Should you disinfect your fridge?

Author: Dr. Marianne Daniel  |  Last update: Sunday, April 5, 2026

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.

Do you need to disinfect fridge?

Fridges & Freezers:

The interiors of fridges and freezers should be wiped and sanitised every other day, and given a deep clean once a week. Fridge hygiene can have a big impact on the quality and safety of your food – it is extremely important to keep on top of the cleaning in there.

Is it safe to use Lysol wipes in the fridge?

Lysol Kitchen Pro antibacterial cleaner.

An antibacterial cleaner is essential for sanitizing a fridge. This one kills 99.9% of germs and is suitable for food contact surfaces.

What is the best way to clean the inside of a 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.

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

Yes, you can clean your fridge with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.

Tips for Cleaning Refrigerators - The Do's and The Don'ts

What is the best disinfectant to clean fridge?

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. DO THIS AFTER CLEANING IT WITH HOT, SOAPY WATER.

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 often should you 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 is a natural cleaner for inside refrigerator?

Cleaning Inside of a Refrigerator

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. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew.

How do you clean and deodorize a refrigerator?

Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers. Close the door and leave for several days. 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.

Can I clean my fridge with antibacterial wipes?

Surfaces and equipment

Use our antibacterial wipes to safely clean hard surfaces in the kitchen or any food preparation areas, to carefully sanitise and kill any lingering germs. They're suitable for fighting bacteria on worktops, drawer fronts, and fridge and freezer doors.

Does vinegar disinfect?

Vinegar has been proven to have some disinfectant properties, however it's not nearly as effective at killing harmful viruses and bacteria as commercial cleaners. And because it does not kill 99.999 percent of bacteria and viruses, it doesn't meet the criteria required to be considered a disinfectant.

Should I turn off the fridge before cleaning?

Care for your refrigerator:

Unplug the power cord of the refrigerator before you start cleaning your Refrigerator. Slightly dampen a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel with water and then you use it on the Refrigerator.

Is it safe to clean fridge with Lysol?

Use Lysol® All-purpose Cleaner or Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes to help clean the sink and surrounding surfaces. When used as directed, both products kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. The fridge needs to be deep cleaned at least once a month. Wipe down the shelves using a disinfectant cleaner.

Does vinegar disinfect refrigerator?

This article has been viewed 43,892 times. How long has it been since you deep cleaned your refrigerator? Luckily, you can clean and disinfect both the exterior and interior pretty quickly with white vinegar and a little elbow grease.

What should you do to avoid a buildup of bacteria in your fridge?

Here are 10 tips on how to keep your refrigerator clean and bacteria-free:
  1. Wipe down the shelves and drawers regularly. ...
  2. Remove any spills immediately. ...
  3. Clean the door seals. ...
  4. Defrost the freezer regularly. ...
  5. Use a mild soap and water solution. ...
  6. Dry the surfaces thoroughly. ...
  7. Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning.

What is a safe disinfectant for a refrigerator?

Pre-clean surfaces

Or spray with Clorox® Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner and wipe clean with a paper towel before disinfecting. No rinsing is required after cleaning with Clorox Free & Clear products.

What is the best thing to clean a refrigerator with?

Thoroughly wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Get into the corners with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse it with a soft, damp cloth. You can use vinegar or baking soda on tougher to remove spills and stains.

What should be used to clean the inside of a fridge?

Clean the Interior

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.

How often should I change bed sheets?

To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most.

What happens if you don't clean your fridge?

If a fridge is dirty or food is left in the fridge too long, germs can multiply to dangerous levels and potentially make you ill. There have been many cases of dirty fridges causing serious illnesses such as Norovirus or Shigella.

Is it better to keep a fridge full or empty?

The optimum amount of food to fill in the fridge is three-quarters full. At this amount, there's enough space for the air to circulate freely inside and, at the same time, sufficient food to help each item cool its neighbour down.

Can I use Clorox wipes to clean the fridge?

While Clorox wipes are convenient for general cleaning, they're not recommended for cleaning the inside of a Whirlpool refrigerator. The chemicals in these wipes can linger and potentially contaminate your food. Instead, use a natural and safe cleaning solution: a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.

What is the best non toxic cleaner for fridges?

Making your natural fridge cleaner is simple, you just need hot water, white vinegar and lemon juice. Shake well and it's ready! This mixture will allow you to naturally clean and disinfect the inside of your fridge as well as its various compartments.

What are the do's and don'ts of a refrigerator?

Read below to find out the do's and don'ts.
  • Do adjust the temperatures accordingly. ...
  • Don't leave the refrigerator door open too long. ...
  • Do separate and organize items properly. ...
  • Don't overload the refrigerator. ...
  • Do clean your refrigerator regularly. ...
  • Don't use harsh chemicals when cleaning.

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