How to Deep Clean Your Fridge in 8 Easy Steps

8 min read

Last updated November 6, 2026

To deep clean your fridge, unplug it or turn it off and empty everything out. Toss expired food, then wash shelves and drawers in warm, soapy water. Wipe the inside with a mix of baking soda and warm water.

A clean fridge makes room for holiday groceries and leftovers. It also helps food stay fresh and safe.

Key Takeaways

Clean your fridge a few days before a big grocery trip.
Keep perishables in a cooler while you clean.
Baking soda and water clean without harsh smells.
Keep your fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Store raw meat on the bottom shelf.

On This Page

What You Need
How to Deep Clean Your Fridge Step by Step
How to Organize Your Fridge
How to Remove Odors
Keep It Clean All Season
Check Your Fridge Temperature
Know How Long Leftovers Last
Clean the Freezer Too
Clean the Outside and Handles
Clean the Coils
Prevent Spills and Messes
Reduce Food Waste
Watch for Signs of a Problem
Power Outage Tips
Make Fridge Cleaning a Family Job

What You Need

Gather a cooler with ice packs, trash bags and dish soap. You also need baking soda, soft cloths and a sponge.

An old toothbrush helps with seals and corners. Skip harsh cleaners that leave strong smells.

40 degrees FahrenheitThe highest safe temperature for your refrigerator.

How to Deep Clean Your Fridge Step by Step

1. Empty the Fridge

Take out all food and drinks. Place perishables in a cooler with ice packs.

2. Toss Old Food

Check dates and throw away anything expired or spoiled. Be honest about old leftovers.

3. Remove Shelves and Drawers

Take out removable parts. Let glass shelves reach room temperature before washing so they do not crack.

Quick tip. Snap a photo of your fridge before you empty it. It helps you put shelves and bins back in the right spots.

4. Wash the Parts

Wash shelves and drawers in warm, soapy water. Rinse them and let them dry fully.

5. Clean the Inside

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. Wipe all walls, the ceiling and the floor of the fridge.

6. Scrub the Door Seals

Use a toothbrush on the rubber seals. Crumbs and sticky spills hide in the folds.

How often do you clean your fridge?

Every month
Every few months
Once a year
Only when it smells

7. Dry and Reassemble

Dry every surface with a clean towel. Put shelves and drawers back in place.

8. Restock Smartly

Wipe jars and bottles before you return them. Put the oldest food in front so you use it first.

How to Organize Your Fridge

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains safe fridge temperatures.

Fridge zone	What to store there
Top shelves	Leftovers, drinks and ready-to-eat foods
Middle shelves	Dairy and eggs
Bottom shelf	Raw meat, poultry and seafood
Crisper drawers	Fruits and vegetables
Door	Condiments and juices

Raw meat goes on the bottom shelf so juices cannot drip onto other foods. FoodSafety.gov shares cold storage times for common foods.

Cooler with ice packs
Toss expired food
Wash shelves and drawers
Wipe with baking soda and water
Scrub door seals
Raw meat on the bottom shelf

How to Remove Odors

Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf. Replace it about every three months.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains how to remove fridge odors.

A bowl of dry coffee grounds or activated charcoal also absorbs smells. Find and toss the source of any bad odor first.

Use this calculator to see when to replace your baking soda.

Baking soda reminder

Months since you opened the box

Good to know. Used baking soda still works for scrubbing sinks or drains.

Keep It Clean All Season

Wipe spills right away before they dry. Do a quick weekly check for old leftovers.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains how to use a fridge thermometer.

Line crisper drawers with paper towels. They catch moisture and are easy to swap out.

Add to calendar

Check Your Fridge Temperature

The right temperature keeps food safe and fresh. Many fridges run warmer than people think.

Appliance	Safe Temperature
Refrigerator	40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Freezer	0 degrees Fahrenheit or below

Place an appliance thermometer on a middle shelf. Check it after a few hours and adjust the dial if needed.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains how to use appliance thermometers.

Know How Long Leftovers Last

Leftovers do not last forever, even in the fridge. A simple guide helps you decide what to keep.

Most cooked leftovers last three to four days in the fridge. Freeze them if you cannot eat them in that time.

Label containers with the date you made the food. A strip of masking tape and a marker work well.

The cold food storage chart lists safe storage times for many foods.

Clean the Freezer Too

Freezers need cleaning, though less often than fridges. A clean freezer works better and wastes less food.

Move frozen food to a cooler with ice packs.
Toss items with heavy frost or freezer burn.
Wipe shelves with warm, soapy water.
Dry everything before you return the food.

If ice builds up thickly, your freezer may need defrosting. Follow the maker’s instructions.

Clean the Outside and Handles

Fridge handles get touched many times a day. They collect fingerprints and germs.

Wipe handles and the door with warm, soapy water. Dry them with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.

For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain. Use a cleaner made for stainless steel if needed.

Free updates

Join the Digieh list

Be the first to know when our weekly brief launches.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read our Privacy Policy.

Clean the Coils

Dusty condenser coils make your fridge work harder. Clean coils can help it run more efficiently.

Unplug the fridge first. Find the coils on the back or behind a grill at the bottom.

Use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust. Do this once or twice a year.

Prevent Spills and Messes

A few habits keep your fridge cleaner between deep cleans.

Store raw meat in a container or on a plate.
Use clear bins to group small items.
Put lids on all leftovers.
Wipe sticky jars before putting them back.
Place a tray under drippy items like berries.

Bins make cleaning easier. You can pull one out and wash it instead of cleaning a whole shelf.

Reduce Food Waste

An organized fridge helps you waste less food. You can see what you have and use it in time.

Keep an “eat first” bin for food you need to use soon. Check it before you cook.

Plan meals around what is already in your fridge. Shop with a list to avoid buying duplicates.

Freeze bread, meat and leftovers you will not use in time. Frozen food stays safe much longer, though quality can slowly drop.

Watch for Signs of a Problem

Some fridge issues need repair. Call a technician if you notice these signs.

Food spoils faster than usual.
The fridge feels warm inside.
Water pools under or inside the fridge.
The motor runs constantly or makes loud noises.

A failing fridge can put food safety at risk. Keep a thermometer inside to catch problems early.

Power Outage Tips

Power outages can put food at risk. Keep the doors closed as much as possible.

A full freezer usually keeps food frozen longer than a half-empty one. The Food Safety During Power Outage guide explains what to keep and what to toss.