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Experts Recommend - Refrigerator Tutorials

How to Clean Your Refrigerator Inside and Out

Monique Alvarez
Last updated: May 8, 2025 11:41 am
By Monique Alvarez
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Revitalize Your Refrigerator: A Sparkling Clean Awaits!

Table of Contents
  • What You’ll Need for a Top-Notch Clean
  • Empty It Out: The Great Food Relocation
  • Wipe Down Shelves: A Fresh Canvas Awaits
  • Deep Clean the Interior: No More Hidden Germs!
  • Tackle the Exterior: Don’t Forget About the Outside!
  • Organize Your Food: Efficiency is Key!
  • Maintain Your Clean: Tips for Lasting Freshness
  • Enjoy Your Sparkling Clean Refrigerator!

Transform your refrigerator into a pristine and organized space! In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to clean it inside and out, ensuring a healthier kitchen environment. Get ready to tackle your fridge and enjoy a fresh, inviting space for your food.

What You’ll Need for a Top-Notch Clean

Warm water
Mild dish soap
Baking soda
Soft cloths or sponges
A bucket or a bowl
An old toothbrush (for tough spots)
Trash bags or containers (for food disposal)
Optional: Gloves for hand protection

Gather these supplies, and you’re ready to start your refrigerator cleaning adventure!

Best Seller
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit
Top choice for stainless steel care
Keep your stainless steel surfaces spotless with the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit. This convenient set includes a spray, microfiber cloth, and wipes to easily clean, shine, and protect against fingerprints and smudges.
$21.99 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

1

Empty It Out: The Great Food Relocation

Do you know what treasures lurk at the back of your fridge?

Begin by removing all items from your refrigerator. Place them on a clean surface, such as a countertop or table. As you pull out each item, check expiration dates and discard anything that’s past its prime. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon long-forgotten jars of condiments lurking in the back—now’s your chance to say goodbye!

Group similar items together on the surface for easier reorganization later. For example, keep dairy, fruits, and leftovers separate. This step isn’t just about cleaning; it’s your opportunity for a fresh start! Imagine the satisfaction of seeing a pristine fridge ready to be filled anew. Enjoy this moment!

Must-Have
Clorox Disinfecting Cleaner Value Pack
Clorox Disinfecting Cleaner Value Pack
Bleach-free cleaning power for your home
This Clorox value pack includes all-purpose and bathroom cleaners that eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses without bleach. Perfect for everyday messes, these sprays will keep your home safe and sparkling clean.
$14.86 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

2

Wipe Down Shelves: A Fresh Canvas Awaits

Surprising how easily grime can accumulate—let’s tackle it!

Prepare a cleaning solution using warm water and mild soap. Grab a sponge or a soft cloth and dip it into the mixture. Start wiping down all the shelves and drawers inside your refrigerator. Focus on sticky spots and stains, as these can harbor bacteria.

For example, if you uncover a sticky residue from a spilled juice box, take a little extra time to scrub it away. Remember to clean the walls and ceiling of the fridge too—small spills can creep up there.

Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently to ensure you’re not just spreading grime around. Enjoy the soothing sight of your shelves transforming into a sparkling clean canvas, ready for your fresh groceries!

Best Value
Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
Eco-friendly grease fighter for dishes
Palmolive Ultra Pure + Clear Dish Soap cuts through grease while being gentle on the planet. Its biodegradable formula makes it a great choice for eco-conscious dishwashing, ensuring your dishes come out clean and safe.
$3.99 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

3

Deep Clean the Interior: No More Hidden Germs!

Did you know a sparkling clean fridge can improve food safety?

Grab a disinfectant spray and prepare to sanitize! After you’ve wiped down all surfaces, it’s time to target hidden germs. Spray your chosen disinfectant inside the fridge, focusing on high-touch areas like door handles and trays.

Allow the disinfectant to sit for a few minutes—this is critical for killing bacteria and reducing odors effectively. Picture this step as a mini spa day for your fridge, ensuring it feels thoroughly refreshed.

Once the time is up, take a clean cloth and wipe away the disinfectant. Make sure to reach into corners and crevices where crumbs may hide, as these often go unnoticed. Your refrigerator will thank you for giving it such a thorough clean, making it a healthier space for all your food items!

Editor's Choice
BRIOTECH Sanitizer Disinfectant Spray
BRIOTECH Sanitizer Disinfectant Spray
Gentle yet powerful surface sanitizer
The BRIOTECH Sanitizer effectively kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria without harsh chemicals. Ideal for food contact surfaces, it’s perfect for households, nurseries, and anywhere hygiene is a priority.
$14.99 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

4

Tackle the Exterior: Don’t Forget About the Outside!

Your fridge deserves to shine from every angle—don’t skip this!

Take a suitable cleaner and wipe down the exterior of your refrigerator. Focus on the door, handles, and any visible fingerprints. You might want to use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel if that’s your fridge’s finish—this will give it that extra shine.

Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to avoid scratching the surface. As you wipe, think of it as giving your fridge a makeover that enhances your kitchen’s overall look.

Don’t forget to clean around the base and behind the fridge, where dust and dirt can accumulate. Picture how much brighter your kitchen will feel with a sparkling clean fridge standing proudly in it. Enjoy the satisfaction of a fridge that looks as fresh and inviting as the food inside!

Top Rated
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray
Tropical scent with powerful disinfecting
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria while leaving a delightful mango and hibiscus scent. It’s perfect for cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces throughout your home.
$3.97 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

5

Organize Your Food: Efficiency is Key!

Want to save time and reduce food waste? Let’s make it happen!

Sort your food items as you return them to the fridge. Group similar foods together, such as dairy, fruits, and leftovers. This makes it easy to find what you need at a glance.

Arrange items by their expiration dates. Place products that expire soonest at the front, so you’re prompted to use them before they go bad. For example, if you have a container of yogurt that’s expiring in a few days, position it front and center among the dairy items.

Label containers, if necessary, to prevent confusion about what’s inside. An organized fridge not only looks great but also helps save money by keeping track of what you have, reducing waste! Enjoy the satisfaction of a neatly organized space that promotes efficient meal prep and healthy eating!

Best Seller
Removable Food Labels for Freezing
Removable Food Labels for Freezing
Organize your freezer effortlessly
These removable food labels come in a pack of 1000, making it easy to identify and date your food containers. Their strong adhesive ensures they stick well, helping you maintain an organized kitchen.
$9.99 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

6

Maintain Your Clean: Tips for Lasting Freshness

Ever wondered how to keep your fridge clean for longer? Here’s the secret!

Establish a routine for regular cleanings. Dedicate a few minutes each week to wipe down surfaces. Grab a damp cloth and effortlessly refresh the shelves, removing any spills or crumbs before they become a sticky mess.

Schedule a deep clean monthly. Treat this as a date with your fridge; remove all items, check expiration dates, and tackle those pesky hidden spots. This proactive approach prevents odors and keeps your fridge inviting.

Use a deodorizer, like an open box of baking soda, to combat ongoing odors—just remember to replace it every few months.

Keep a checklist handy, marking completed tasks. This little habit ensures your fridge remains a fresh, organized hub for all your culinary adventures!

Best Value
Long-Lasting Refrigerator Deodorizer
Long-Lasting Refrigerator Deodorizer
Eliminates odors for up to 10 years
This refrigerator deodorizer uses advanced technology to eliminate odors and maintain freshness for up to a decade. It’s a sustainable, chemical-free solution that keeps your food tasting great.
$24.99 at Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Enjoy Your Sparkling Clean Refrigerator!

With your fridge now clean and organized, relish the benefits of a healthier kitchen. Regular maintenance keeps your fridge in top shape, making meal prep effortless. Give it a try, share your results, and inspire others to enjoy a sparkling clean refrigerator too! Happy cleaning!

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Monique Alvarez
ByMonique Alvarez
Monique Alvarez combines a background in mechanical engineering with a love for practical home solutions. After years designing small appliances, she now dedicates her time to writing detailed reviews, tutorials and buying guides that demystify everything from smart refrigerators to energy-saving appliances. Her goal at ExpertsRecommend.org is simple: help people choose and maintain home products that make life easier and more efficient.
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