Unplug the fridge, clear items off the top, and carefully pull the appliance straight out. Use a vacuum hose to remove loose debris, then wash the walls and base with hot, soapy water or a vinegar-and-water solution. Let the floor dry completely before pushing the fridge back into place.
Experts recommend that you clean behind your fridge at least once every three months. This will keep dust and bits of food to a minimum, which in turn can prevent bad odors and reduce the occurrence of pests and allergies. Additionally, if there is any dampness in the area, mold could start to grow.
Use a dry cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to sweep away loose dust and debris from the back surface and floor behind the fridge.
Clean behind and under your refrigerator without moving it by using a long, flat tool—like a Retractable Gap Dust Cleaner or a yardstick with a microfiber cloth wrapped around it. Slide it into narrow crevices to gather dust and debris.
Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator helps prevent mold, mildew and odors, but it's important to clean underneath your refrigerator, as well. Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help regulate your fridge temperature and help prevent food from freezing in your fridge.
You should clean behind your fridge once every 3 to 6 months. If you own pets or cook frequently, a quarterly cleaning (every 3 months) is highly recommended to prevent dust and hair from clogging the coils and overworking the appliance.
The 20-minute rule in cleaning (often combined with the 10-minute break as the 20/10 Rule) is a productivity method where you set a timer and clean as quickly and intensely as possible for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, you immediately stop cleaning and take a mandatory 10-minute break.
Some cleaning tips recommend you clean your refrigerator with vinegar and/or lemon juice, but these solutions lack the surfactants needed to help penetrate and loosen sticky spills and gunky spots. Bleach should never be used inside your fridge, as lingering chemical residue could come into contact with your food.
There are a variety of household cleaning products that you can use to help refresh your refrigerator, including dishwashing soap, warm water and a vinegar solution.
No matter how tidy your fridge is, there's probably something in there that should be thrown out. Examples include condiments that have been opened for over 12 months, leftovers older than 4 days, and fresh meat and seafood past their prime.
While it is normal to find a small amount of water or ice on the back of your fridge, it is not normal for there to be large amounts of frost/ice build-up inside your appliance. If you are finding that your fridge is densely covered in ice, follow the below steps to try and resolve the issue.
8 mistakes to avoid when deep cleaning your fridge
Yes, you can safely unplug your fridge to clean behind it. It is highly recommended for safety when moving the appliance, and it gives you a great chance to vacuum the dust off the condenser coils.
Use a dry cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to sweep away loose dust and debris from the back surface and floor behind the fridge.
The 20/10 cleaning method is a productivity hack that involves cleaning or decluttering for 20 minutes, followed immediately by a 10-minute break. Popularized by organizer Rachel Hoffman in Unfck Your Habitat*, it prevents burnout by breaking daunting chores into manageable chunks and rewarding you with a dedicated rest period.
The Amish generally use propane (gas) refrigerators, solar-powered appliances, or traditional iceboxes stocked with harvested pond ice. Because their Ordnung (community rules) forbid direct connection to the public electrical grid, they rely on alternative energy and low-tech cooling solutions to keep food fresh.
Cleaning behind the fridge helps lower your energy bills and prevents trapped dust from stressing the compressor. Unplug the appliance, pull it straight out, and sweep or vacuum the floor and wall. Wipe down the wall and back panel with soapy water or a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water, and safely vacuum the coils.
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.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
Spray the interior of the refrigerator with a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner to help kill mold, mildew and germs. You can also dip a clean sponge or cloth in a mild detergent mixed with warm water, white vinegar or a mix of baking soda and hot water. Spray or wipe the walls, door and permanent shelves.
What foods should not be refrigerated?
No, neither ketchup nor mustard strictly needs to be refrigerated to remain safe to eat. Both are naturally high in acidity and vinegar, which acts as a preservative against bacteria and mold. However, manufacturers recommend refrigeration to maintain the best flavor, color, and texture.
So don't wait any longer - try out some of these tips today and start enjoying a fresh-smelling home!
Most people probably think the hardest thing to declutter is sentimental clutter. While it's true that presents its own challenges, I actually think the hardest thing to declutter is aspirational clutter. This type of clutter is tied to your actual identity!
To clean your house efficiently, always work from top to bottom and room to room to avoid backtracking. Declutter first, dust high surfaces before wiping them down, clean your kitchens and bathrooms, and save vacuuming and mopping for last.