Maintaining the cleanliness of your refrigerator is important for odor prevention, food safety, and appliance performance. Mold, mildew, and germs that contaminate food and impair refrigerator function can be found in a dirty refrigerator. You can maintain its freshness, cleanliness, and optimal performance with the correct routine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?
- Quick wipe: once a week
- Deep clean: every 3 months
- Coil cleaning: every 6–12 months
- Seal check: monthly
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
- Soft towels and sponges;
- Baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per quart of water);
- Mild dish soap
- An old toothbrush or a little brush
- A coil brush or vacuum
- Gloves (optional) • Ice packs for storing food in the cooler
Step 1: Empty & Prepare
Before you start:
- If you intend to use a lot of water or clean the coils, unplug your refrigerator.
- Transfer food to an ice-pack-equipped cooler. Throw away everything that has gone bad or expired.
- Remove drawers and shelves. To prevent cracks, allow glass shelves to come to room temperature before cleaning.
Step 2: Wash Shelves & Drawers
- Before replacing detachable pieces, wash them with warm, soapy water, rinse them well, and allow them dry completely.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Interior
- Use mild soap or a mixture of baking soda and warm water.
- Use a gentle cloth to clean the compartments, walls, and ceiling.
- To avoid moisture accumulation, rinse with a moist cloth and pat dry with a towel.
Step 4: Clean Coils & Underneath
Dust and dirt on condenser coils make your fridge work harder.
- Before cleaning, always unplug the appliance.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil brush.
- Gently sweep underneath to remove debris.
Step 5: Wipe the Exterior & Door Seals
- Use water and mild soap to clean door seals. To prevent mold, ensure everything is completely dry.
- For tough dirt in small spaces, use a toothbrush.
- To prevent streaks on stainless steel, use a stainless steel cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Step 6: Deodorize & Reset
- To absorb smells, put an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside.
- Set the freezer to -18°C (0°F) and the refrigerator to -4°C (40°F).
- Put food items, drawers, and shelves back.
Extra Tips for Freshness
- Spills should be cleaned up right away to avoid stains.
- To prevent leakage, keep raw meat in tightly sealed containers.
- Clean your ice maker regularly and replace the water filters in your refrigerator.
- Make an appointment for expert refrigerator repair if you observe lingering smells or an abundance of frost.
Need Professional Help?
It could be time to hire professionals if you’ve cleaned your refrigerator completely but are still experiencing difficulties like odd noises, lingering smells, water leaks, or cooling concerns. Expert refrigerator repair in Calgary guarantees accurate diagnosis and repair of underlying issues, such as malfunctioning thermostats, broken seals, or blocked condenser coils. At Advance Appliance, with dependable, same-day appliance repair service, a skilled technician can prolong the life of your appliance and prevent expensive food waste.
Final Word
Cleaning your refrigerator doesn’t just keep it looking good — it also protects your food, prevents odors, and helps the appliance run efficiently. With a simple routine of weekly wipes and quarterly deep cleans, your fridge will stay fresh, safe, and reliable for years.