Cleaning an older fridge requires a gentle, degreasing approach to remove stubborn kitchen grease and dust without damaging aged finishes. Always unplug the fridge for safety and start with mild, soapy warm water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and harsh chemicals, which can scratch or discolor older surfaces.
Wipe down & clean the exterior of the refrigerator
Use a combination of mild dish soap and water to wipe down doors, as well as the door seals and handles, then dry everything with a clean cloth.
Cleaning the Exterior of a Refrigerator
All Refrigerators* can be cleaned with a mild solution of soap and warm water with a clean, soft cloth or microfiber cloth. They should be wiped dry with a soft clean cloth or microfiber towel to avoid streaking or water spotting.
Whether cleaning with soap and water or using a cleaner, you'll need to wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid leaving behind streaks or marks. Find the direction by taking note of the lines that are going either horizontally or vertically on the stainless steel surface. If horizontal, wipe from left to right.
Mild dish soap and warm water is a simple but effective cleaner that is safe for both fingerprint resistant and black stainless steel. Wet a soft cloth with warm water and apply a very small amount of dish soap to the cloth.
The 20 minute rule of cleaning is simple: clean for 20 focused minutes, then treat yourself to a 10-minute break. It's a guilt-free, feel-good way to tackle messes without burnout. The idea is rooted in motivation and reward, two essential ingredients for any busy homeowner.
For most fridges, the safest routine cleaners are warm water with mild dish soap, a baking soda solution for odour control, and a 1:1 white-vinegar-and-water mix for deodorising and mineral spots; microfibre cloths, a soft brush, a bucket, gloves and a vacuum with a brush attachment cover almost every cleaning job.
DON'T...
Vinegar is especially useful on spills that have gone unnoticed and are stuck to the walls and shelves of the fridge. As far as how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, mix up a 1:1 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, apply it to spills and thoroughly wipe with a clean cloth.
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.
Mix white vinegar with water (1:1 ratio) for an effective mold-busting cleaner that's safe for food areas. For a boost, add a sprinkle of baking soda to your vinegar solution to tackle tougher spots. Apply the solution with a spray bottle, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
Grease and grime on the outside of the refrigerator can be cleaned with a spray of any all-purpose cleaner or degreaser. For an inexpensive cleaner, mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid into a pint of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
How To Deep Clean Your Fridge
8 mistakes to avoid when deep cleaning your fridge
What Not to Use on Stainless Steel
Stainless steel resists corrosion, and vinegar is mild enough to break down dirt and grease without causing great harm, but damage is possible. Vinegar's acidity can corrode metal, especially if it mixes with salt. Vinegar can also dry out rubber, causing your dishwasher's rubber gaskets to shrivel, crack, and leak.
7 Best Stainless Steel Cleaning Methods
Distilled white vinegar is a powerful mold-and-mildew killer and it's our favorite option for fridge cleaning. Take out all the shelves and drawers that are removable (for easier access) and spray them down with vinegar (do no dilute the vinegar).
Tips for Cleaning Your Fridge
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.