How to Clean Refrigerator
What You'll Need
- 2 tbsp + 1 open box
- 2 cups
- Spray bottle
- 3-4
- 1
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Remove all food from the refrigerator. Check expiration dates and toss anything expired, moldy, or questionable. Group remaining items in a cooler or insulated bags if the cleaning will take more than 20 minutes.
Pull out all removable shelves, drawers, and bins. Let glass shelves come to room temperature before washing (cold glass + hot water = cracking). Wash in warm soapy water in the sink.
Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda in 2 cups warm water. Wipe all interior surfaces with this solution using a clean cloth. For stubborn spots, apply baking soda paste directly and let sit 5 minutes before wiping.
The rubber door gasket traps crumbs, mold, and sticky residue in its folds. Use a toothbrush dipped in the baking soda solution to scrub inside the gasket folds. Wipe dry.
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. For stainless steel, wipe with the grain. Vacuum the condenser coils (usually on the back or underneath) with a brush attachment. Dusty coils reduce efficiency by up to 30%.
Dry all shelves and drawers completely. Replace them in the fridge. Place an open box of baking soda on the back of a shelf (replace every 30 days). Return food in an organized manner.
- Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners inside the refrigerator
- Do not wash cold glass shelves with hot water (thermal shock causes cracking)
- Do not ignore the condenser coils (dirty coils are the #1 cause of refrigerator inefficiency)
- Do not block the air vents inside the fridge with food containers
- Baking soda box in the fridge actually works for odors, but only if you replace it every 30 days. After 30 days it is saturated and stops absorbing.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Dried spills in a cold environment become cement-like and much harder to remove later.
- Keep your fridge at 37°F (3°C) and freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for optimal food safety and energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monthly for the interior wipe-down and gasket cleaning. Clean the condenser coils every 6 months (every 3 months if you have pets, as pet hair clogs coils faster). Replace the baking soda box every 30 days.
First, find and remove the source (check the back of shelves for forgotten items). Clean all surfaces with baking soda solution. Place an open box of baking soda inside. For persistent odors, put a shallow bowl of activated charcoal or fresh coffee grounds on a shelf for 24-48 hours.
Sources & Methodology
Refrigerator cleaning recommendations aligned with USDA food safety guidelines. Condenser coil cleaning frequency based on Energy Star recommendations for maintaining appliance efficiency.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026