How to Clean a Refrigerator

Empty and Sort

Pull everything out, tossing anything expired — this is the moment for it. Working with an empty fridge is far faster than cleaning around food, and it lets you reach every corner.

Shelves & Drawers

Remove glass shelves and drawers and wash them in warm, soapy water — but let cold glass come to room temperature first, or hot water can crack it. Wipe the interior walls and door with a mild solution (a little baking soda in water is gentle and deodorizing), then dry before restocking.

Beating Odor

Odor comes from residue and spills you can't see, so a thorough wipe is most of the battle. After cleaning, an open box of baking soda absorbs lingering smells over time. Wipe up spills when they happen, not weekly.

Don't Forget the Coils

The condenser coils (behind or beneath the fridge) collect dust that makes the appliance work harder and run less efficiently. Vacuuming them a couple of times a year genuinely helps performance — a step almost everyone skips.

Keeping It Fresh

A quick wipe of spills, a monthly shelf check, and that box of baking soda keeps a deep clean lasting. Front-to-back organization also helps you see (and use) food before it turns.

Add It to a Clean

Like the oven, the fridge is a popular add-on because it's the job people put off. It folds neatly into a kitchen deep clean.