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.
Our refrigerators can house a lot of interesting smells, so I love to use a mixture of water/vinegar/Dawn Dish soap for my cleaning solution. Not only is it food safe, but the vinegar does a great job at deodorizing those unwanted odors. And don't worry, that vinegar smell will also dissipate in a short period of time.
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.
Be sure not to reach for harsh chemical cleaners and instead, opt for a natural solution made with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Wipe down surfaces: Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down the interior surfaces of the fridge, including the walls, shelves, and door. For stubborn stains and odors, you can add a small amount of baking soda to the solution.
Don't use bleach
It can harm the materials of the fridge interior and pose a risk for our health when transferred to food. Should you look for a strong alternative that breaks down stuck-on food, you can make your own cleaning solution. Add one part white vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle.
Our refrigerators can house a lot of interesting smells, so I love to use a mixture of water/vinegar/Dawn Dish soap for my cleaning solution. Not only is it food safe, but the vinegar does a great job at deodorizing those unwanted odors. And don't worry, that vinegar smell will also dissipate in a short period of time.
Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. "Spray down all surfaces of the interior and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a soft cloth," says Cohoon. Make sure to also spray the built-in side drawers of your refrigerator and any grooves, too.
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. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours.
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.
Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.
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.
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.
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.
For effective cleaning, the recommended ratio is 1 part dish soap to 2 parts vinegar for general cleaning tasks. This mixture perfectly balances the grease-cutting power of dish soap with the disinfecting and deodorizing properties of vinegar, making it suitable for everyday cleaning needs.
It is not recommended to use glass cleaner on your stainless steel appliances as it is not formulated to clean the material. Glass cleaner typically uses ammonia, which may damage stainless steel.
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.
Refrigerator smells come from either bacteria or mold, often from food spoilage or moisture buildup. The interior of the refrigerator is primarily made of plastic, and plastic absorbs odours. If the refrigerator is not regularly cleaned, it is most likely the reason why it smells.
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.
For very stubborn odors, wipe down the refrigerator's interior with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. This natural deodorizer can help get rid of persistent smells.
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.
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.
To clean the interior of the appliance we advise using warm water with baking soda or vinegar. Do not use cleaning materials that may release harmful substances or odours on the food. We also advise that you use a soft cloth on the interior. Always ensure that you rinse the interior of the fridge and freezer.
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.