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[Home](https://www.cominghomemag.com/) 2. [Featured Articles](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles) 3. Expert Guide: How to Clean Your Refrigerator Like a Pro # Expert Guide: How to Clean Your Refrigerator Like a Pro Lifestyle Home  Think back for a second–have you done a **refrigerator cleaning** recently? If your answer’s no, you aren’t alone. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, deep cleaning your fridge often falls to the back burner. It’s a significant chore—and can be a struggle to get started. However, cleaning one of your home's most essential appliances is a must-do, as it can help eliminate bacteria, mysterious odors, and forgotten food. To make the process as easy as possible, here’s a detailed guide on **how to clean a fridge step by step** and give it the upkeep it deserves. ## Refrigerator Cleaning Log: Things You'll Need Ready to learn the best way to clean a fridge? Here's what you'll need for deep cleaning your fridge: - **Microfiber cloths** - **Sponge** - **Dishwashing gloves** - **Trash bags** - **Hot water** - **Dish soap** - **Distilled white vinegar** - [**Baking soda**](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/6-unique-ways-to-use-baking-soda) - **Olive oil** - **Cooler with ice** - **Paper towels** - **Spray bottle** > ***RELATED: [6 Proven Spring-Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/spring-cleaning-hacks)*** ## Let's Get Started: How to Clean the Refrigerator Step by Step ### Step 1. Purge the old stuff.  Life happens, and it can be easy to stock up on—then forget—food and sauces that may be past their prime. Start by tossing the old stuff. - Pitch items with mold: fuzzy, white fruits, green-spotted bread, etc. - Throw out items that are past their expiration date: think milk, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and yogurt - Rinse recyclable plastic or glass sauce bottles before throwing them in the [recycling bin](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/how-to-recycle-almost-anything) - Toss old food you won’t eat in a trash bag ### Step 2. Prep your space.  Before you start cleaning the grime and gunk, take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe in the process and prevent your salvageable food from going bad. - Unplug your fridge (don’t worry, the freezer food won’t melt!) - Pack the food you’re saving in an iced cooler - Remove the shelves and drawers from the fridge and place them near your sink ### Step 3. Wash equipment.  Slip on your gloves and get ready to scrub. Give your equipment a good wash and say buh-bye to the questionable goop living inside it. - Fill your sink with hot water, dish soap, and a [splash of vinegar](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/uses-for-vinegar) (it's the **best DIY fridge cleaning solution**!) - Wash your shelves and drawers in the mixture, paying special attention to hard-to-reach corners - Set aside to fully dry *Tip: If your shelves and drawers are glass or ceramic, wait a few minutes until they warm to room temperature before washing them, so they don’t break or crack. Also, refrain from using bleach in your refrigerator.* ### Step 4. Clean the inside of the fridge.  Now, your equipment’s clean, but your fridge is still yucky. Get in there and clean up the sticky and smelly stains, spills, and leaks. - Soak a microfiber cloth or sponge in a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar - Wipe the inside of the fridge from top to bottom, including the rubber door seal and shelf seams - Use paper towels to wipe the inside dry > ***RELATED: [Dishwasher Do's & Don'ts For Better Cleaning](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/dishwasher-tips)*** ### Step 5. Restock it with food.  Finally fresh and clean, it’s time for the fun part. Plug your fridge back in and put everything back where it belongs. Here's how to organize your fridge after cleaning: - Place shelves, drawers, and other equipment back in their rightful place - Put your salvageable food back in after the fridge has cooled - Pop an open box of baking soda in the back to prevent stinky smells *Tip: Line the inside of the vegetable drawers with paper towels to reduce moisture buildup and keep your food fresher for longer.* ### Step 6. Polish the outside.  For your stainless-steel fridge to be a shining beauty inside and out, wrap it up by polishing the outside. - Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray your fridge - Clean in the direction of the grain with a dry microfiber cloth - Use a paper towel to wipe off the remaining vinegar streaks - Dip another dry cloth in [olive oil](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/read-all-about-it-a-complete-guide-to-cooking-oils) (you only need a drop or two), and polish the entire surface in a circular motion ## Beyond Refrigerator Cleaning Tips: Spring Cleaning Checklist Nothing beats the feeling of cooking in a clean kitchen. Everything is in its place and nicely organized—life is good! And the next time someone asks you **how to clean a fridge step by step**, you'll know exactly where to start. Now imagine feeling that way in every room of your home. Hop on the spring cleaning train and tackle your entire home with our ready-made [spring cleaning checklist.](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/the-ultimate-spring-cleaning-checklist) ## How To Clean A Refrigerator Step-by-Step FAQs ### How do you clean refrigerator coils? You can clean refrigerator coils with a vacuum with an attachment for tight spaces and a can of compressed air. Use the vacuum to remove most of the dust and dirt, and use the compressed air to get rid of the rest. Wear a dust mask to protect yourself, and you should be able to get rid of most of the mess. ### How often should you clean your fridge? It's commonly recommended that you deep clean your fridge every three to four months. Keep things tidy by wiping down doors and handles and throwing away old food on a weekly basis. ### How do you remove stains from refrigerator shelves? If you're able to remove your refrigerator shelves, take them out and hand-wash them with hot water and dish soap. For anything you can't take out, use water mixed with a small amount of baking soda to wipe away stains. ### Do you have to turn off the fridge before cleaning? Yes, you must unplug your refrigerator before cleaning it to ensure your safety. ### How can I keep my fridge smelling fresh? Pop an open box of baking soda in your fridge to keep it smelling fresh and clean. [Read Now\!](https://www.cominghomemag.com/coming-home-magazine/spring-2026-coming-home-magazine) - [Next Recommendation  7 Things You Should Do to Prepare for Tornado Season Tornado prep includes: 1. Staying alert and staying informed, 2. Designating a safe space in your home, 3. Building a tornado emergency kit, and doing much more.](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/tornado-prep) ## Articles You Might Like Show previous Show next - [ 3 days ago 7 Things You Should Do to Prepare for Tornado Season Tornado prep includes: 1. Staying alert and staying informed, 2. Designating a safe space in your home, 3. 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Lifestyle Home  Think back for a second–have you done a **refrigerator cleaning** recently? If your answer’s no, you aren’t alone. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, deep cleaning your fridge often falls to the back burner. It’s a significant chore—and can be a struggle to get started. However, cleaning one of your home's most essential appliances is a must-do, as it can help eliminate bacteria, mysterious odors, and forgotten food. To make the process as easy as possible, here’s a detailed guide on **how to clean a fridge step by step** and give it the upkeep it deserves. ## Refrigerator Cleaning Log: Things You'll Need Ready to learn the best way to clean a fridge? Here's what you'll need for deep cleaning your fridge: - **Microfiber cloths** - **Sponge** - **Dishwashing gloves** - **Trash bags** - **Hot water** - **Dish soap** - **Distilled white vinegar** - [**Baking soda**](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/6-unique-ways-to-use-baking-soda) - **Olive oil** - **Cooler with ice** - **Paper towels** - **Spray bottle** > ***RELATED: [6 Proven Spring-Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/spring-cleaning-hacks)*** ## Let's Get Started: How to Clean the Refrigerator Step by Step ### Step 1. Purge the old stuff.  Life happens, and it can be easy to stock up on—then forget—food and sauces that may be past their prime. Start by tossing the old stuff. - Pitch items with mold: fuzzy, white fruits, green-spotted bread, etc. - Throw out items that are past their expiration date: think milk, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and yogurt - Rinse recyclable plastic or glass sauce bottles before throwing them in the [recycling bin](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/how-to-recycle-almost-anything) - Toss old food you won’t eat in a trash bag ### Step 2. Prep your space.  Before you start cleaning the grime and gunk, take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe in the process and prevent your salvageable food from going bad. - Unplug your fridge (don’t worry, the freezer food won’t melt!) - Pack the food you’re saving in an iced cooler - Remove the shelves and drawers from the fridge and place them near your sink ### Step 3. Wash equipment.  Slip on your gloves and get ready to scrub. Give your equipment a good wash and say buh-bye to the questionable goop living inside it. - Fill your sink with hot water, dish soap, and a [splash of vinegar](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/uses-for-vinegar) (it's the **best DIY fridge cleaning solution**!) - Wash your shelves and drawers in the mixture, paying special attention to hard-to-reach corners - Set aside to fully dry *Tip: If your shelves and drawers are glass or ceramic, wait a few minutes until they warm to room temperature before washing them, so they don’t break or crack. Also, refrain from using bleach in your refrigerator.* ### Step 4. Clean the inside of the fridge.  Now, your equipment’s clean, but your fridge is still yucky. Get in there and clean up the sticky and smelly stains, spills, and leaks. - Soak a microfiber cloth or sponge in a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar - Wipe the inside of the fridge from top to bottom, including the rubber door seal and shelf seams - Use paper towels to wipe the inside dry > ***RELATED: [Dishwasher Do's & Don'ts For Better Cleaning](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/dishwasher-tips)*** ### Step 5. Restock it with food.  Finally fresh and clean, it’s time for the fun part. Plug your fridge back in and put everything back where it belongs. Here's how to organize your fridge after cleaning: - Place shelves, drawers, and other equipment back in their rightful place - Put your salvageable food back in after the fridge has cooled - Pop an open box of baking soda in the back to prevent stinky smells *Tip: Line the inside of the vegetable drawers with paper towels to reduce moisture buildup and keep your food fresher for longer.* ### Step 6. Polish the outside.  For your stainless-steel fridge to be a shining beauty inside and out, wrap it up by polishing the outside. - Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray your fridge - Clean in the direction of the grain with a dry microfiber cloth - Use a paper towel to wipe off the remaining vinegar streaks - Dip another dry cloth in [olive oil](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/read-all-about-it-a-complete-guide-to-cooking-oils) (you only need a drop or two), and polish the entire surface in a circular motion ## Beyond Refrigerator Cleaning Tips: Spring Cleaning Checklist Nothing beats the feeling of cooking in a clean kitchen. Everything is in its place and nicely organized—life is good! And the next time someone asks you **how to clean a fridge step by step**, you'll know exactly where to start. Now imagine feeling that way in every room of your home. Hop on the spring cleaning train and tackle your entire home with our ready-made [spring cleaning checklist.](https://www.cominghomemag.com/featured-articles/the-ultimate-spring-cleaning-checklist) ## How To Clean A Refrigerator Step-by-Step FAQs ### How do you clean refrigerator coils? You can clean refrigerator coils with a vacuum with an attachment for tight spaces and a can of compressed air. Use the vacuum to remove most of the dust and dirt, and use the compressed air to get rid of the rest. Wear a dust mask to protect yourself, and you should be able to get rid of most of the mess. ### How often should you clean your fridge? It's commonly recommended that you deep clean your fridge every three to four months. Keep things tidy by wiping down doors and handles and throwing away old food on a weekly basis. ### How do you remove stains from refrigerator shelves? If you're able to remove your refrigerator shelves, take them out and hand-wash them with hot water and dish soap. For anything you can't take out, use water mixed with a small amount of baking soda to wipe away stains. ### Do you have to turn off the fridge before cleaning? Yes, you must unplug your refrigerator before cleaning it to ensure your safety. ### How can I keep my fridge smelling fresh? Pop an open box of baking soda in your fridge to keep it smelling fresh and clean.