How to Clean Fridge: The Ultimate Guide for a Sparkling, Odour-Free Appliance
Keeping your refrigerator clean isn't just about aesthetics; it's essential for food safety, preventing nasty odours, and ensuring your appliance runs efficiently. Whether you have a standard kitchen fridge or a portable powerhouse, regular cleaning is a must. This comprehensive guide, covering how to clean a refrigerator, how to wash refrigerator, and tackling stubborn problems, will equip you with the knowledge for a spotless cool space.
When Is the Right Time to Clean Your Fridge?
Knowing how do you clean a refrigerator starts with knowing when. Don't wait for visible spills or funky smells! Here are the key triggers:
Spills Happen: Clean liquid or food spills immediately to prevent staining and bacterial growth.
The Sniff Test: If you open the door and are greeted by an unpleasant odour, it's overdue.
Visible Grime: Sticky shelves, mysterious smudges, or dusty condenser coils are clear signs.
Pre-Vacation Prep: Clean thoroughly before leaving for an extended trip and remove perishables.
Seasonal Schedule: Aim for a deep clean at least every 3-4 months. Mark it on your calendar!
After Power Outages: If your fridge lost power and food thawed, a deep clean is non-negotiable once power is restored and spoiled items are discarded.
New Acquisition: Give a new fridge (or a newly acquired used one) a thorough clean before stocking it.
Pre-Stocking Your Portable: Before a big camping trip with your Portable Refrigerator Freezer or best camping fridge, give it a quick wipe-down.
How to Clean Your Fridge
Mastering how to clean a fridge requires preparation and method. Follow these steps for a sparkling interior:
Tools & Supplies Needed
Empty Containers/Coolers: To temporarily hold perishable food (pack with ice packs).
Microfibre Cloths: Several – they are lint-free and highly effective.
Spray Bottle(s): For your cleaning solutions.
Soft-Bristled Brush or Old Toothbrush: For crevices, seals, and stubborn bits.
Sponge (Non-Scratch): Optional, for tougher spots (use gently).
Mild Dish Soap: For general cleaning.
Distilled White Vinegar: Excellent natural cleaner and deodoriser (mix 1:1 with water).
Baking Soda: Powerful deodoriser and mild abrasive (paste for stains, or box open in fridge).
Hot Water: For rinsing and solution mixing.
Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands.
Old Towels: For drying and catching drips.
Vacuum Cleaner (with Brush Attachment): For coils (if accessible).
Portable Power Station (optional): Handy if you are using powered cleaning tools, like a small vacuum or LED inspection light inside the fridge.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Unplug & Empty: Safety first! Unplug the refrigerator. Remove all food items, shelves, drawers, and any removable door bins. Place perishables into coolers with ice packs. Discard expired or questionable items.
Remove Shelves & Drawers: Take these to the sink for easier washing.
Wash Removable Parts: Wash shelves, drawers, and bins in warm, soapy water (a few drops of dish soap). For stuck-on grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let air dry completely on towels.
Pre-Clean Interior Surfaces: Wipe down the empty interior walls, ceiling, and fixed door sections with a damp microfibre cloth to remove loose crumbs and debris.
Apply Cleaning Solution:
General Cleaning: Use a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap OR the vinegar/water solution (1:1).
Stubborn Stains/Odours: Use the baking soda paste directly on the stain or wipe with vinegar solution. Baking soda neutralises odours effectively.
Scrub & Wipe: Dip a clean microfibre cloth or sponge in your chosen solution. Wring it out well – you want it damp, not dripping. Wipe down all interior surfaces thoroughly – walls, ceiling, floor, door seals (gaskets), and light cover. Pay special attention to corners, crevices, and the grooves in the door seals where mould loves to hide (use the soft brush here).
Rinse (Optional but Recommended): Especially if using soap or vinegar, wipe down surfaces again with a cloth dampened only with clean water to remove any cleaning residue. This is crucial for preventing lingering tastes or smells.
Dry Thoroughly: Use dry microfibre cloths or towels to wipe the entire interior completely dry. Moisture encourages mould and mildew.
Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the outside of the fridge, including the door, handles, and control panel (if applicable), with your soapy water solution or vinegar solution, then a damp water cloth, and dry. Use a stainless steel cleaner if appropriate for your model. Don't forget the top!
Clean the Condenser Coils (Crucial for Efficiency): Locate the coils (usually at the back or underneath the fridge – consult your manual). Carefully vacuum them using the brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair. Do this every 6-12 months for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Ensure the fridge is unplugged before accessing coils.
Reassemble & Restock: Once the interior is bone dry and shelves/drawers are completely dry, put everything back. Plug the fridge back in. Wipe down condiment bottles and jars before placing them back inside. Place a fresh open box of baking soda in the back to help absorb future odours. Restock your food items.
Special Cleaning Techniques for Stubborn Fridge Problems
Mould and Mildew: This often lurks in door seals (gaskets). Mix a stronger solution: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water or use a solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water (use extreme caution, ensure ventilation, wear gloves, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely). Apply with a cloth or brush to the affected seal area, let sit for 5-10 minutes, scrub gently, rinse very well with water, and dry thoroughly.
Sticky Spills/Residue: Baking soda paste is your friend! Apply thickly, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub gently with a damp cloth or soft brush. Rinse and dry. Vinegar solution can also help break down stickiness.
Persistent Odours: After a thorough cleaning:
Place several open boxes of baking soda inside (replace monthly).
Leave a shallow bowl of activated charcoal inside for a few days.
Place a bowl of fresh coffee grounds inside for a day or two.
Wipe surfaces with vanilla extract diluted in water.
Ensure you've found and removed the source (like spoiled food hidden in a drawer).
If you want to avoid recurring spoilage and stubborn odours—especially when you need reliable off-grid cooling during trips or outages—consider the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer. The GLACIER’s superior 2 inch foam insulation and tight sealing reduce condensation and temperature swings that cause mould and smells; the efficient copper wire compressor cools items faster to limit slow spoilage; dual zone design keeps strong smelling items separated from fresh foods; and the built in battery supports extended off grid operation (around 39 hours at 4°C for 55L), so food stays cold during power interruptions. Smart app control and multiple charging options let you monitor and correct temperature issues before odours develop.
Frost Build-up (Manual Defrost Freezers Only): Turn the freezer off or set to defrost. Place towels to catch melting water. Once frost melts, clean the interior using the methods above. Dry thoroughly before restarting.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your refrigerator is a vital household task that protects your food, your health, and your appliance's lifespan. Whether you're tackling the family fridge or prepping your Portable Refrigerator Freezer like the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic – arguably one of the best camping fridge options for its efficient cooling and features – the process is fundamentally the same: empty, clean with safe solutions (soap, vinegar, baking soda), rinse, dry, and maintain. By following this guide on how to clean a refrigerator, you'll ensure a fresh, hygienic environment for your groceries every time you open the door. Remember, a clean fridge is a happy (and efficient!) fridge.
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a refrigerator with?
The safest and most effective options are a solution of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, or a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with a little water) is excellent for tackling tough stains and deodorising. Always rinse with clean water after using soap or vinegar and dry thoroughly.
What should you not clean a fridge with?
Avoid harsh chemicals! Never use:
Abrasive Cleaners or Scouring Pads: These scratch plastic and stainless steel surfaces, creating grooves where bacteria can hide.
Strong Solvents: Avoid bleach (except very diluted for mould on seals with extreme caution and rinsing), acetone, paint thinners, or ammonia-based cleaners. These can damage seals and plastics, create dangerous fumes, and leave toxic residues near food.
Highly Scented Cleaners: They can impart chemical smells to your food.
How do I clean my refrigerator with vinegar and baking soda?
You can use them separately or together:
Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces, wipe with a cloth, rinse with water (optional but recommended), and dry.
Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply to stubborn stains or sticky areas. Let sit for 10-30 minutes. Scrub gently with a damp cloth or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Combined Power: For tough jobs or odours, you can wipe with vinegar solution first, then apply baking soda paste to specific problem areas, scrub, rinse, and dry. Do not mix them together in a closed container, as this creates gas pressure.