How Often to Clean Your Fridge, According to Experts—Plus Easy Tips for Keeping It Fresh

During the holiday season, your fridge is likely packed full of tasty leftovers, ingredients for baking and more. With a full food haul, you may be wondering how to ensure the appliance stays sparkling. We got cleaning pros to share the details of not only how often to clean a fridge but tips on getting rid of grime, stains and odors too.

How often should you really clean your fridge?

With the kitchen being used so frequently, keeping it sanitary is important. This also goes for appliances like refrigerators

“I suggest cleaning your fridge every month,” suggests Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids. “But, if you can’t/won’t do it that often, every other month is okay.”

The reason regular monthly cleanings are so important? It gives you a chance to ensure all of the food inside is fresh, and that you don’t have expired items taking up space or available for accidental consumption. It’s also a great way to prevent odors!

On the other hand, Galia Ivanova, owner of Cleaning Estimate, says a deep clean is only necessary every three months. However, she does suggest that certain areas of the appliance need more frequent attention.

 “For instance, I wipe down the fridge handles and exterior weekly since they’re high-touch areas,” she shares. “The crisper drawers, where fruits and veggies can leave residues, benefit from a monthly cleaning to prevent mold and odors.”

The most overlooked areas when cleaning a fridge

Most people know to wipe down the shelves of a fridge, but other elements of the appliance should be addressed, too.

• Condenser Coils. These are located at the back or beneath the fridge. “Dusty coils force the appliance to work harder, consuming more energy,” explains Ivanova. “I use a vacuum with a brush attachment every six months to clean them.”
• Rubber Gasket (or door seal). If not cleaned, mold can form on the rubber and weaken the seal. Ivanova recommends wiping it down with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to prevent the material from deteriorating.
• Drain hole and drip pan. This can be found at the back of the appliance’s interior. “It can get clogged with food particles, leading to moisture buildup and odors,” she suggests. “Cleaning it with a cotton swab periodically helps keep things fresh.”

Step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your fridge

When it’s time to do a thorough cleaning of your fridge, follow these expert tips to get it sparkling again in no time.

1. Prepare the appliance. Remove all food inside and set aside. (Note: Place perishable items in a cooler to help keep them fresh!) You may also want to unplug the appliance if you are cleaning elements like the condenser coils.

2. Remove all shelves and drawers. “Let them come to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes,” advises Ivanova. Then Varela suggests using hot soapy water (with very diluted dish detergent) to wash the components. Rinse and set aside to let them dry.

3. Wipe down the interior. Ivanova’s go-to cleaning solution: 2 Tbs. baking soda mixed with a quart of warm water. Not only is the slightly abrasive powder great for scrubbing away grime—it’s absorbent too. Plus, baking soda is food-safe, making it perfect for cleaning a fridge!

 Need some extra scrubbing power? “An old toothbrush is good for the small nooks and crannies where a sponge doesn’t reach,” adds Varela.

4. Dry everything. Use a soft, clean cloth or even a paper towel to wipe down the shelves and appliance interior. This helps to prevent ice buildup or mold growth.

5. Return all food items to your fridge. You can also plug the cord back into your outlet if you remove it in step one.

How to avoid fridge-cleaning burnout 

Short on time? You can still give your fridge a deep cleaning—all you need to do is break the task up into smaller sections.

In this case, take everything out for just one shelf or section of the fridge. Wipe the element down with your cleaning solution, dry it, and replace the items. Do this with each shelf/drawer and leave the door for last.

“It will take you more days to complete this task, around 4 to 5, but it won’t take you longer than 5 to 7 minutes per day,” says Varela. “So you could easily do this while getting ready for work, for example.”

Quick and easy ways to keep your fridge clean between deep cleans

Taking steps to help your fridge stay sanitary and free of debris and stains can make deep cleanings much easier. One way to do so: Use a microfiber towel and Dawn Powerwash to wipe down your shelves, suggest Varela. Then wipe away with a dry towel.

Need to avoid unpleasant smells inside the appliance? “Placing a fresh box of baking soda or a sachet of activated charcoal inside helps absorb future odors,” says Ivanova. Just replace as needed!