Experts recommend cleaning the interior of your fridge at least once a week to prevent odors and maintain freshness. A more thorough cleaning should be done every three to four months. It’s important to remember to include your fridge in your regular cleaning routine, as it is essential for a functional kitchen but often overlooked.
Regular cleaning of your fridge, whether a quick wipe down or a deep clean, is necessary to keep it tidy, organized, and sanitary. While it may not need to be cleaned as often as other areas of your home, it is still important to maintain its cleanliness.
To get expert advice on the best way to clean a fridge, we consulted with three cleaning experts: Scott Schrader from CottageCare, Steve Evans from Memphis Maids, and Taylor Riley from AMR Commercial Cleaning. They recommend briefly cleaning your fridge at least once a week and deep cleaning it every three to four months.
For a basic clean, remove expired food, wipe down shelves, clean up spills, and sanitize the handles. For a deep clean, remove all food, wash shelves and drawers, sanitize the interior, and clean the coils and door seals.
Whether you’re doing a basic clean or a deep clean, make sure to follow these steps to properly clean your fridge.
Fill the bathtub with warm, soapy water and soak all shelves and drawers from the fridge. Scrub them clean in the sink or tub, then dry each with a microfiber cloth. Use vinegar or other cleaners on the door seals to prevent mold. Vacuum the coils if possible to enhance efficiency. Once everything is dry, reorganize items in an easily accessible way. To eliminate odors, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with warm water. Consider labeling leftovers with a throw-out date and regularly clean up spills to maintain a fresh fridge.
