How to clean an extremely dirty fridge?

Author: Alexandrine Ondricka  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

GIVE YOUR HOME A THOROUGH CLEANING!
  1. Remove All Detachable Pieces. ...
  2. Clean Behind the Refrigerator. ...
  3. Scrub the Interior Surfaces. ...
  4. Check the Water Filter. ...
  5. Clean the Ice Maker. ...
  6. Wipe Down Fridge and Freezer Interior. ...
  7. Put the Refrigerator Back in Place. ...
  8. Clean and Replace All Removable Pieces.

How do you deep clean a dirty refrigerator?

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 do you clean sludge out of a refrigerator?

I'd use a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean the fridge. About 1 cup to 1 gallon. If needed a paste of baking soda and water on sticky/stuck stuff, let sit for a bit and then a little bit of vinegar to fizz and help work it off.

How do you clean grime off 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.

What should you not clean a fridge with?

What should you not clean a fridge with? When cleaning the inside of a fridge, it is best to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners such as bleach to prevent damaging the thermal shock tempered glass shelves or degrading any plastic elements.

Secrets to Deep Clean Your Fridge

What is the best cleaner for 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.

Can I use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of my fridge?

Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.

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.

How do you remove grime from appliances?

General Cleaning

Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. This gentle yet effective solution will help remove grease, grime, and smudges without damaging the stainless steel finish. Spray the soapy solution evenly over the surface of your stainless steel appliance.

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.

What is the black sludge in my fridge?

Damaged system seals can cause oil to leak from your fridge. You can identify fridge oil by its color and consistency. It's notably thick and will be dark brown or black in color. It's imperative to handle this problem quickly so your refrigerator's compressor doesn't burn out.

Can you powerwash a fridge?

A refrigerator shouldn't be power washed, as you could cause damage. The better option would be to use a quality general-purpose cleanser followed by disinfectant bleach.

Can you use bleach to clean inside a refrigerator?

You should avoid cleaning the interior of the appliance with pure bleach. Bleach is a harsh cleaning agent and it can do more damage than good. It is effective in getting rid of bacteria and mold but it is also toxic so it should not come in contact with the food.

How do you clean gunk off a stainless steel refrigerator?

To make this cleaner, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to the stainless steel, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. This method works great on many items, like refrigerators, ovens, sinks, and countertops.

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.

How do you clean a nasty 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 is the best solution to clean the inside of a refrigerator?

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 little hole at the back of the fridge?

Usually, the fridge drain hole can be found at the base of the back wall, with ridges leading down towards it to guide beads of moisture. It is usually found as a small opening that is located at the back of your fridge's freezer compartment, normally behind the salad drawers.

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.

How do you clean the inside of an old refrigerator?

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.

Does a lemon get rid of a smelly fridge?

Yes, you can. To clean the fridge shelves, you can squeeze lemon juice onto a cloth or towel and wipe them down. Alternatively, you can place a few citrus slices in a bowl and leave them in the fridge for greater absorption power. It usually takes a few hours before you notice the odors have dissipated.

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.

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.

Can I use wet wipes to clean the fridge?

Wipes are commonly used for disinfecting the inside of a refrigerator because they seem convenient. These often require that surfaces remain wet for up to 10 minutes in order to be effective, and keeping a surface wet with disinfecting wipes can be more difficult than you might think.

Previous article
How do you stop a false or nuisance smoke alarm?
Next article
Should the air vent be open or closed on a wood burning stove?