How to Clean Inside Your Refrigerator: Step by Step

The refrigerator is one of those appliances that gets used constantly but cleaned rarely. Spills get wiped up (sometimes), expired food gets tossed (eventually), and the mystery stain on the bottom shelf gets ignored until it cannot be ignored anymore.

A thorough fridge cleaning takes about 30-45 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in how your food tastes, how long it stays fresh, and how your kitchen smells. Here is how to do it right.

Before You Start

1. Plan your timing. Clean the fridge before your grocery run when it is at its emptiest. Do not do this the day after a big shopping trip.
2. Get a cooler. Fill it with ice or ice packs. You will need it to keep perishable food safe while you clean.
3. Gather supplies:
   • Baking soda
   • Warm water
   • Dish soap
   • White vinegar (optional, for stubborn spots)
   • Clean cloths or sponges
   • Old toothbrush
   • Spray bottle

Step-by-Step Fridge Cleaning

Step 1: Empty Everything

Take every item out of the fridge. As you remove things, check expiration dates and toss anything that is expired, moldy, or questionable. Place perishable items in the cooler.

This is also a good time to take stock of what you have so you do not buy duplicates at the store.

Step 2: Remove Shelves and Drawers

Pull out all removable shelves, drawers, and bins. Most modern refrigerator shelves and drawers are designed to slide out easily.

Important for glass shelves: Let them come to room temperature before washing. Putting a cold glass shelf under hot water can cause it to crack from thermal shock. Set them on the counter for 15-20 minutes before washing.

Step 3: Wash Shelves and Drawers

Wash each piece in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Use a sponge for flat surfaces and a toothbrush for corners and crevices. Rinse thoroughly and set aside to dry.

For stubborn, stuck-on spills, soak the shelf or drawer in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 4: Clean the Interior

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. This creates a gentle, food-safe cleaning solution that deodorizes as it cleans.

1. Dip a cloth in the baking soda solution and wipe down all interior surfaces: walls, ceiling, floor, and the door interior.
2. For sticky or dried spills, apply the solution and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean the shelf tracks, corner seams, and the area around the door hinges.
4. Wipe down the door gasket seal — food particles and mold collect in the folds.

Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or strong chemical cleaners inside the fridge. They can leave residue and odors that transfer to food.

Step 5: Clean the Door Compartments

Door shelves and bins accumulate drips from condiment bottles. Remove them if possible and wash in the sink. Wipe the door surface behind them. Pay attention to the bottom of the door where spills collect.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Dry all surfaces with a clean cloth before replacing shelves and drawers. Moisture left inside the fridge promotes mold growth and can freeze on the back wall.

Replace the shelves and drawers. Then return your food items, wiping the bottoms of jars and containers as you put them back — sticky jar bottoms are the #1 source of recurring shelf stains.

How to Eliminate Refrigerator Odors

• Open box of baking soda: Place an open box on a shelf toward the back of the fridge. Replace it every 30 days.
• Activated charcoal: A small bag of activated charcoal absorbs odors more effectively than baking soda for persistent smells.
• Coffee grounds: A small bowl of dry coffee grounds absorbs strong odors overnight.
• Vanilla extract: Soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and place it on a shelf for a fresh scent.

If odors persist after cleaning and deodorizing, check the drip pan under the fridge (if accessible). A dirty drip pan is often the hidden source of persistent refrigerator smells.

Organization Tips That Keep Your Fridge Cleaner

How you organize your fridge directly affects how often you need to deep clean it.

• Use shelf liners. Washable, cut-to-fit liners catch spills before they reach the glass. When they get dirty, pull them out and rinse — much easier than scrubbing a shelf.
• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf. This prevents drips from contaminating other food and keeps spills contained to one area.
• Use clear containers. You can see what is inside without opening them, which reduces food waste and mysterious forgotten leftovers.
• First in, first out. When putting away groceries, move older items to the front and place new items behind them.
• Group items by category. Condiments together, dairy together, produce in drawers. When everything has a place, things stay neater.

Weekly Maintenance Routine

A full deep clean every 3-4 months is necessary, but a quick weekly maintenance pass keeps things manageable:

1. Before grocery shopping, open the fridge and check for expired items. Toss them.
2. Wipe any visible spills with a damp cloth.
3. Move older items to the front so they get used first.
4. Check the produce drawers for anything going bad — one rotting vegetable speeds up spoilage of everything around it.

This 5-minute weekly habit means your deep cleans are faster and your fridge stays cleaner between them.

A Clean Fridge Makes Everything Better

A clean refrigerator keeps food fresher longer, eliminates odors, and makes cooking more pleasant. The baking soda and water method is safe, effective, and uses supplies you already have. Combined with a quick weekly check, you can keep your fridge in great shape with minimal effort.

If the fridge is just one item on a long cleaning to-do list, Otesse can help. Our deep cleaning service covers the inside of the refrigerator along with every other surface in your kitchen and home.