How to Clean the Inside of a Fridge Thoroughly
Refrigerators are cleaned infrequently and usually incompletely — a wipe of visible spills but not a full clean of the drawers, door bins, and all the surfaces behind and underneath things. A thorough fridge clean improves food safety, eliminates odours, and makes the fridge more efficient. It takes 30–45 minutes when done systematically.
The Right Order
Step 1 — Empty and Discard
- Remove everything from the fridge — all shelves, drawers, and door bins included
- Use this opportunity to discard expired and spoiled items — this is part of the cleaning, not a preliminary step
- Place perishables in a cooler with ice or on the counter (the fridge will be open for less than an hour)
Step 2 — Remove and Wash Removable Parts
- Take out all shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins
- Allow glass shelves to reach room temperature before washing — temperature shock can crack glass (this is especially important in winter)
- Wash in warm soapy water in the sink, rinse, and dry
- For drawers with stuck-on food: soak in warm soapy water while you clean the main interior
Step 3 — Clean the Interior
- Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 litre of warm water — this is the safest fridge cleaner because it's food-safe, doesn't leave harmful residue, and handles odours as well as cleaning
- Wipe down all interior surfaces with a cloth dampened in this solution: walls, ceiling, floor, and all ledges and ribs where shelves sit
- For stuck-on spills: apply the baking soda solution, let sit 5 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush
- Wipe under the vegetable drawers — this area accumulates significant buildup from condensation and spills
- Wipe the rubber door gasket — this seal accumulates mould and food residue. Use a toothbrush to get into the folds.
Step 4 — Deodorize
- After cleaning, place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge — replace every 1–3 months
- Activated charcoal fridge deodorizers also work effectively
Step 5 — Exterior
- Wipe the door exterior, handles, and top of the fridge
- For stainless steel fridges: wipe with the grain using the two-cloth method (soapy water followed by mineral oil for polish)
- Vacuum the condenser coils if accessible (usually at the back or underneath) — dusty coils significantly reduce efficiency
How Often
- Wipe visible spills: immediately
- Quick wipe of shelves: monthly
- Full clean (remove and wash all parts): every 3 months
Fridge interior cleaning is part of every Maidless deep clean. Book at maidless.ca.