How do you clean a really dirty refrigerator?

Author: Loyce Fadel  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

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.

How to clean an extremely dirty fridge?

If you can remove shelves and drawers, do it. Spray the inside of the fridge with a solution of vinegar and water, concentrating on soiled areas, and let it soak in. Wash the removed shelves and drawers with warm soapy water and set them aside to dry. Head back to the fridge and wipe everything down with a rag.

How to deep clean the inside of a fridge?

If you can remove shelves and drawers, do it. Spray the inside of the fridge with a solution of vinegar and water, concentrating on soiled areas, and let it soak in. Wash the removed shelves and drawers with warm soapy water and set them aside to dry. Head back to the fridge and wipe everything down with a rag.

What is the best product to clean a dirty refrigerator?

Vinegar is one of the best things to clean a fridge with. Not only does its acidic qualities help to break down grease or sticky marks, but kills mold and bacteria spores and deodorizes lingering smells. What's more, it is food safe, so is perfect for food storage areas like refrigerators, or even pantries.

How do you clean gunk out of a refrigerator?

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.

Secrets to Deep Clean Your Fridge

How do you clean sludge out of a refrigerator?

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of hot water to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. This is especially important when you're cleaning an area that comes into contact with your food.

How do you clean a rotten refrigerator?

Wipe inside of unit with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid which destroys mildew. Leave the door open and allow to air out for several days. Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers.

What should you not clean a fridge with?

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.

Can I use Clorox wipes in the fridge?

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.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a freezer with?

Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the shelves and inside of the freezer with one of these two mixtures: 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water; or a mild soap and water solution.

How do you detox a refrigerator?

Take a bucket with warm soapy water, wipe down all internal and external surfaces. Followed this with a spritz of good quality aerosol sanitiser. Leave the doors open for the fridge to dry completely. Wash the shelves and drawers and let them dry well.

When should I deep clean my fridge?

Do a deep cleaning of your refrigerator every three to four months. To keep things simple, you may choose to do a deep clean of your fridge at the start of each season. To deep clean your refrigerator, you'll need to completely clear out all the food and put it in a cooler for safekeeping.

What is the best cleaner for inside a refrigerator?

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. Soak a clean dish rag or a soft sponge in the solution, and wipe down the inside of the refrigerator, focusing on areas with spillage and stains.

How to clean an old fridge interior?

Step-by-step on how to clean your fridge properly
  1. Step 1: Remove & soak the shelves and drawers. ...
  2. Step 2: Soften the accumulated gunk from inside of the refrigerator. ...
  3. Step 3: Wash the shelves and drawers. ...
  4. Step 4: Clean the inside of your refrigerator. ...
  5. Step 5: Dry and reassemble all washed parts.

Can I hose down my refrigerator?

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. It is certainly more of a professional step – it saves a lot of time and gives a better final result, washing out dirt from the cracks and crevices.

Can you use Dawn to clean a refrigerator?

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.

Why you should stop using Clorox wipes?

There are two health risks most commonly associated with disinfectant use: respiratory issues like asthma and potential reproductive harms. Lung irritation, asthma, and allergies. Bleach is well-known as a possible cause of asthma, and quats have also been found to have the potential to set off the condition.

How do you sanitize a 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.

What spray can I use to clean the inside of the fridge?

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.

How often should you wipe out the inside of your refrigerator?

Inside the Refrigerator

Another space you should clean monthly is the inside of your refrigerator. “Take some time every month to clean everything out of the fridge, wipe it all down, and check the expiration dates on everything before putting anything back in.”

Can you use fabuloso to clean a fridge?

Yes, Fabuloso® Professional's formula works on all non porous hard surfaces.

What kills a bad smell in the fridge?

To naturally get rid of fridge smells, use baking soda, vinegar, or activated charcoal. Baking soda absorbs odors, vinegar neutralizes them, and activated charcoal eliminates them with its porous structure.

How do you clean a dirty moldy refrigerator?

Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Spray and wipe the affected areas. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to scrub away mold.

Previous article
What would happen if a ceiling fan fall on you?
Next article
What is the height requirement for a fire extinguisher?