Learn How to Deep Clean Your Fridge and Freezer

Learn How to Deep Clean Your Fridge and Freezer

December 16, 2024

Your refrigerator and freezer have worked tirelessly for you day and night for years. Are you returning the favour? It's important to perform a regular deep clean on these appliances to prevent cross-contamination, keep them free of odours, and make sure they run as efficiently as possible.

In this post, we'll provide a simple and straightforward guide on how to clean a fridge, as well as a few tips for everyday use that will make those deep cleans go faster.

Why You Should Deep Clean Your Fridge and Freezer

There are many benefits to performing a deep clean on your fridge, including a reduction in bacteria and mold growth, preventing foul odours from making a home, improving airflow, boosting their cooling power, and protecting the seal.

Your fridge and freezer should be deep cleaned every three to four months or as needed. Doing so will significantly boost the lifespan of the appliance and ensure that it runs smoothly for many years to come.

Preparing for the Deep Clean

The first step, naturally, is to remove all food products from the appliance. These items should then be put into three groups: "keep", "expiring soon", and "trash" based on their expiration dates, if one is listed.

For items without an expiration date like homemade meals, canned food, or other items, giving it a quick smell will usually tell you if it's still good. Everything in the first two categories should be placed into a cooler to prevent spoilage while you clean. Next, you'll want to unplug the appliance from power.

Steps to Clean the Fridge Interior

Cleaning a Fridge Interior

Remove all shelves, drawers, bins, and other removable parts. They should be washed thoroughly in warm, soapy water. Alternatively, you can use a vinegar solution to clean them to get rid of those tough stains.

With a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution (preferably one without a strong scent), wipe down the interior walls, corners, and shelves (if they aren't removable).

Next, clean the seals on the door as dirt, food residue, or anything else blocking it can prevent the door from fully closing. You should also check to make sure there's no damage to them. Use a soft brush to clean the hinges and shelf tracks.

Once the lightbulb has cooled down, you can use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off any dirt that has built up. Then, if there's a built-in ice maker, you'll want to clean the bill and ice chute. Let the interior air dry and, once it's ready, you can turn it back on and begin replacing the items you're going to keep.

Cleaning a Freezer Interior:

Much like the refrigerator, you'll want to remove all the items and sort them as well. They should also be placed in a cooler with ice or, if you happen to have another freezer, put there for the time being.

If ice has built up around the inside, you'll want to let it defrost by leaving the door open until everything has melted. If there's a lot of ice, a plastic spatula or scraper (with no metal) can be used to safely remove the excess.

Then, use a cloth dipped in vinegar solution to remove ice and residue from the interior. If there are any odours present, sprinkle a little baking soda on those stubborn areas before wiping clean.

Next, you'll want to check the air vents and clean them to make sure there aren't any obstructions or blockages. Finally, clean the seal on the door and check for damage, then let it air dry before plugging it back in and replacing the items.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Exterior

Now that the interior has been cleaned, it's time for the outside. You'll want to wipe it down thoroughly, with special emphasis on handles and other touchpoints. Bacteria and other germs can stick to high-touch surfaces, so you'll want to use a mild disinfectant.

To clean a stainless steel refrigerator, use a stainless steel cleaner or a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap. This will help remove smudges and fingerprints while leaving a streak-free finish.

The rubber door seals should also be cleaned and all dirt removed. Any grease or dust buildup on top should be also be cleaned, as well as the kick plate or toe grilles.

This is also the perfect time to move the fridge or freezer out a few feet so you can sweep and mop the area underneath, which can be prone to spills and dust. Finally, before you plug the appliance back in, it's also a good idea to wipe down the power cord and vacuum the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator.

Some refrigerators also have drip pans underneath. If yours has one, cleaning it out will be the final step before the appliance is ready to be put back into place and plugged back in.

Tips for Keeping Your Fridge and Freezer Clean

Additionally, there are also a few steps you can take during everyday use that will make regularly deep cleaning your fridge much easier. First, all food (especially leftovers) should be stored in airtight containers, as this will reduce spills and unpleasant odours.

Another great way to keep both your refrigerator and freezer smelling good is to place a small, open box of baking soda inside to neutralize any bad scents. Spoiled and expired foods create many of these foul odours, so it's a good idea to check food items regularly. Any spills should also be cleaned up immediately before they become a sticky, stinky mess.

Don't forget to double-check the temperature controls, as they can easily be raised or lowered accidentally during the cleaning process.

Keep Your Fridge Fresh and Efficient

Maintaining a clean and organized refrigerator is an essential part of food safety and device longevity. Properly cleaned appliances will work better and last much longer than those that go years between cleanings.

Remember to use soft, non-abrasive cloths and cleaning solutions without harsh chemicals or strong odours when cleaning. These can damage the interior or exterior of your appliance or leave residual odours that might spoil your appetite!

Add Your Fridge to Your Next Cleaning Service

For extra help cleaning your refrigerator, freezer, and any other appliances around the house, it's always a good idea to contact a reputable professional cleaning service, like Luxoclean. They'll know all the tips and tricks to make your house as clean and beautiful as it was the day you moved in. Contact a professional cleaning service in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and area today!