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Posted By: Tay Roberts
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Posted On: 2/23/2026
To keep your food safe and your fridge running efficiently, follow this high-speed checklist for fridge deep cleaning:
1. The Golden Rule: Always work from the fridge top shelf down so drips don't ruin clean surfaces.
2. The Essential Supplies: Reusable cloths, warm soapy water, and 50/50 vinegar-water solution or non-toxic multipurpose cleaner.
3. The 3-Step Strategy:
Purge: Toss anything expired or "mystery leftovers."
Soak: Remove bins and shelves; let them reach room temp before washing.
Clean: Wipe the fridge interior walls and the rubber door gaskets (where mold loves to hide).
4. Frequency: Aim for a fridge "mini-wipe" weekly and a full fridge deep clean every 3–4 months.
Let's be real: there's cleaning the fridge, and then there's deep cleaning the fridge. A deep clean is the kind that makes you feel like you've just conquered Mount Everest.
Regular fridge cleaning is like a quick once-over. Toss out expired food, wipe down surfaces, and call it a day. But deep cleaning? That's a different ballgame.
Deep cleaning your fridge means getting into all the nooks and crannies. It's about removing every single item, washing removable parts, and giving the interior some TLC. It's a top-to-bottom, no-holds-barred approach to tackling built-up grime and odors.
According to cleaning expert Natalie D'Apolito, "Refrigerators should generally be cleaned out and sanitized at least once a week." But let's be honest, most of us aren't quite that diligent.
Life gets busy, and before you know it, leftovers in the fridge start to resemble a science experiment gone wrong. That's why we recommend aiming for a deep clean every 3-4 months. This timeframe keeps your fridge fresh and hygienic without feeling like a constant chore.
Before you go all in with a deep clean, there’s some prep work you need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what to do first.
Step 1: Turn off or unplug the refrigerator.
This is a crucial step. This simple action saves energy and prevents perishables from spoiling while you work.
Step 2: Remove every single item from your fridge.
Toss expired products and set aside items you plan to keep in a cooler. This is your chance to start with a clean slate.
Step 3: Remove all food shelves and drawers.
Individually wash all food shelves and drawers in the sink with hot water and a non-toxic dish soap. Opting for a non-toxic soap will help keep your hands from drying out and eliminate harsh chemical residue that’s often left behind by conventional dish soaps.
Pro Mom Move: For stubborn, stuck-on messes, let the parts soak before scrubbing. And don't forget to dry everything completely before putting them back. Trust me, you don't want any lingering moisture in your freshly cleaned fridge.
Now that you’ve done the necessary preparation, it’s time to dive in. Here’s everything you need to know to get your fridge interior sparkling clean.
Step 1: In a spray bottle, mix a cleaning solution of 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and a dash of non-toxic dish soap. You can also opt for a non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner, like Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner. It saves time and effort, plus it gets your fridge’s interior clean without toxic chemicals.
Step 2: Spray the vinegar and dish soap mixture or non-toxic cleaner on all interior surfaces. Wipe them down with a reusable cleaning cloth or plastic-free sponge.
Pro Mom Move: For those extra-stubborn stains, bust out the baking soda or oxygen bleach. Either way, make a paste with water, apply it to the trouble spots, let it sit, then wipe clean. Rinse the interior with clean water and dry thoroughly. You want your fridge to be squeaky clean and moisture-free.
Step 3: Wipe down the rubber gasket with a dishcloth and warm water. Don't forget about the rubber door seal, aka the gasket. This often-overlooked area is a magnet for crumbs and spills, which can lead to odors and mold. Use a damp reusable cloth or plastic-free sponge to give it a good wipe-down.
Step 4: Put everything back into your fridge. Organizing trays is a great way to keep things in order in between deep cleans.
You’ve tackled the hardest part of fridge cleaning—the interior. Now, it’s time to finish the job and get to work on the exterior. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary steps.
Step 1: Remove any marks or grime by wiping the outside with a reusable cleaning cloth and a non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner like Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner.
Step 2: Use a non-toxic stainless steel cleaner and reusable cloth to buff the now-clean exterior for a streak-free shine and finish—sans toxic fumes and harmful residue.
Step 3: Clean the top of the fridge where dust bunnies love to congregate. Give it a thorough dusting and wipe down with a non-toxic cleaner and a cleaning cloth.
Step 4: Pull your refrigerator out away from the wall and, using the brush attachment on your vacuum, gently remove any dust and debris from the coils. Refrigerator coils, usually found under or behind the appliance, can get clogged with dust and debris, which makes your fridge work harder and less efficiently.
Step 5. Sweep and mop the floor under and around the fridge. Before putting your refrigerator back in its place, sweep the floor. Depending on how dirty the floor is, you may need to follow up with a mop and a non-toxic floor cleaner to remove built-up grime.
Step 6: Clean the water line. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, regular cleaning keeps bacteria and crud from building up and ending up in your water. Unplug the fridge, locate the shut-off valve (usually under the sink or behind the appliance), and turn it off. Disconnect the supply line and clean or replace the water filter if needed. Flush the line by running water through it into a bucket before reconnecting. This ensures you're getting the freshest, cleanest water possible.
Speaking of odors, let's talk about banishing them for good. Here’s what to do if you notice a foul smell in your refrigerator.
Step 1: Remove and throw away spoiled food immediately.
Step 2: Put an open container of baking soda in your fridge to neutralize odors.
Pro Mom Move: Coffee grounds, dry oats, a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract, and refrigerator deodorizers, and air purifying bags containing charcoal will also keep unpleasant odors at bay. The key is to replace any odor-absorbing solution every 1-3 months to keep your fridge smelling as fresh as the day you deep cleaned it.
So, you've put in the elbow grease, and your fridge is sparkling. Now what? The key to maintaining that pristine state is a little bit of daily diligence. Here’s how to stay on top of fridge mess so it stays cleaner for longer.
Fridge cleaning isn't just a chore—it's an upgrade to your daily life. Imagine opening your refrigerator to find only freshness and order, no old takeout smells or mystery leftovers lost in the back. It’s about taking control of not just the space but also improving how you experience food every day.
