Sticky shelves, a forgotten container in the back, and a smell you can’t quite place: most refrigerators need a proper reset a few times a year. Learning how to clean a refrigerator the right way doesn’t take special products. With warm water, baking soda, a couple of cloths, and about an hour, you can get it spotless and set it up so it stays that way.
This step-by-step guide covers everything from clearing it out to organizing by zone, plus a quick monthly routine that keeps odors away.
Work from the top down so drips land on areas not yet cleaned.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
- A cooler with ice packs for perishables
- Warm water and mild dish soap
- Baking soda
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels and a soft brush or old toothbrush
- A trash bag for expired food (a drawstring trash bag makes carrying it out easy)
- Disposable gloves if you’d rather not handle spoiled food; TPE gloves are handy for quick, messy jobs
- Masking tape and a marker for labels
Pick a time right before your weekly grocery run, when the fridge is at its emptiest.
How to Clean a Refrigerator, Step by Step
1. Empty it and toss what’s expired
Take everything out. Move meat, dairy, and other perishables into the cooler. Check dates and toss anything expired, moldy, or unidentifiable. Wrap or bag spoiled food before it goes in the trash so it doesn’t leak or stink up the kitchen can, and take that bag outside right away.
2. Unplug or turn it off (optional)
For a quick clean, you can leave it running. For a deep clean, check your owner’s manual; many models suggest turning the fridge off or unplugging it first.
3. Remove shelves and drawers
Pull out glass shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins. Let cold glass sit at room temperature for a few minutes before washing, since pouring hot water on cold glass can crack it.
4. Wash removable parts
Wash shelves and drawers in the sink with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush for corners and tracks. Rinse and let them dry completely.
5. Wipe the interior
Mix about 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Wipe the walls, ceiling, and floor of the fridge, starting at the top and working down so drips land on areas you haven’t cleaned yet. Use a toothbrush for the door gaskets (rubber seals), where crumbs and sticky spills hide. Skip harsh or strongly scented cleaners inside, as food can pick up odors.
6. Dry everything
Dry the interior with a clean towel. Moisture left behind can encourage mildew and smells.
7. Clean the outside
Wipe handles, the door front, and the top of the fridge, which collects dust and grease. If you can reach the coils (behind a front grille or on the back), vacuum them gently, following your manual.
Put It Back by Zone
Now for the part that keeps it clean longer: putting food back with a plan. Grouping similar items makes it easier to see what you have and harder for things to get lost.
| Zone | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Upper shelves | Leftovers, drinks, ready-to-eat foods |
| Lower shelves | Raw meat and fish on a tray or in a container |
| Crisper drawers | Fruits and vegetables, kept in separate drawers if possible |
| Door | Condiments, sauces, juice (it’s the warmest spot) |
| Front and center | “Eat first” items that need to be used soon |
Label and date
Use masking tape to date leftovers and opened jars. A clear “eat first” bin at eye level is one of the easiest ways to cut down on forgotten food.
Line the crisper drawers
A paper towel or washable drawer liner in the crisper absorbs extra moisture and catches bits of produce, so next time you just swap the liner instead of scrubbing the drawer.
Wrap and cover
Covered containers keep smells in and spills contained. For creative ways to use cling wrap in the kitchen, see our cling wrap kitchen hacks.
Putting food back by zone makes it easy to see what you have.
Keep Your Fridge Smelling Fresh
- Baking soda: leave an open box on a back shelf and replace it every few months.
- Clean spills right away before they dry and get sticky.
- Don’t overpack. Air needs to circulate for the fridge to cool evenly.
- Check strong foods like onions, fish, and cheese, and keep them well covered.
- Empty the kitchen trash often, too. A smelly can nearby is sometimes mistaken for a smelly fridge. Our tips on stopping trash can odors can help.
A Simple Monthly Fridge Routine
Knowing how to clean a refrigerator is only half the job. A light routine means you’ll rarely need a big scrub-down.
- Weekly: before shopping, toss expired items and wipe any spills.
- Monthly: pull everything off one shelf at a time, wipe it, and check dates on condiments.
- Every 3 to 4 months: do the full deep clean above and replace the baking soda.
- Twice a year: vacuum the coils and check the door seals.
Once your fridge is under control, the pantry and cabinets are next. Our guide to plastic storage solutions for an organized home has ideas for every room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a refrigerator with?
Warm water with a little dish soap or baking soda works well for most fridges. It cleans without leaving a strong scent that food can absorb.
How often should I clean my refrigerator?
Wipe spills as they happen, do a quick check weekly, and give it a full deep clean every three to four months.
How do I get rid of a bad smell in my fridge?
Find and remove the source, wipe the interior with baking soda and water, dry it, and leave an open box of baking soda inside.
Clean-out day goes faster with the right supplies. Keep a roll of trash bags handy for your next fridge reset.
