How do you clean and refresh a refrigerator?

Author: Jerrod Cassin  |  Last update: Thursday, May 21, 2026

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.

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

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.

How do you refresh a refrigerator?

After giving your fridge a deep clean, place a box of baking soda on one of the shelves to help keep things fresh. This natural deodorizer will help absorb and eliminate lingering smells, and the same goes for your freezer, too. If you notice the smells returning, you can replace the baking soda with a fresh box.

How do you clean and deodorize a refrigerator?

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 product to deep clean 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.

Fridge organization & cleaning

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.

How do I refresh my refrigerator smell?

Baking soda: Take a bowl full of baking soda, place it inside your fridge and allow it to sit for a couple of hours. Vinegar: Put a cup filled with white vinegar in the fridge to obtain the desired effect. Lemon: Place a few slices of lemon and leave them to sit inside your fridge.

Can you spray vinegar in the fridge?

To clean the inside of the fridge, spray the inside of the fridge with a solution of vinegar and water, concentrating on soiled areas and let it soak in.

Why does my fridge smell bad but no rotten food?

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.

What is the best fridge deodorizer?

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.

How do you refresh an old refrigerator?

5 DIY fridge makeover ideas and inspiration
  1. Paint your old fridge. Paint is a simple and affordable way to customize the look of your fridge. ...
  2. Change up refrigerator handles. ...
  3. Use fridge wrap or stickers. ...
  4. Turn your fridge into a giant blackboard. ...
  5. Hide your fridge behind panels.

Can I put air freshener in my fridge?

Tip 4: use a freshener

Buy an air freshener for your fridge to absorb the unpleasant odors.

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.

Does baking soda deodorize the fridge?

Eliminate odors by storing an opened box of baking soda inside the refrigerator and freezer. You should notice a fresher smell within one to three days, but baking soda in the fridge needs to be replaced at least every three months.

What are the 8 steps in cleaning the refrigerator?

8 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator
  1. Move Food to a Cooler. ...
  2. Remove Shelves and Drawers. ...
  3. Clean with a Natural Unscented Cleaner. ...
  4. Keep Your Refrigerator Odour Free. ...
  5. Clean the Rubber Gasket. ...
  6. Organize your Refrigerator. ...
  7. Clean the Refrigerator Door. ...
  8. Clean Refrigerator Coils.

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.

How to clean and disinfect 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.

Can I use fabuloso to clean the 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 to refresh a refrigerator?

Some people use orange, lemon, or lime peels simply by tucking them in an open corner. You can also create a quick natural air freshener by combining baking soda, any essential oil, and water, simply placing a small bowl of it in your fridge. If none of these steps do the trick, your fridge may need a deep clean.

How long will a bowl of vinegar absorb odors?

A bowl of vinegar can start absorbing odors almost immediately and is typically adequate for up to 24 hours. When left out in a room, the acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pet accidents, by binding with the odor molecules and neutralizing them.

What is the black stuff in a refrigerator door seal?

Mould build up on your fridge gaskets is not only unsightly, it can lead to contaminated food, odours and failed inspections. But how does it get there in the first place? The answer is due to the reaction between warm and cold air.

How do you get mold and mildew off a refrigerator door seal?

“Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the moldy areas of the seal and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and will help lift mold without damaging the seal.”

How do you rejuvenate a refrigerator door seal?

Clean the seal: If the seal is dirty or grimy, it may not create an airtight seal. You can clean it using a mild detergent and warm water mixture. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge focusing on crevices. Allow the seal to air dry before reinstalling it in your refrigerator.

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