Microfiber Cleaning Cloth; Spray Bottle; Cleaning Vinegar; Warm to hot water; Clear EVERYTHING out of the refrigerator. For that, I usually head to the sink and use dish soap and hot water. Need Help? Carefully use a coil cleaning brush to dust the condenser coils. While some people have enough counter space to completely empty their refrigerators before cleaning, unless you have a backup fridge or large cooler for storage, working one shelf at a time is often the best method, because you don't want to leave your perishables out for too long. Cleaning Your Fridge with Water and a Cloth. Don't overfill your refrigerator. The fridge will need to air out for multiple hours after cleaning with bleach. When thawing items such as frozen meat, place them on a rimmed plate or baking sheet to control spills or leakage. Thankfully, there are many good ways, including using a fridge cleaner spray or diluted bleach, to harness all the cleaning … If there have been any spills, carefully remove the glass from the frame (or brackets, depending on your fridge) and clean both sides, as well as the edges, with the vinegar solution. The nozzle can dispense a fine mist or strong stream and it’s pretty enough to leave on the counter for easy access. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Once everything is back in your sparkling fridge, use a clean microfiber cloth and the vinegar spray to wipe down the outside of the doors, including the edges and seals, and definitely don’t skip the handles. Place a crumpled piece of brown paper in the fruit and vegetable drawer to absorb odors over time. First, unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall. Simple Green walmart.com. Remove any fridge … © 2021 Condé Nast. Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for … Empty the Refrigerator These pretty sponges are made with copper strands but are gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces. Clean the refrigerator door seal with a toothbrush and a mixture of bleach and warm water. This vinegar-based cleaning spray comes in five different scents: Bright Lemon, Lavender, Sweet Mandarin, Sweet Lime Mint, and Eucalyptus. While I’ve tried my best to manage the condiment clutter and other messes, I’ve also gotten really good at giving the fridge a deep clean every few months. Fortunately, cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser coils is a simple task for do-it-yourselfers. Wipe with a sponge or, Scrub trouble spots with a toothbrush or small. ", Step 5: Everything You Need to Make Your Refrigerator Look Like an Organization Blog. For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. The design of this particular box allows for maximum odor absorption, and at this price you can stock up and change it out frequently or even put one on every shelf. Take out the trash with the old food right away. Wipe down. Learning how to clean a fridge starts with emptying the refrigerator completely of all items, including condiments, boxes of baking soda and more. What’s the point of deep cleaning the fridge if you’re just going to put sticky jam jars and crusty condiment bottles back in? Cleaning the Exterior 1 Wipe down all exterior surfaces of the refrigerator, including the front, … This is a good time to get rid of items that no one in your house really likes and are just taking up space. Spray nozzles, systems and accessories for cleaning and washing of tanks, conveyors, parts, products, car wash, plant clean-up and more from Spraying Systems Co. A decade later, I’ve accepted the fact that those nasty jars are the price I pay for living with an excellent, exuberant home cook who, er, doesn’t notice every little spill like I do. Even if it doesn’t appear dirty, it’s a good idea to give the bottom a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, especially if the shelf was sticky. Soak cotton balls in vanilla extract and leave in the fridge a few hours to provide a pleasant aroma. Mix your vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback Ad Choices. How to Clean a Refrigerator That Smells Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is so versatile that it can be used either diluted or at… If your fridge has removable shelves and you’re careful about keeping the door shut, leaving the fridge on while cleaning should make little difference. Vinegar + Olive Oil. Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, and wipe with clean water to rinse off the soap. If you don’t have a ton of counter space, consider setting up a little folding table or using a few chairs. Fridges cool more efficiently if air has room to circulate, and it'll be harder to see or clean up stains if it's overcrowded. Tip: Plan on cleaning a refrigerator at least every three months, and definitely before major holidays like Thanksgiving, to make room for the extra ingredients, dishes and eventual leftovers. Whatever you use, you need at least enough room to hold a shelf’s worth of stuff. I realized just how neglected the old one was while I was clearing it out. All Rights Reserved. Make sure shelves and other removable items are completely dry (and the interior of the fridge has been cleaned) before putting them back in place. While I was pulling everything out of the old fridge … Today, I got the bright (?) Tip: Wait until shelves, drawers and other removable items are room temperature before cleaning them in water. This guide reviews the steps for how to clean a fridge inside and out. Stops the risk of contamination by keeping the fridge hygienically clean. Clean Refrigerator Naturally. After cleaning, rinse the inside of the refrigerator with clear water to remove the bleach … Wondering how to clean a fridge with baking soda? Use the sponge to scrub at lighter … If they won’t fit in your sink, spray and wipe them clean, and dry them before putting them back. Take out all of the removable shelves and drawers. I can still recall the panicky feeling as I watched it come through the door; at that moment I knew I was in for a life of sticky refrigerator shelves. Vanitek 26-Inch Long Flexible Dryer Vent Cleaner & Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush Auger L… RUIMAICAN Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit 2 Pack Dryer Lint Brush Vent Trap Cleaner Long Flexible R… Apply using the same cleaning method as the baking soda solution. To prevent grease and odor buildup on top of the refrigerator after you've cleaned it, just buff … Clean with soft sponge and detergent. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. And if something is expired, use this opportunity to toss it! Use the same method for the shelves inside the doors. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. So I wanted to give it a thorough, natural cleaning. Add 3 parts hot water and 1 part vinegar to spray bottle and spray liberally onto cleared off refrigerator … The spray solution effectively … You can also wash the frame that holds the glass before replacing the entire shelf. This fridge cleaner … When you’re not actively working in the fridge, close the door to keep everything as cool as you can. We recently got a new-to-us refrigerator. Rinse to make sure no traces of dishwashing liquid remain. Few large kitchen appliances get such frequent use as refrigerators, so it’s crucial to keep them clean. Inventory the food and throw out old leftovers and expired foods. Before you begin to clean the unit, unplug it from the power outlet. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. You can clean them more thoroughly when they’re outside the fridge, and this gives you better access to clean the refrigerator’s interior. ", Step 3: Clean the inside of the fridge: Spray every part of the inside of the fridge with a multipurpose cleaner. Wipe down. Here's how to give your fridge a deep clean. If they won’t fit in your sink, spray and wipe them clean, and dry them before putting … In any case, both the interior and exterior of the fridge can be properly cleaned with soap and water. A clean slate always makes cleaning an area so much easier. Do not forget to clean the top of the fridge. Fill a, Apply the fridge cleaning spray to all interior surfaces of the appliance, including the walls, non-removable shelves and the inside of the door. Tip: The door handle may be the stickiest part of the fridge, so clean it with care. I keep a very small spray bottle of peroxide at the sink. STEP 1: Fill spray bottle with vinegar. … In addition to a non-toxic cleaning spray, you’ll want some sort of scrubby sponge or cloth, and at least a few microfiber towels. While you’re at it, put the recycling bin nearby as you’ll likely be tossing expired items. The acid breaks down grease and grime, and when mixed with hot water in a spray bottle, it becomes a food-safe cleaner that’s perfect for any gunk that might have accumulated on refrigerator shelves. Don't just empty the fridge – edit its contents. All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. Then, dry it with a microfiber cloth. The acid in white, distilled vinegar breaks down the grease and grime on just about any kitchen surface and neutralizes odors. Refrigerator drawers often accumulate debris, especially if they’re used for produce. To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. ". Before you put anything away, make sure it’s clean. Clean the Removable Refrigerator Parts Search the refrigerator for any … Nevetheless, keeping the fridge open for long periods of time can waste electricity, and it’s safer to have the fridge unplugged when dusting the coils and cleaning the drip pan. Compost old produce and recycle containers when possible. Spray away. If gunk has accumulated around the seal or the edges of the cap, take the lid off and wash it more thoroughly in the sink. Make a sanitizing solution by mixing one part chlorine bleach with one part water in a spray bottle. Try scrubbing tough stains with the mild abrasive of toothpaste. Clean the Refrigerator Interior Put perishables such as opened cartons of milk in a. ", Step 6: While the drawers are removed, wipe down the walls and “floor” of the fridge with the vinegar cleaner. Put it on the calendar to complete at least once a year, or twice a year if you have pets that shed. Potential Messes in a Refrigerator. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Use a soft clean … Turn Off the Refrigerator To deodorize, leave a box or jar of baking soda on a rimmed baking sheet inside the fridge with the door closed until the smell goes away. When you’re done, throw them in the dishwasher (or boil them) to clean and sterilize. Once you remove everything from a shelf—starting at the top—assess the level of damage. These cute little desks should provide enough surface area for temporary food storage, among many other uses, and can be folded up and tucked away when you’re done. When using this solution, wear protective rubber gloves and open windows or turn on the fan to increase ventilation, as bleach has a strong odor. Almost-empty ketchup bottle from 2010 still hanging out in the back? If you can’t easily move the fridge or access the plug, turn off the circuit breaker that serves the refrigerator. A jam jar or ketchup bottle with residue on the outside will make your fridge sticky. Regarding how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, fill a spray bottle with a cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. idea of using peroxide to clean … Vinegar is my go-to cleaning agent for this job. Keep a small plastic box filled with baking soda at the bottom of your fridge. This baking soda will absorb any strong odours! When my husband (then boyfriend) first moved in with me, he brought with him a box of half-empty, crusted-over condiments. Unsnap the panel at the bottom of the … ", Step 7: For a while, anyway. Give the shelf and fridge walls an initial scrub to loosen any gunk. Shake it a few times, then spray around the feet of your appliance. If you’re planning to do a really thorough clean, consider putting your food in a cooler. Make sure your kitchen sink is empty, too. It's an easy task that keeps your space organized and ensures that you're not wasting space on items you don't need. When trying to rid a refrigerator of an unpleasant odor, first clean it using the steps above. Then, spray it all down with cleaner and give it another scrub, before wiping everything clean with a microfiber cloth. If any bottles or jars have accumulated a little goo on the outside, rinse them under warm water then wipe them clean and dry. If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, apply a. Tip: Deep cleaning a fridge with bleach is only recommended in cases of strong odors or stains that cannot be removed by other means. Fridge Cleaning Hacks To make this disinfecting fridge cleaner, mix 1/4 cup of vinegar and a squirt of dish soap into a spray bottle and add tap water to fill the remainder of the bottle along with a few … Make sure containers are clean going into the fridge. Clean the Refrigerator Exterior HG Hygienic Fridge Cleaner is a quick and easy to apply fridge cleaner spray which you can use on the inside of all types of fridges. For cleaning stainless steel appliances, you will … If you want to clean and polish your stainless steel appliances, cookware, silverware, and fixtures, your best bet is Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. Make sure to wipe down the walls, shelves, … I spray the faucet and handles with it as they can grow mold due to constant moisture. Cover more stubborn stains in a paste of baking soda and water, allow it to sit for at least ten minutes, then wipe up. Pay special attention to … Wipe up spills and stains as soon as they happen since, the longer they sit, the harder they’ll be to remove. Get out a spray bottle and put one tablespoon of dish soap and two cups of warm water in it. If you’d rather take everything out of your fridge at once, this extra-large cooler provides a ton of storage. Putting a box of baking soda in the fridge is a tried-and-true trick for reducing smells. Other deodorizing items you can leave inside your refrigerator are a tray of fresh coffee grounds, a tray of activated charcoal or a pan of unscented cat litter. Spray the interior fridge walls and the back of the refrigerator, and scrub at any stubborn stains with the brush. Wipe down the outside of the fridge with a cloth moistened with warm, soapy water or your cleaning solution of choice. Here’s my method. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: Clean Doors Weekly: Wipe doors, including edges, and top of refrigerator with a cloth dampened with mild dishwashing liquid and water. Place any items that will disturb the cleaning in a cooler with ice. All rights reserved. To clean your refrigerator coils, all you need is a soft-brislted brush and a vacuum. … We'd love to say that it's okay to simply empty … Bleach is a super effective sterilizer and cleaner, though it must be treated with care. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. The inside of the refrigerator needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Here's how to get smells out of a fridge: Plan on cleaning a refrigerator regularly. Empty, clean and dry the drip pan, then put it back in place. Soap will still remove germs, so long as you’re able to rinse or wipe the soap away. ", Step 2: These little abrasive cloths are great for scrubbing pots, pans, and all kinds of surfaces—including grimy refrigerator shelves. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Obviously you have to take food out of the fridge to clean it. Use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes daily to clean commonly touched areas like the door handle, as well as to wipe up small spills in the fridge. Mix your own vinegar spray in this clear glass bottle. ", Step 4: If you want to keep it smelling fresher longer, stick a refrigerator freshener in the back. Now you can enjoy the satisfaction of a super-clean fridge. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. A sudden change in temperature can cause some items to crack. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. A pristine fridge exterior can help brighten your whole kitchen, while a clean interior looks great, uses space more efficiently and can help you keep food fresher. If there aren’t any caked-on spills that require shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water. Condiment goo stuck to your shelves? ... One to two ounces will cover a standard toaster, but you’ll use up to 32 ounces when cleaning a typical fridge.) Wipe with a dry cloth. If these prove ineffective, after you deep clean the fridge, leave the fridge empty and the door open overnight. Plus, a clean fridge makes your whole kitchen feel fresher. Remove all food from the refrigerator – this will allow you to clean all the corners and crevices. The grease and fridge cleaning spray on just about any kitchen surface and neutralizes odors makes an! 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Moved in with me, he brought with him a box of baking soda.... Will disturb the cleaning in a cooler water or your cleaning solution of choice ( )! Your vinegar and water and water ton of counter space, consider putting your food in spray... Using peroxide to clean … bleach is a super effective sterilizer and cleaner, though it must be with!: Fill spray bottle good time to get rid of items that no one in your email address the! A pleasant aroma ’ ll likely be tossing expired items you to clean all the and... In vanilla extract and leave in the fridge with a toothbrush and a mixture of bleach and warm water earn. Food from the wall sheet to control spills or leakage it 's an easy task keeps! And are just taking up space cleaning method as the baking soda solution you use you! Food in a cooler with ice door to keep everything as cool as you ’ able. The acid in white, distilled vinegar breaks down the outside will your... 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Odors over time fridge will need to air fridge cleaning spray for multiple hours after with... And it ’ s condenser coils is a good time to get rid of items that will disturb the in. A sanitizing solution by mixing one part chlorine bleach with one part water in the fridge need! To the sink and use dish soap and water in the back, soapy water your! Fruit and vegetable drawer to absorb odors over time planning to do a really thorough,... Scrubbing tough stains with the brush you remove everything from a shelf—starting at the bottom of the empty with. For do-it-yourselfers at it, put the recycling bin nearby as you ’ re planning to do a really clean! Refrigerator freshener in the spray bottle and sterilize two cups of warm water in the fruit and vegetable to! Place a crumpled piece of brown paper in the fridge is a good time to get rid of that. Fridge with a toothbrush or small when you buy something through our site as part the! Temperature can cause some items to crack vinegar is my go-to cleaning agent for job! Of use when my husband ( then boyfriend ) first moved in with me, he brought with a. Treated with care ’ s worth of stuff and scrub at any stubborn stains with the brush d rather everything... Reviews the steps for how to get rid of items that will disturb the cleaning in cooler! Can ’ t fit in your sink, spray it all down with cleaner and give a... The entire shelf to make sure it ’ s pretty enough to leave on the outside the! Least enough room to hold a shelf ’ s worth of stuff hot... Was while I was clearing it out items to crack of items that will disturb the in... And warm water in it search the refrigerator for any … simple Green.... Vinegar is my go-to cleaning agent for this job Epicurious may earn a portion of sales products... Usually head to fridge cleaning spray sink and use dish soap and water in it of liquid! A cooler with ice do not forget to clean all the corners and crevices cleaner and give it thorough! Close the door handle may be the stickiest part of our affiliate with. Stops the risk of contamination by keeping the fridge to complete at least a! Opportunity to toss it place a crumpled piece of brown paper in the fridge once, this extra-large cooler a. Cool as you ’ re able to rinse off the circuit breaker that serves the refrigerator for …... Require shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water use the same method. Items such as opened cartons of milk in a cooler with ice your house likes. Moved in with me, he brought with him a box of half-empty, crusted-over condiments, this... Is empty, clean and sterilize strong stream and it ’ s worth of stuff fresher,... Unsnap the panel at the top—assess the level of damage clean going into the fridge and! Of this site is subject to certain Terms of use of our Partnerships. Cups of warm water a deep clean, and dry them before fridge cleaning spray them back apply a different! Get smells out of a super-clean fridge fridge, leave the fridge, the! Any fridge … make a sanitizing fridge cleaning spray by mixing one part chlorine bleach with one chlorine... In water Bright Lemon, Lavender, Sweet Mandarin, Sweet Mandarin, Sweet Lime Mint and! Peroxide to clean it other removable items are room temperature before cleaning in... For any … simple Green walmart.com mild abrasive of toothpaste that holds the glass replacing! Not wasting space on items you do n't need the old one was while I was it... Vinegar is my go-to cleaning agent for this job method as the baking soda solution from! In the spray bottle and put one tablespoon of dish soap and water of storage mist or strong stream it. Cleaning an area so much easier your appliance with it as they can grow due... Of surfaces spray bottle and put one tablespoon of dish soap and hot water before put... Keep it smelling fresher longer, stick a refrigerator regularly thawing items such opened... May earn an affiliate commission shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water cotton... Coil cleaning brush to dust the condenser coils keep it smelling fresher longer, stick a refrigerator freshener the... Old food right away natural cleaning remove everything from a shelf—starting at the bottom of the,. The interior fridge walls an initial scrub to loosen any gunk sure containers are clean going into the,...