Remove the drawers, shelves, racks and ice maker box from both the fridge and freezer. Remove and clean each of these one at a time if it's easier. Cotter and Dulude recommend using a dish soap spray, such as Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, to clean each part.
You can clean your fridge with a solution of warm water with a mild detergent or a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar. You can use this solution to clean the interiors. Pay special attention to areas where spills or stains are present. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue.
You can use pretty much any cleaner you like on the inside of the fridge- they're designed to be wiped down easily. I use either an all purpose cleaner of a little bucket of hot water with dish soap.
What should you not clean a fridge with? When cleaning the inside of a fridge, it is best to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners such as bleach to prevent damaging the thermal shock tempered glass shelves or degrading any plastic elements.
Making your natural fridge cleaner is simple, you just need hot water, white vinegar and lemon juice. Shake well and it's ready! This mixture will allow you to naturally clean and disinfect the inside of your fridge as well as its various compartments.
Mix 3 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of cold water in an empty spray bottle. Using cold water will help your fridge reach optimum temperature quicker after you've finished cleaning.
Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers. Close the door and leave for several days. Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer.
Pressure washing (optional) (30 minutes) A pressure washer (or just a garden hose) is great for removing the bulk of the mess of the fridge inside and out. This step is not crucial, but it is desirable.
Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.
While there is no standard for how often to clean a refrigerator, a complete cleaning every couple of months will help to prevent food spoilage and cross-contamination of Listeria , a bacterium that causes foodborne illness and that can survive at 40º F.
Care for your refrigerator:
Unplug the power cord of the refrigerator before you start cleaning your Refrigerator. Slightly dampen a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel with water and then you use it on the Refrigerator.
Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Allow us to sing the praises of Dawn dish soap, that classic blue liquid that has earned a place at sinks around the country since 1973. It's a no-brainer for doing dishes by hand, but it's also gentle enough to use on all kinds of surfaces (even pets and people, occasionally).
Dish soap, known for its grease-fighting properties, pairs excellently with vinegar, which acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. This blend not only targets stubborn stains and buildup but also leaves surfaces sanitized and fresh.
The Best: Remodeez Aqua Refrigerator Deodorizer
This means that a single Remodeez will last much longer than anything full of baking soda (though the baking soda models can be refilled). Basically, you only need to replace it every six months—which is about five months and 27 days longer than your oldest leftovers.
Baking soda
Place baking soda inside an open container and let it unstink your fridge for 24 hours. With a few drops of essential oils, you have something that not only help to get rid of bad odors but also make your fridge smell good at the same time.
Use an odor neutralizer such as OdoBan or NeutraAir to treat the upholstery. Allow it to dry. Once all fabric and carpeted areas have been treated, fill bowls with vinegar, cat litter, activated charcoal or coffee grounds and place several in each room. Allow them to remain in place until the odor is removed.
Cleaning Inside of a Refrigerator
The best cleaner is a combination of abrasive salt and bubbly soda water. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge.
Dab a few cotton balls in vanilla essential oil or extract, and then place them in the refrigerator. Close the door for 24 hours. Newspaper can help absorb odors. Stuff wads of newspaper in the fridge's drawers and shelves, and then close the door for a few days.
Clean the Refrigerator Interior
Fill a spray bottle with a cleaning solution of two tablespoons baking soda and a quart of hot water. Apply the fridge-cleaning spray to all interior surfaces of the appliance, including the walls, non-removable shelves and the inside of the door.
A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap will give you a gentle yet effective cleaning solution for the fridge's interior.
Place trays of activated charcoal, clean kitty litter or baking soda on the shelves of the refrigerator or freezer. Run the appliance empty for 2 or 3 days. Activated charcoal can be purchased from stores that sell aquarium and terrarium supplies.
Yes, you can use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of your refrigerator, but they are not the ideal product to use when giving your refrigerator a proper deep clean. However, these handy wipes are a quick and easy way to clean the door handles or clear up any small spillages.