Over time, spills, frost, and filth in your refrigerator and freezer can cause odors, bacteria, and even reduced efficiency. In this guide, we'll show you how to deep clean your refrigerator and freezer and offer some practical maintenance tips.
Getting Started: What Supplies Will Make This Easier?
Before diving in, gather everything you’ll need so you won’t have to stop mid-clean. Supplies checklist:
- A towel
- Plastic bucket
- Baking soda
- Paper towels
- Putty knife
- Cooler
- Trash bags
- Rags
- Dish soap
- Vacuum
- Multi-purpose cleaning spray
Where Do I Even Start the Cleaning Process?
First and foremost, always unplug first. Cut the power at the circuit breaker and unplug the refrigerator before you begin. Place a towel on the floor to catch spills, move food into a cooler, and throw out expired or questionable items. Remove shelves and bins for easier cleaning. Then follow these simple steps to a squeaky-clean fridge:
Step 1: Clean Interior surfaces
Mix a quart of water with two tablespoons of baking soda. Wipe down all surfaces inside with a rag dipped in the solution. Use a putty knife to carefully scrape away stubborn messes. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Wash the drip pan
Remove the base grille to access the drip pan. Wash it in warm, soapy water if removable; if not, scrub with a long-handled brush.
Step 3: Clean dusty coils
With the fridge unplugged, clean the condenser coils using a vacuum or coil brush. This step alone can help improve energy efficiency.
Step 4: Finish up
Reinstall shelves and bins, restock your food, and wipe down the outside with a damp cloth. Stainless steel? A stainless-steel-specific spray will help you avoid streaks.
What’s the Best Way to Defrost and Clean the Freezer?
If your freezer doesn't self-defrost, you'll need to do it manually.
- Start by transferring food to a cooler.
- Place a pot of hot water inside to encourage quicker melting. You can also use a hairdryer but be careful to prevent cords from touching any water or melting ice.
- Absorb excess water with towels.
- Use the water and baking soda mixture from when you cleaned your fridge to wipe down the inside and outside.
- Make sure the interior is dry before restocking.
Extra Tips for Better Refrigerator Maintenance
Keeping your fridge clean is easier when you make small habits part of your routine:
- Organize smarter: Keep older items at the front so they’re used first. Group dairy, meats, and produce to avoid cross-contamination.
- Bins and labels: Clear bins and labels help you see what you have and prevent food from getting lost in the back.
- Wipe spills right away: A study by the National Sanitation Foundation found that the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer is one of the dirtiest places in the kitchen. That means quick wipe-downs aren’t just about appearance—they help prevent bacteria from spreading to your fresh produce.
- Mind the temps: Refrigerators should be 40°F or below, freezers at 0°F for food safety and energy efficiency.
- Do monthly mini-checks: Toss expired condiments and leftovers before they become science experiments.
How Often Should You Do a Full Deep Clean?
Most experts recommend every 3–4 months. But if you notice odors, spills, or frost buildup, don’t wait—clean sooner. Staying proactive helps extend the life of your appliance.
Why Pair Refrigerator Maintenance With a Home Warranty?
Even with great upkeep, refrigerators (and other appliances) can fail without warning. That’s where a home warranty makes all the difference.
With 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty , you can protect your budget when covered parts of your refrigerator break down unexpectedly. That means fewer surprise expenses, a more predictable household budget, and peace of mind.
2-10 HBW offers some of the most powerful home warranty coverage available. Combine regular refrigerator deep cleaning with warranty protection, and you’ll keep your kitchen running smoothly for years to come.
Bottom line: Consistent cleaning, smart food organization, and regular refrigerator maintenance keep your fridge efficient and odor-free. Add the protection of a home warranty for extra confidence and cost savings.
