — Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are either on the back of the refrigerator (older models) or underneath behind the kick plate (most models made after 2000). These coils dissipate heat from the refrigeration cycle — when coated in dust and pet hair, they become insulated and the compressor must work much harder to achieve the same cooling. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall (or remove the kick plate), vacuum the coils with a crevice attachment, and vacuum the floor behind or under the unit. This single task done once a year can extend refrigerator life by years.
Book a Toronto Kitchen Deep Clean
Maidless deep cleaning includes the refrigerator exterior and interior. Book at maidless.ca/ontario. HST 13%, 4.9★ rated.