A refrigerator can be cleaned with equal parts hot water and baking soda; leave the door open for about 15 minutes after the final rinse

The refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in any home, so cleaning it is important too. It stores fruits and vegetables, leftovers, dairy products, and drinks. Over time, spills, forgotten food, and odors can build up, making the appliance less pleasant and potentially less safe for food hygiene. Luckily, a thorough cleaning of a refrigerator doesn’t require using expensive products. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's guidance on cleaning a refrigerator, wash the interior with a paste made from equal parts hot water and baking soda, making sure to clean the door and rubber gasket before rinsing with a sanitizing solution.

Start by emptying the refrigerator

Before doing any scrubbing, all food items have to be removed and checked thoroughly. Spoiled foods and leftovers older than four days should be thrown away. Leftovers younger than four days might be eaten right away or frozen. While organizing the food items, one must also check the food date labels. According to Iowa State University, aside from baby food, "Best By" and "Use By" labels indicate product quality, not safety. Some food might still be safe for consumption after the date printed on the package, depending on its storage conditions. If the cleaning is estimated to take longer than two hours, the food must be placed in a cooler with ice packs. Leaving perishable food unrefrigerated for more than two hours increases the risk of bacterial growth.


Clean shelves before tackling the interior

Removable shelves and drawers should be cleaned separately with hot water and dish soap. However, glass shelves should warm up to room temperature before cleaning them. This is because placing cold glass in hot water can cause it to break. After washing, the shelves and drawers can be rinsed with a sanitizing solution prepared by mixing one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. The same sanitizer can also be applied after cleaning the inside of the refrigerator. Next, the insides of the walls, door, and rubber gasket of the refrigerator should be cleaned using a paste made from hot water and baking soda in equal parts. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps remove stains without damaging the surface while also neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Don’t skip the drying step

One of the simplest but most overlooked parts of refrigerator cleaning comes after the scrubbing is finished. Rather than closing the refrigerator immediately, the door should be left open for about 15 minutes after the final rinse. This allows air to circulate, helping moisture evaporate before shelves, drawers, and food are returned. The university also advises keeping children away from the refrigerator while it remains open to help prevent accidents. Finally, once everything is dry, the shelves and drawers can be replaced, followed by the food.

A small habit to keep odors away

Once the cleaning process is complete, Iowa State suggests leaving an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to help absorb food odors. Using baking soda is an effective and cheap way to keep the refrigerator fresh between the times when it is deep-cleaned. Regularly wiping up spills, placing older food at the front, and checking leftovers can reduce the amount of deep cleaning needed. Although a refrigerator is not the most attractive appliance in the kitchen, keeping it tidy supports food safety and makes it easier to use food before it goes to waste.

How temperature also plays a role

Cleaning is not sufficient on its own to ensure food safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping refrigerators at or below 40°F (4°C) and freezers at 0°F (-18°C) to slow the growth of harmful bacteria. It is also necessary to monitor the temperature of the appliance regularly using a thermocouple, because the built-in thermometer might be inaccurate. Therefore, the right temperature, together with regular cleaning of the appliance and prompt disposal of spoiled food, makes it possible to keep food in good condition and reduce the risk of food poisoning.