How to Clean a Refrigerator Inside and Out

A clean refrigerator keeps food safer, reduces odors, extends the life of the appliance, and makes it easier to stay organized. Here's a complete step-by-step guide to cleaning your refrigerator inside and out.

How Often Should You Clean the Refrigerator?

Quick wipe-down: Weekly — wipe up spills and check for expired food.
Deep clean: Every 3–6 months — remove everything and clean all surfaces.
Condenser coils: Every 6–12 months.
Door gasket: Monthly.

What You'll Need

Warm water
Mild dish soap or baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda per 1 quart warm water)
White vinegar (for stubborn stains and odors)
Soft cloths or microfiber towels
Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush (for gasket grooves)
Vacuum with brush attachment (for condenser coils)

Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning the Refrigerator Interior

Step 1: Empty the Refrigerator

Remove all food. Check expiration dates and discard anything past its prime. Store perishables in a cooler with ice while you clean.

Step 2: Remove All Shelves, Drawers, and Bins

Remove all removable parts — shelves, crisper drawers, door bins, and any other removable components. Allow glass shelves to come to room temperature before washing in warm water to prevent cracking.

Step 3: Wash Removable Parts

Wash shelves, drawers, and bins in warm soapy water. For stubborn stains, soak in a baking soda solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before returning to the fridge.

Step 4: Clean the Interior Walls, Ceiling, and Floor

Wipe down all interior surfaces with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda per 1 quart warm water). This cleans and deodorizes simultaneously. For stubborn stains, apply undiluted white vinegar, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean.

Pay special attention to:

The back wall (where spills accumulate).
The area under the crisper drawers.
The drain hole at the back of the fridge interior.

Step 5: Clean the Door Gasket

The door gasket (rubber seal) accumulates food residue and mold in its folds and grooves. Clean with a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush dipped in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. A clean gasket seals better and lasts longer.

Step 6: Dry the Interior

Dry all interior surfaces with a clean cloth before returning shelves and food. Moisture left in the fridge can promote mold growth.

Step 7: Return Shelves and Food

Return clean, dry shelves and drawers. Reload food, checking dates and discarding anything expired. Use this opportunity to organize the fridge with clear bins. The Sorbus Fridge Organizer Bins Set of 8 keep the fridge tidy between cleanings.

Cleaning the Refrigerator Exterior

Stainless Steel Exterior

Wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Wipe in the direction of the grain. Dry immediately to prevent water spots. For fingerprints and smudges, use a stainless steel cleaner.

White or Black Exterior

Wipe with a cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. For stubborn marks, use a baking soda paste.

Top of the Refrigerator

Wipe down with warm soapy water. Remove any items stored on top and clean underneath them.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils reduce efficiency and can cause the fridge to run constantly. Clean every 6–12 months:

Unplug the refrigerator.
Locate the condenser coils (usually at the back or bottom of the fridge).
Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
Use a coil brush for stubborn buildup.
Plug the fridge back in.

Eliminating Refrigerator Odors

After cleaning, place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb ongoing odors. Replace every 30 days for best results. The Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator Air Filter is a purpose-built odor absorber that lasts up to 3 months and is more effective than a standard baking soda box.

Quick Cleaning Checklist

Empty fridge and check expiration dates.
Remove and wash all shelves, drawers, and bins.
Clean interior walls with baking soda solution.
Clean door gasket with a brush.
Dry all surfaces before reloading.
Clean exterior (stainless or painted).
Clean condenser coils every 6–12 months.
Place baking soda or odor absorber inside.

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