How do you clean a refrigerator with vinegar?

Author: Dr. Sarina Cormier  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

Take out any removable shelves or drawers from your fridge to gain better access to the interior. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the area you want to clean. Wipe every corner and crevice with a damp cloth to thoroughly get rid of the mold and dry all surfaces with a towel.

Is vinegar good to clean the inside of a fridge?

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.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a refrigerator?

Vinegar is my go-to cleaning agent for this job. The acid breaks down grease and grime, and when mixed with hot water in a spray bottle, it becomes a food-safe cleaner that's perfect for any gunk that might have accumulated on refrigerator shelves.

Where not to use white vinegar for cleaning?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  • Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  • Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  • Clothes Iron. ...
  • Tile Grout. ...
  • Knives. ...
  • Small Appliances. ...
  • Hardwood Floors. ...
  • Electronic Screens.

What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?

Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.

How to Clean a Refrigerator with Vinegar

What is the ratio of white vinegar to water for cleaning?

As a general rule, most natural cleaning experts suggest mixing one part vinegar to one part water. These recommendations typically rely on distilled white vinegar as the cleaning element. If homeowners are using cleaning vinegar, they may want to add a little more water to achieve a similar amount of acetic acid.

How to deep clean a dirty fridge?

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 do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

Can you use pine sol to clean the inside of a fridge?

You may want to tackle the refrigerator right before a grocery store trip so you have less to move. Step 2 Turn down the cooling power so it's not as chilly for your scrubbing session. Step 3 Dilute ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol® in a gallon of warm water. Step 4 Sponge down the inside fridge walls with the solution.

What is the best thing to clean a fridge with?

Be sure not to reach for harsh chemical cleaners and instead, opt for a natural solution made with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. This is an extremely effective cleaning solution - the vinegar will remove any odours, while the bicarbonate of soda will effectively remove any stains or any build up of food.

What should be avoided in cleaning of refrigerator?

8 Things You Should Never Do When Cleaning the Fridge
  • Don't procrastinate. ...
  • Don't skip the deep clean. ...
  • Don't let expired stuff stay in there. ...
  • Don't put hot shelves back in. ...
  • Don't use harsh cleaners. ...
  • Don't use bleach. ...
  • Don't clean the coils when your fridge is plugged in. ...
  • Don't use soap and water on stainless steel.

How to remove bad smell from fridge?

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.

What is the best cleaner to clean the inside of a refrigerator?

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.

Why does my fridge smell like vinegar after cleaning?

A vinegar or acetone (nail polish) smell is a good indicator that the refrigerant is leaking. Basically, the refrigerant is what makes the fridge cold. It can leak from having a hole in its hose, an improper defrost of the freezer, or even just from the appliance aging. Solution: Call a technician.

Can you use vinegar on stainless steel fridge?

To clean your stainless steel, rub in the direction of that grain. Do a preliminary clean of your appliance with vinegar: Spray your appliance liberally with vinegar. Wipe it down: Using either a paper towel or a very soft cloth, wipe the vinegar off in the direction of the grain.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Can you mix vinegar and Dawn dish soap?

To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.

What happens when you mix water vinegar and baking soda?

Mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) causes a chemical reaction that produces a salt (sodium acetate) and water, as well as carbon dioxide gas. In this demonstration, baking soda is placed in a balloon that is attached to a flask holding vinegar. This creates a closed system.

How to clean a refrigerator with vinegar?

Take out any removable shelves or drawers from your fridge to gain better access to the interior. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the area you want to clean. Wipe every corner and crevice with a damp cloth to thoroughly get rid of the mold and dry all surfaces with a towel.

What happens if you don't clean your fridge?

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.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

Avoid using white vinegar for cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stones, like slate. This includes countertops, floors, and shower walls with stone finishes, and household goods like tabletops or serving pieces.

What is the best homemade vinegar cleaning solution?

DIY Vinegar Cleaner Recipe

In a 16-ounce glass spray bottle combine 8 ounces of distilled white vinegar and 8 ounces of water. Optional: Add a few long strips of lemon zest and/or a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs, or 5 to 10 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil.

Do you have to rinse after cleaning with vinegar?

Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar. Use a sponge or microfiber mop, wringing well to prevent over-wetting the floor. Rinse the mop head often. There's no need to rinse the floor; the solution will not leave residue or streaks.

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