When cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, it is highly recommended to use non-toxic, food-safe cleaners to prevent chemical residue from contaminating your food.
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 to use to clean a fridge. 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. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any cleaning instructions to avoid using products that may harm your fridge.
Use a gentle cleaner like Dawn dish soap + a microfiber cloth. Do it before your weekly grocery trip so you know what you have and your fridge isn't packed. Line drawers with paper towels after cleaning to keep them fresh longer (THIS IS A GAME CHANGER!)
Empty the entire refrigerator, checking expiration dates and wiping down sticky jars. Remove all shelves and drawers, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the empty interior with a mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart of warm water, then dry completely before restocking.
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.
Tips for Cleaning Your Fridge
The best homemade fridge cleaner is a mix of 1 cup warm water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. This natural, food-safe solution is perfect because the vinegar cuts through grease and sanitizes, while the dish soap lifts sticky spills without leaving behind toxic chemical residue.
Surfaces to avoid with Dawn® Powerwash: Marble countertops, sink basins, and backsplashes. Wood, including unsealed, varnished, stained, or painted wood surfaces & furniture.
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.
8 mistakes to avoid when deep cleaning your fridge
FAQ: Cleaning Inside a Refrigerator
Dry thoroughly to prevent mold from returning. 2. 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 to Clean a Fridge with a Refrigerator Cleaner
Yes, you can absolutely use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to clean both the inside and outside of your refrigerator. Because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is a safe choice for areas where food is stored.
Yes, you can use Windex on the glass shelves inside your fridge, but it is not recommended for cleaning the plastic walls or drawers.
Yes, you can use an all-purpose cleaner inside your fridge, but choose a human-safe, food-grade option (like a vinegar-water mix or dish soap) to avoid leaving harsh chemical residues near your food.
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.
Yes, but proceed with extreme caution. Fabuloso is a multi-surface cleaner that can be used on plastic and acrylic, but its strong perfume easily absorbs into food. If you use it, you must heavily dilute it and wipe the fridge down thoroughly with clean water to prevent your food from tasting like chemicals.
Keep produce that is ripening, cold-sensitive items, and foods prone to textural damage out of the refrigerator. The cold causes starches to convert to sugar, alters flavor profiles, and destroys moisture content. Store these items on a counter or in a cool, dark, and dry pantry.
If you want to ditch Dawn, your best non-toxic alternatives are plant-based, biodegradable liquids or concentrated mineral formulas. These products use plant-derived surfactants to cut grease without relying on synthetic dyes, fragrances, or harsh preservatives.
People put crumpled aluminum foil in the dishwasher primarily as a hack to make silver or stainless steel utensils and cutlery look shinier.
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.
The best all-natural cleaning products prioritize plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients over harsh chemicals. Top-rated options range from sustainable, refillable tablet systems to ultra-concentrated soaps and pantry staples, ensuring a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly home.
Vinegar/Water spray. Or Lemon Juice/Water spray. Wipe away with damp cloth.
Yes, you absolutely can clean your fridge with vinegar. It is a safe, non-toxic, and affordable natural cleaner that breaks down grease, removes food stains, and neutralizes odors.