If you’re wondering how to clean the fridge inside and out, you’ve come to the right place. A sparkling fridge not only looks and smells better, it also helps your food stay fresh longer and can even save energy. In this guide, you’ll walk through every step—from gathering supplies to setting up a maintenance routine—so you can tackle refrigerator cleaning with confidence. If you want to dive deeper into why it’s important to keep your fridge spotless, check out how do you clean your fridge? - and why is it important.

gather cleaning supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything on hand. Having all your tools ready means you’ll breeze through the process without running back and forth.

• Microfiber cloths or soft rags
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket or large basin
• Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
• Sponge or nonabrasive scrub pad
• Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
• Optional: white vinegar, activated carbon pad

empty and sort fridge

Clearing out your fridge gives you full access to every nook and cranny. It also provides a good chance to check for expired or forgotten items.

check expiration dates

1. Pull out each container and check “use by” or “best before” dates.
2. Toss anything moldy, leaking, or way past its prime.
3. If something looks fine but you’re unsure, smell it and err on the side of caution.

group and relocate items

• Place dairy together, meats together, condiments together.
• If you have a freezer section, move those items into a cooler with ice packs.
• For a quick refresher on defrosting and dealing with ice buildup, see how to remove ice from the freezer quickly.

wash shelves and bins

Removable parts are often the gunkiest, so tackle them first.

remove shelves and drawers

• Gently slide out glass shelves and plastic bins.
• Label any pieces that look similar so you don’t mix them up on reassembly.

soak and scrub

1. Fill your sink or bucket with warm water and a squirt of dish soap.
2. Let shelves and bins soak for 10 minutes to loosen grime.
3. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away spills and sticky spots.

rinse and dry

• Rinse each piece under clean water.
• Dry thoroughly with a towel or let air-dry on a clean surface to prevent water spots.

clean interior surfaces

With removable parts out, it’s time to tackle the fridge’s walls, floor and ceiling.

mix your cleaning solution

• Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle.
• Shake gently to dissolve the baking soda.

scrub walls and corners

1. Spray your solution generously inside the fridge.
2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth, paying special attention to corners and door edges.
3. Use an old toothbrush to reach grooves or textured plastic areas.

dry thoroughly

• Go over all surfaces with a dry cloth.
• Leave the door open for a few minutes if you can, to let any remaining moisture evaporate.

scrub door gasket

The rubber seal around your door can trap dirt and mold if left unchecked.

inspect the seal

• Pull the gasket gently, looking for cracks or debris.
• Check for any signs of mold or mildew.

clean with mild detergent

1. Dampen a cloth with warm, soapy water.
2. Wipe around and under the gasket folds.
3. For stubborn dirt, use the toothbrush to scrub gently.

condition and dry

• Rinse the area with a damp cloth.
• Dry the gasket completely to keep it pliable and prevent mold.

defrost freezer if needed

If your freezer section has more than a quarter-inch of ice buildup, it’s time for a defrost.

unplug and empty

• Turn off or unplug the fridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove all items and store them in a cooler or another freezer.

speed up defrosting

• Place a bowl of hot water inside and close the door for 10 minutes.
• Gently chip away large chunks of ice with a plastic scraper—never use a metal tool.

dry interior

• Wipe away all water and ice fragments.
• Leave the freezer door open for a few minutes to air-dry.

clean exterior surfaces

A clean exterior makes a great first impression and prevents dirt from migrating inside.

wipe down doors and handles

• Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
• Use a soft cloth to clean the door faces, sides and handles.
• Pay extra attention to high-touch areas like the dispenser panel or control buttons.

clean coils and vents

• Unplug the fridge.
• Vacuum coils in the back or underneath to improve efficiency.
• For tips on moving your fridge without damage, see how can i slide my fridge without scratching the floor?.

freshen fridge odors

A deodorized fridge makes meal prep more pleasant and stops lingering smells from transferring to your food.

baking soda method

• Open a box of baking soda and place it on a shelf.
• Replace the box every three months for ongoing freshness.

activated carbon pads

• Use a carbon pad to absorb stronger odors.
• For fishy smells, check out what coconut carbon pad removes lingering fish odor?.

natural deodorizers

• Fill a small bowl with coffee grounds or dried citrus peels.
• Replace every few weeks and enjoy a subtle, natural scent.

restock and organize items

Putting everything back with purpose helps you find what you need and reduces waste.

group by category

• Dairy in the top shelf
• Meats and seafood on the bottom shelf to prevent drips
• Condiments in the door
• Fruits and veggies in designated crispers

eye-level priorities

• Place frequently used items at eye level for quick access.
• Store meal-prepped containers in a clear tote or bin.

declutter regularly

• If your fridge often gets overcrowded, consider a quick purge every week.
• For more tips on streamlining your freezer and fridge space, see how to declutter a fridge freezer.

maintain your fridge

A little regular care goes a long way toward preventing big cleaning sessions.

set a cleaning schedule

• Do a light wipe of spills each day.
• Deep clean every three months or around major holidays.

quick daily wipe

• Keep a damp cloth and mild cleaner under your sink.
• Wipe sticky spots or spills as soon as they happen.

monthly gasket check

• Look for cracks, stiffness or mold on the door seal.
• Clean and dry the gasket as needed to maintain a tight seal and reduce energy use.

By following these steps, you’ll master how to clean the fridge inside and out without stress or surprises. Regular upkeep keeps odors at bay, prevents cross-contamination and ensures your fridge runs efficiently. Now grab your gloves, set aside an hour, and get ready to enjoy a fresher, more organized fridge.