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| Meta Title | How To Clean Your Fridge With Vinegar And Get Rid Of Odors |
| Meta Description | Vinegar is the secret to a clean, fresh-smelling fridge. Here's how to clean your refrigerator regularly and get rid of stains and odors. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Wipe the inside of your refrigerator every week to keep it fresh.
By
Karen Brewer Grossman
Karen is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of print and digital media experience working in newspapers, educational publishing, marketing, nonprofits, and magazines.
Published on December 28, 2025
Credit:
Getty Images
You may not notice as you grab the milk for your cereal or fresh fruit from the produce bins, but your refrigerator can get dirty fast thanks to leaky food containers, old leftovers hiding in the back corners, and produce that wasn’t used fast enough. A lot goes in and out of its drawers and shelves in a day. Food crumbs, spills, and rotting food can make your fridge grimy and maybe even smelly. Those messes can build up over time if you don’t
clean your fridge
regularly. There’s an easy solution that’s probably sitting right in your kitchen already. The secret to getting your refrigerator’s interior clean and smelling fresh again is
white vinegar
. Use this affordable, natural option to cut through grease and grime and neutralize odors.
How Often To Clean A Refrigerator
Your fridge should be cleaned every week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make its way into your food. Wipe down surfaces and clean up any spills and crumbs. Aim for a more thorough cleaning each month by removing items and cleaning out drawers and shelves and wiping down seals. Plan to
deep-clean your refrigerator
every three or four months by removing drawers and shelves and washing them in warm, soapy water and cleaning the coils on the back of the fridge.
Considerations Before Getting Started
For deeper cleanings, unplugging the refrigerator can prevent electric shock or short circuits if moisture gets into the electrical components while cleaning. It also saves energy when cleaning with the door open. If you are wiping down a few shelves at a time, turning the temperature down may be enough. Have a
cooler with ice packs
ready for perishables before you deep-clean your refrigerator’s interior, and grab a trash bag for throwing out expired foods. Since vinegar is acidic, don’t let it come in contact with any stainless steel components too long because it can damage the surface. Using a special cleaner formulated for stainless steel for the exterior is best. Also, avoid cleaning rubber seals with vinegar since it can cause them to deteriorate over time.
What You Need
Cooler
Ice packs
Clean microfiber cloths
Water
White vinegar
Spray bottle
Dishwashing soap
Non-abrasive sponge
Old toothbrush
How To Clean A Refrigerator With Vinegar
Remove items from the shelves or drawers in your refrigerator, and store them in a cooler with ice packs while you clean.
Dampen a
microfiber cloth
with water and wipe any crumbs from the shelves.
Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and liberally spray the emptied interior shelves, drawers, bins, and walls. Let it sit for a few minutes.Â
If any drawers and bins have stains or spills, remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water.Â
Use an old toothbrush to get into corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Dry the shelves and bins washed with soapy water, and return them to the refrigerator.
Wipe the remaining interior with a wet, non-abrasive sponge to remove any residue, then dry with a clean cloth.
Tips For Keeping Your Refrigerator Clean Longer
Wipe up spills and leaks as soon as possible so they don’t have time to harden, which will make them harder to remove.
Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills in case they are knocked over.
Clean out your fridge every week to remove old or expired food that can smell or leak.
Use the “first in, first out” method to rotate older items in the fridge to the front so they can be used before their
expiration date
and newer items can be put in the back and used as needed.
Place leaky items like defrosting meat on plates, bowls, or paper towels to catch drips.
Removing Stains From Your Refrigerator
For stains and buildup that don’t wipe away easily, combine a mixture of equal parts vinegar and
baking soda
to create a paste. Spread the paste over stains and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp sponge.
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# How To Clean Your Fridge With Vinegar So It Looks—And Smells—Like New
Wipe the inside of your refrigerator every week to keep it fresh.
By
[Karen Brewer Grossman](https://www.southernliving.com/karen-brewer-grossman-11756399)
![Karen Brewer Grossman]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Bs4nNPDMng5FnfIhA4rX7Y4cXOdVdSHEgLIbleayf4A-44e9043b1c35438fb646cc760e210cc0.jpeg)
[Karen Brewer Grossman](https://www.southernliving.com/karen-brewer-grossman-11756399)
Karen is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of print and digital media experience working in newspapers, educational publishing, marketing, nonprofits, and magazines.
[Southern Living's editorial guidelines](https://www.southernliving.com/about-us-6502349#toc-editorial-guidelines)
Published on December 28, 2025
In This Article
View All
In This Article
- [How Often To Clean](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-how-often-to-clean-a-refrigerator)
- [Before Getting Started](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-considerations-before-getting-started)
- [What You Need](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-what-you-need)
- [Clean With Vinegar](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-how-to-clean-a-refrigerator-with-vinegar)
- [Keep It Clean Longer](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-tips-for-keeping-your-refrigerator-clean-longer)
- [Removing Stains](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-fridge-with-vinegar-11873666#toc-removing-stains-from-your-refrigerator)
Close
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1441893306-a4ac8e847a89479e9d505533615bb7e6.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1441893306-a4ac8e847a89479e9d505533615bb7e6.jpg)
Credit:
Getty Images
You may not notice as you grab the milk for your cereal or fresh fruit from the produce bins, but your refrigerator can get dirty fast thanks to leaky food containers, old leftovers hiding in the back corners, and produce that wasn’t used fast enough. A lot goes in and out of its drawers and shelves in a day. Food crumbs, spills, and rotting food can make your fridge grimy and maybe even smelly. Those messes can build up over time if you don’t [clean your fridge](https://www.southernliving.com/habits-of-people-who-always-have-a-clean-fridge-8750169) regularly. There’s an easy solution that’s probably sitting right in your kitchen already. The secret to getting your refrigerator’s interior clean and smelling fresh again is [white vinegar](https://www.southernliving.com/is-cleaning-vinegar-the-same-as-white-vinegar-8754930). Use this affordable, natural option to cut through grease and grime and neutralize odors.
## How Often To Clean A Refrigerator
Your fridge should be cleaned every week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make its way into your food. Wipe down surfaces and clean up any spills and crumbs. Aim for a more thorough cleaning each month by removing items and cleaning out drawers and shelves and wiping down seals. Plan to [deep-clean your refrigerator](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-deep-clean-your-refrigerator-11829936) every three or four months by removing drawers and shelves and washing them in warm, soapy water and cleaning the coils on the back of the fridge.
## Considerations Before Getting Started
For deeper cleanings, unplugging the refrigerator can prevent electric shock or short circuits if moisture gets into the electrical components while cleaning. It also saves energy when cleaning with the door open. If you are wiping down a few shelves at a time, turning the temperature down may be enough. Have a [cooler with ice packs](https://www.southernliving.com/southern-cooler-essential-11756694) ready for perishables before you deep-clean your refrigerator’s interior, and grab a trash bag for throwing out expired foods. Since vinegar is acidic, don’t let it come in contact with any stainless steel components too long because it can damage the surface. Using a special cleaner formulated for stainless steel for the exterior is best. Also, avoid cleaning rubber seals with vinegar since it can cause them to deteriorate over time.
## What You Need
- Cooler
- Ice packs
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Dishwashing soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Old toothbrush
## How To Clean A Refrigerator With Vinegar
1. Remove items from the shelves or drawers in your refrigerator, and store them in a cooler with ice packs while you clean.
2. Dampen a [microfiber cloth](https://www.southernliving.com/uses-for-microfiber-cloths-11835391) with water and wipe any crumbs from the shelves.
3. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and liberally spray the emptied interior shelves, drawers, bins, and walls. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. If any drawers and bins have stains or spills, remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water.
5. Use an old toothbrush to get into corners and hard-to-reach areas.
6. Dry the shelves and bins washed with soapy water, and return them to the refrigerator.
7. Wipe the remaining interior with a wet, non-abrasive sponge to remove any residue, then dry with a clean cloth.
## Tips For Keeping Your Refrigerator Clean Longer
- Wipe up spills and leaks as soon as possible so they don’t have time to harden, which will make them harder to remove.
- Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills in case they are knocked over.
- Clean out your fridge every week to remove old or expired food that can smell or leak.
- Use the “first in, first out” method to rotate older items in the fridge to the front so they can be used before their [expiration date](https://www.southernliving.com/sell-by-vs-use-by-vs-best-by-7372738) and newer items can be put in the back and used as needed.
- Place leaky items like defrosting meat on plates, bowls, or paper towels to catch drips.
## Removing Stains From Your Refrigerator
For stains and buildup that don’t wipe away easily, combine a mixture of equal parts vinegar and [baking soda](https://www.southernliving.com/things-to-clean-with-baking-soda-7098169) to create a paste. Spread the paste over stains and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp sponge.
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| Readable Markdown | Wipe the inside of your refrigerator every week to keep it fresh.
By
[Karen Brewer Grossman](https://www.southernliving.com/karen-brewer-grossman-11756399)
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Karen is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of print and digital media experience working in newspapers, educational publishing, marketing, nonprofits, and magazines.
Published on December 28, 2025
Credit:
Getty Images
You may not notice as you grab the milk for your cereal or fresh fruit from the produce bins, but your refrigerator can get dirty fast thanks to leaky food containers, old leftovers hiding in the back corners, and produce that wasn’t used fast enough. A lot goes in and out of its drawers and shelves in a day. Food crumbs, spills, and rotting food can make your fridge grimy and maybe even smelly. Those messes can build up over time if you don’t [clean your fridge](https://www.southernliving.com/habits-of-people-who-always-have-a-clean-fridge-8750169) regularly. There’s an easy solution that’s probably sitting right in your kitchen already. The secret to getting your refrigerator’s interior clean and smelling fresh again is [white vinegar](https://www.southernliving.com/is-cleaning-vinegar-the-same-as-white-vinegar-8754930). Use this affordable, natural option to cut through grease and grime and neutralize odors.
## How Often To Clean A Refrigerator
Your fridge should be cleaned every week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make its way into your food. Wipe down surfaces and clean up any spills and crumbs. Aim for a more thorough cleaning each month by removing items and cleaning out drawers and shelves and wiping down seals. Plan to [deep-clean your refrigerator](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-deep-clean-your-refrigerator-11829936) every three or four months by removing drawers and shelves and washing them in warm, soapy water and cleaning the coils on the back of the fridge.
## Considerations Before Getting Started
For deeper cleanings, unplugging the refrigerator can prevent electric shock or short circuits if moisture gets into the electrical components while cleaning. It also saves energy when cleaning with the door open. If you are wiping down a few shelves at a time, turning the temperature down may be enough. Have a [cooler with ice packs](https://www.southernliving.com/southern-cooler-essential-11756694) ready for perishables before you deep-clean your refrigerator’s interior, and grab a trash bag for throwing out expired foods. Since vinegar is acidic, don’t let it come in contact with any stainless steel components too long because it can damage the surface. Using a special cleaner formulated for stainless steel for the exterior is best. Also, avoid cleaning rubber seals with vinegar since it can cause them to deteriorate over time.
## What You Need
- Cooler
- Ice packs
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Dishwashing soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Old toothbrush
## How To Clean A Refrigerator With Vinegar
1. Remove items from the shelves or drawers in your refrigerator, and store them in a cooler with ice packs while you clean.
2. Dampen a [microfiber cloth](https://www.southernliving.com/uses-for-microfiber-cloths-11835391) with water and wipe any crumbs from the shelves.
3. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and liberally spray the emptied interior shelves, drawers, bins, and walls. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. If any drawers and bins have stains or spills, remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water.
5. Use an old toothbrush to get into corners and hard-to-reach areas.
6. Dry the shelves and bins washed with soapy water, and return them to the refrigerator.
7. Wipe the remaining interior with a wet, non-abrasive sponge to remove any residue, then dry with a clean cloth.
## Tips For Keeping Your Refrigerator Clean Longer
- Wipe up spills and leaks as soon as possible so they don’t have time to harden, which will make them harder to remove.
- Use containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills in case they are knocked over.
- Clean out your fridge every week to remove old or expired food that can smell or leak.
- Use the “first in, first out” method to rotate older items in the fridge to the front so they can be used before their [expiration date](https://www.southernliving.com/sell-by-vs-use-by-vs-best-by-7372738) and newer items can be put in the back and used as needed.
- Place leaky items like defrosting meat on plates, bowls, or paper towels to catch drips.
## Removing Stains From Your Refrigerator
For stains and buildup that don’t wipe away easily, combine a mixture of equal parts vinegar and [baking soda](https://www.southernliving.com/things-to-clean-with-baking-soda-7098169) to create a paste. Spread the paste over stains and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp sponge.
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