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| Meta Title | How to Clean a Refrigerator in 4 Simple Steps | Whirlpool |
| Meta Description | Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator is an important household task. Learn tricks to deep clean a refrigerator quickly & easily. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator isnât fun, but it is essential. Wiping down shelves, drawers and interior walls can help
eliminate fridge odors
and stains. It also helps clear away mold spores or bacteria that can spoil food.Â
Not sure how to get started? Our guide gives you practical tips on how to clean a fridge and keep it in better shape between cleanings.
How often should you clean your fridge?Â
It is recommended you clean and maintain your fridge every three months. Cleaning your refrigerator quarterly or
seasonally
will help keep it organized and make better use of storage space.
What to use to clean a fridgeÂ
There are a variety of household cleaning products that you can use to help refresh your refrigerator, including dishwashing soap, warm water and a vinegar solution. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any cleaning instructions to avoid using products that may harm your fridge.
Vinegar
The acidity of vinegar can soften food and grease build-up, which helps you clean up spills. Vinegar is especially useful on spills that have gone unnoticed and are stuck to the walls and shelves of the fridge. As far as how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, mix up a 1:1 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, apply it to spills and thoroughly wipe with a clean cloth.
Baking soda
Cleaning a fridge with baking soda mixed with water helps clean the inside walls of your refrigerator without leaving behind scents from chemical-based cleaners. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of hot water to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. This is especially important when youâre cleaning an area that comes into contact with your food. When it comes to the more challenging crevices, cracks, hinges and hardware in your fridge, a toothbrush should do the trick to help remove build-up.Â
Baking soda
can also be placed in a container in your fridge to help combat odors inbetween deep cleans.
Hot soapy water
Removable items in your refrigeratorâsuch as shelving or drawersâcan be cleaned with hot, soapy water. After you have thoroughly cleaned these pieces, make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your fridge.
Tip:Â Avoid bleach
Is it safe to clean a refrigerator with bleach? Unfortunately, this is not a recommended cleaning solution for refrigerators. Not only can it harm materials in the fridge, but you also risk contaminating your food. When it comes to your fridge, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, harsh cleansers, flammable fluids, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products.
The best way to clean a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
Fridge cleaning is essential for your family and your food. This simple guide will teach you how to deep clean a fridge as well as how to remove stains from inside the refrigerator. This is a process that should be performed seasonally for optimal refrigerator maintenance and
refrigerator organization
. Another tip is to clean your refrigerator before you go shopping when there are fewer groceries in your fridge.Â
Dish soap
Hot water
Baking soda
Clean towels
Vacuum
Long soft-bristled brush
1) Remove food, shelves and drawers from the fridge
When you start deep cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, turn off the power via the electrical panel or by unplugging your appliance. Next, remove all of the food from your refrigerator and freezer, placing it in coolers so everything is safely stored. Use this opportunity to throw away any spoiled or expired food. Donât let food sit outside the fridge for more than two hours, to help avoid spoilage.
After fully emptying the food from your refrigerator, take out shelves, drawers and any other removable items and set them aside to clean later. Let your refrigerator drawers and shelves warm to room temperature before washing.
2) Deep clean the inside of the refrigerator
Thoroughly wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Get into the corners with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse it with a soft, damp cloth. You can use vinegar or baking soda on tougher to remove spills and stains.
Do the same with the drawers and shelves and clean them in the sink with hot soapy water. Dry all surfaces completely before reinstalling the shelves and drawers, and putting the food back into place. If you have lingering odors even after a thorough cleaning, read this article about
getting rid of smells in a fridge
.Â
3) Clean underneath the fridge
Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help regulate your fridgeâs temperature and help prevent food from freezing in your fridge. If accessible, coils can be located either underneath the refrigerator or in the back. Using a vacuum and a long soft-bristled brush, gently sweep your refrigerator to clean the condenser coils.
4) Wipe the outside of the fridge
After you clean the inside of your fridge, take a few moments to clean the door seals, doors and handles with a mix of mild dish soap and water. Then, dry everything thoroughlyâespecially the door seals. If you have a
stainless steel refrigerator
, clean the doors with a specially formulated stainless steel cleaner to avoid streaks or residue.
How to clean mold from a fridge
You can try and tackle mold and mildew with vinegar which is commonly used in these scenarios. Take out any removable shelves or drawers from your fridge to gain better access to the interior. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the area you want to clean. Wipe every corner and crevice with a damp cloth to thoroughly get rid of the mold and dry all surfaces with a towel. Be sure to clean the cloth with hot water and detergent before using it again. Also, while you have the shelves and drawers removed, take the time to thoroughly clean and dry them before replacing them.
How to remove stains from inside a fridge
White vinegar diluted with warm water helps remove many yellow stains and spills in your refrigerator. Vinegarâs acidity can break down a stain and help remove grease and grime buildups. Be sure to wipe your fridge clean with a damp cloth and dry all cleaned surfaces with a towel.
Shop Whirlpool
ÂŽ
Refrigerators
Whirlpool brand has a refrigerator for every home, whether you prefer French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer or top freezer designs. Features like Spillproof Glass Shelves and fingerprint resistant finish on select models make
Whirlpool
ÂŽ
Refrigerators
convenient to clean when itâs time to tackle leftover spills and your familyâs fingerprints.
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
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- How to Clean a Refrigerator in 4 Simple Steps

# How to clean your refrigerator in 4 simple steps
Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator isnât fun, but it is essential. Wiping down shelves, drawers and interior walls can help [**eliminate fridge odors**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-remove-smell-from-refrigerator.html "Learn how to remove unwanted smells from your fridge") and stains. It also helps clear away mold spores or bacteria that can spoil food.
Not sure how to get started? Our guide gives you practical tips on how to clean a fridge and keep it in better shape between cleanings.
How often
What to use
Step-by-step
Cleaning mold
Removing stains
## How often should you clean your fridge?
It is recommended you clean and maintain your fridge every three months. Cleaning your refrigerator quarterly or [**seasonally**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/spring-cleaning-list.html "Learn about spring cleaning") will help keep it organized and make better use of storage space.
 
## What to use to clean a fridge
There are a variety of household cleaning products that you can use to help refresh your refrigerator, including dishwashing soap, warm water and a vinegar solution. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any cleaning instructions to avoid using products that may harm your fridge.
### Vinegar
The acidity of vinegar can soften food and grease build-up, which helps you clean up spills. Vinegar is especially useful on spills that have gone unnoticed and are stuck to the walls and shelves of the fridge. As far as how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, mix up a 1:1 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, apply it to spills and thoroughly wipe with a clean cloth.
### Baking soda
Cleaning a fridge with baking soda mixed with water helps clean the inside walls of your refrigerator without leaving behind scents from chemical-based cleaners. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of hot water to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. This is especially important when youâre cleaning an area that comes into contact with your food. When it comes to the more challenging crevices, cracks, hinges and hardware in your fridge, a toothbrush should do the trick to help remove build-up. [**Baking soda**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-use-baking-soda-in-fridge.html "Learn how to use baking soda in the refrigerator") can also be placed in a container in your fridge to help combat odors inbetween deep cleans.
### Hot soapy water
Removable items in your refrigeratorâsuch as shelving or drawersâcan be cleaned with hot, soapy water. After you have thoroughly cleaned these pieces, make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your fridge.
### Tip: Avoid bleach
Is it safe to clean a refrigerator with bleach? Unfortunately, this is not a recommended cleaning solution for refrigerators. Not only can it harm materials in the fridge, but you also risk contaminating your food. When it comes to your fridge, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, harsh cleansers, flammable fluids, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products.
 
## The best way to clean a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
Fridge cleaning is essential for your family and your food. This simple guide will teach you how to deep clean a fridge as well as how to remove stains from inside the refrigerator. This is a process that should be performed seasonally for optimal refrigerator maintenance and [**refrigerator organization**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-organize-refrigerator.html "10 Tips on how to organize your fridge"). Another tip is to clean your refrigerator before you go shopping when there are fewer groceries in your fridge.
##### Supplies
- Dish soap
- Hot water
- Baking soda
##### Tools
- Clean towels
- Vacuum
- Long soft-bristled brush

### 1\) Remove food, shelves and drawers from the fridge
When you start deep cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, turn off the power via the electrical panel or by unplugging your appliance. Next, remove all of the food from your refrigerator and freezer, placing it in coolers so everything is safely stored. Use this opportunity to throw away any spoiled or expired food. Donât let food sit outside the fridge for more than two hours, to help avoid spoilage.
After fully emptying the food from your refrigerator, take out shelves, drawers and any other removable items and set them aside to clean later. Let your refrigerator drawers and shelves warm to room temperature before washing.

### 2\) Deep clean the inside of the refrigerator
Thoroughly wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Get into the corners with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse it with a soft, damp cloth. You can use vinegar or baking soda on tougher to remove spills and stains.
Do the same with the drawers and shelves and clean them in the sink with hot soapy water. Dry all surfaces completely before reinstalling the shelves and drawers, and putting the food back into place. If you have lingering odors even after a thorough cleaning, read this article about [**getting rid of smells in a fridge**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-remove-smell-from-refrigerator.html "Learn how to get rid of smells in a fridge").

### 3\) Clean underneath the fridge
Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help regulate your fridgeâs temperature and help prevent food from freezing in your fridge. If accessible, coils can be located either underneath the refrigerator or in the back. Using a vacuum and a long soft-bristled brush, gently sweep your refrigerator to clean the condenser coils.

### 4\) Wipe the outside of the fridge
After you clean the inside of your fridge, take a few moments to clean the door seals, doors and handles with a mix of mild dish soap and water. Then, dry everything thoroughlyâespecially the door seals. If you have a [**stainless steel refrigerator**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-appliances.html "How to clean stainless steel appliances"), clean the doors with a specially formulated stainless steel cleaner to avoid streaks or residue.
[ WhirlpoolÂŽ 36-inch Wide Counter Depth 4 Door Refrigerator - 19.4 cu. ft. View details](https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/refrigeration/refrigerators/french-door/p.36-inch-wide-counter-depth-4-door-refrigerator-19.4-cu.-ft.wrqa59cnkz.html)

## How to clean mold from a fridge
You can try and tackle mold and mildew with vinegar which is commonly used in these scenarios. Take out any removable shelves or drawers from your fridge to gain better access to the interior. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the area you want to clean. Wipe every corner and crevice with a damp cloth to thoroughly get rid of the mold and dry all surfaces with a towel. Be sure to clean the cloth with hot water and detergent before using it again. Also, while you have the shelves and drawers removed, take the time to thoroughly clean and dry them before replacing them.
## How to remove stains from inside a fridge
White vinegar diluted with warm water helps remove many yellow stains and spills in your refrigerator. Vinegarâs acidity can break down a stain and help remove grease and grime buildups. Be sure to wipe your fridge clean with a damp cloth and dry all cleaned surfaces with a towel.
### Shop WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators
Whirlpool brand has a refrigerator for every home, whether you prefer French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer or top freezer designs. Features like Spillproof Glass Shelves and fingerprint resistant finish on select models make [**WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators**](https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/refrigeration.html "Discover WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators") convenient to clean when itâs time to tackle leftover spills and your familyâs fingerprints.
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### Was this article helpful? Pass it on
### Learn more about caring for your refrigerator
Related Pages:
- [How to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel Appliances](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-appliances.html)
- [How to Clean an Ice Maker](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-an-ice-maker.html)
- [16 Best Ways to Rid Your Refrigerator of Smells](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-remove-smell-from-refrigerator.html)
 
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| Readable Markdown | Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator isnât fun, but it is essential. Wiping down shelves, drawers and interior walls can help [**eliminate fridge odors**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-remove-smell-from-refrigerator.html "Learn how to remove unwanted smells from your fridge") and stains. It also helps clear away mold spores or bacteria that can spoil food.
Not sure how to get started? Our guide gives you practical tips on how to clean a fridge and keep it in better shape between cleanings.
## How often should you clean your fridge?
It is recommended you clean and maintain your fridge every three months. Cleaning your refrigerator quarterly or [**seasonally**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/spring-cleaning-list.html "Learn about spring cleaning") will help keep it organized and make better use of storage space.
 
## What to use to clean a fridge
There are a variety of household cleaning products that you can use to help refresh your refrigerator, including dishwashing soap, warm water and a vinegar solution. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any cleaning instructions to avoid using products that may harm your fridge.
### Vinegar
The acidity of vinegar can soften food and grease build-up, which helps you clean up spills. Vinegar is especially useful on spills that have gone unnoticed and are stuck to the walls and shelves of the fridge. As far as how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar, mix up a 1:1 solution of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, apply it to spills and thoroughly wipe with a clean cloth.
### Baking soda
Cleaning a fridge with baking soda mixed with water helps clean the inside walls of your refrigerator without leaving behind scents from chemical-based cleaners. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of hot water to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. This is especially important when youâre cleaning an area that comes into contact with your food. When it comes to the more challenging crevices, cracks, hinges and hardware in your fridge, a toothbrush should do the trick to help remove build-up. [**Baking soda**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-use-baking-soda-in-fridge.html "Learn how to use baking soda in the refrigerator") can also be placed in a container in your fridge to help combat odors inbetween deep cleans.
### Hot soapy water
Removable items in your refrigeratorâsuch as shelving or drawersâcan be cleaned with hot, soapy water. After you have thoroughly cleaned these pieces, make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your fridge.
### Tip: Avoid bleach
Is it safe to clean a refrigerator with bleach? Unfortunately, this is not a recommended cleaning solution for refrigerators. Not only can it harm materials in the fridge, but you also risk contaminating your food. When it comes to your fridge, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, harsh cleansers, flammable fluids, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products.
 
## The best way to clean a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
Fridge cleaning is essential for your family and your food. This simple guide will teach you how to deep clean a fridge as well as how to remove stains from inside the refrigerator. This is a process that should be performed seasonally for optimal refrigerator maintenance and [**refrigerator organization**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-organize-refrigerator.html "10 Tips on how to organize your fridge"). Another tip is to clean your refrigerator before you go shopping when there are fewer groceries in your fridge.
#####
- Dish soap
- Hot water
- Baking soda
#####
- Clean towels
- Vacuum
- Long soft-bristled brush

### 1\) Remove food, shelves and drawers from the fridge
When you start deep cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, turn off the power via the electrical panel or by unplugging your appliance. Next, remove all of the food from your refrigerator and freezer, placing it in coolers so everything is safely stored. Use this opportunity to throw away any spoiled or expired food. Donât let food sit outside the fridge for more than two hours, to help avoid spoilage.
After fully emptying the food from your refrigerator, take out shelves, drawers and any other removable items and set them aside to clean later. Let your refrigerator drawers and shelves warm to room temperature before washing.

### 2\) Deep clean the inside of the refrigerator
Thoroughly wipe down the walls, ceiling and bottom of your refrigerator with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Get into the corners with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse it with a soft, damp cloth. You can use vinegar or baking soda on tougher to remove spills and stains.
Do the same with the drawers and shelves and clean them in the sink with hot soapy water. Dry all surfaces completely before reinstalling the shelves and drawers, and putting the food back into place. If you have lingering odors even after a thorough cleaning, read this article about [**getting rid of smells in a fridge**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-remove-smell-from-refrigerator.html "Learn how to get rid of smells in a fridge").

### 3\) Clean underneath the fridge
Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help regulate your fridgeâs temperature and help prevent food from freezing in your fridge. If accessible, coils can be located either underneath the refrigerator or in the back. Using a vacuum and a long soft-bristled brush, gently sweep your refrigerator to clean the condenser coils.

### 4\) Wipe the outside of the fridge
After you clean the inside of your fridge, take a few moments to clean the door seals, doors and handles with a mix of mild dish soap and water. Then, dry everything thoroughlyâespecially the door seals. If you have a [**stainless steel refrigerator**](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-appliances.html "How to clean stainless steel appliances"), clean the doors with a specially formulated stainless steel cleaner to avoid streaks or residue.

## How to clean mold from a fridge
You can try and tackle mold and mildew with vinegar which is commonly used in these scenarios. Take out any removable shelves or drawers from your fridge to gain better access to the interior. Spray undiluted vinegar directly on the area you want to clean. Wipe every corner and crevice with a damp cloth to thoroughly get rid of the mold and dry all surfaces with a towel. Be sure to clean the cloth with hot water and detergent before using it again. Also, while you have the shelves and drawers removed, take the time to thoroughly clean and dry them before replacing them.
## How to remove stains from inside a fridge
White vinegar diluted with warm water helps remove many yellow stains and spills in your refrigerator. Vinegarâs acidity can break down a stain and help remove grease and grime buildups. Be sure to wipe your fridge clean with a damp cloth and dry all cleaned surfaces with a towel.
### Shop WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators
Whirlpool brand has a refrigerator for every home, whether you prefer French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer or top freezer designs. Features like Spillproof Glass Shelves and fingerprint resistant finish on select models make [**WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators**](https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/refrigeration.html "Discover WhirlpoolÂŽ Refrigerators") convenient to clean when itâs time to tackle leftover spills and your familyâs fingerprints.
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