HOW TO CLEAN A REFRIGERATOR IN 7 STEPS

What are the Steps to Cleaning a REFRIGERATOR?

Before you get started, it’s important to know what to use to clean a refrigerator. Use the following supplies and tools to help sanitize your refrigerator.

STEP 1. REMOVE FOOD FROM THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER

First, take out everything in your refrigerator, making sure to store any perishables in a cooler or undercounter refrigerator. Any expired items or old leftover food should be placed in a garbage bag and disposed of right away.

STEP 2. UNPLUG THE REFRIGERATOR

To avoid wasting electricity as you clean your refrigerator, unplug your fridge or turn off the circuit breaker at the breaker box. This won’t be as much of an issue if you have removable shelves and drawers, but if you’ll be keeping your door open for an extended period of time, unplug the refrigerator to save power. 

STEP 3. REMOVE SHELVES AND STORAGE BINS FROM THE REFRIGERATOR

Take any of the removable shelving and drawers from the inside of the refrigerator. Different refrigerators have various styles of shelves and drawers, so familiarize yourself with your owner’s guide to know which fridge parts are removable.

IMPORTANT: Glass shelves and covers are heavy. Be careful, and use both hands when removing these items to avoid dropping them.

STEP 4. WASH REFRIGERATOR SHELVES AND BINS

Once your shelves and bins have come to room temperature, wash the bins with a mild cleanser, warm water and a sponge, or in the dishwasher. If you’re not sure whether your shelves or drawers are dishwasher-safe, consult your use and care guide. 

Glass shelves and bins are generally dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with a mixture of mild dish soap and water is primarily recommended.

IMPORTANT: Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping. If tempered glass breaks, it is designed to shatter into many small, pebble-sized pieces. Refrigerator shelves with under-shelf, LED lighting are NOT dishwasher-safe.

STEP 5. HAND WASH INTERIOR SURFACES AND REMOVABLE PARTS

• Spray the interior of the refrigerator with a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner to help kill mold, mildew and germs. You can also dip a clean sponge or cloth in a mild detergent mixed with warm water, white vinegar or a mix of baking soda and hot water. Spray or wipe the walls, door and permanent shelves. Any grime or spills that have gotten stuck can be scrubbed with a toothbrush.

• Clean the interior and exterior of the built-in ice maker if your refrigerator has one.

• Change your water filter, if necessary.

• Once you’ve finished cleaning, wipe the interior completely dry with a clean towel.

STEP 6. WIPE DOWN & CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR

• Use a combination of mild dish soap and water to wipe down doors, as well as the door seals and handles, then dry everything with a clean cloth.
• If you’re cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator, start by spraying affresh^® stainless steel cleaner onto a fresh microfiber cloth. Wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. 

• If you don’t have affresh^® stainless steel cleaner, use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge dampened with a solution of dishwashing soap and water.

• Dry the exterior of a stainless steel refrigerator immediately to help prevent water spots.

STEP 7. PLUG IN THE REFRIGERATOR

After the interior and shelves have been cleaned and dried, plug the refrigerator back in or turn the circuit breaker on at the breaker box. It may take your refrigerator up to 24 hours to come to the proper temperature, so keep this in mind, and consider keeping your perishable items in a cooler or another refrigerator, if needed. Wipe dirty food containers and jars with warm water and soap before placing them back in the refrigerator.

How to Clean the Drawer and Shelf Channels Inside Your Refrigerator

Spillovers inside the refrigerator may get into the slide control of the crisper bins or shelves and cause them to stick. If the spillover is heavy, it may be necessary to use a soft cloth and a mild dish soap to clean the frame. Follow the steps below to help clean drawer or shelf channels.

STEP 1. USE WARM, SOAPY WATER AND A SOFT CLOTH OR SPONGE

Warm water will help soften any grime, but for stubborn stains use a paste of baking soda and water and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove the residue again.

STEP 2. THOROUGHLY RINSE THE CHANNELS

Remove all soapy residue with a towel before drying. 

STEP 3. COMPLETELY DRY WITH A SOFT MICROFIBER CLOTH

Using a clean microfiber cloth, dry the channels thoroughly.

If you would like to download or view product literature for your KitchenAid^® appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.

How to Clean a Refrigerator that Smells

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is one of the most effective ways to help prevent odors. Follow the steps below to help clean a refrigerator that smells.

STEP 1. KEEP FOODS TIGHTLY WRAPPED OR COVERED

Reduce the chances of spills or odors by making sure to wrap any leftover food tightly or keep it in storage containers.

STEP 2. IMMEDIATELY WIPE SPILLS

The longer a spill sits, the harder it generally is to clean up. Clean up any messes as soon as they happen.

STEP 3. CLEAN BOTH SECTIONS AROUND ONCE A MONTH

Routine monthly maintenance can help keep your refrigerator clean and may prevent grime buildup and odors. The exact time it takes to do this task will vary based on what kinds of foods you store, as well as how you store them.

STEP 4. KEEP THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER ORGANIZED

An organized refrigerator will help ensure that food is visible so that leftovers aren’t forgotten and left to spoil in the back of the refrigerator.

STEP 5. DISCARD SPOILED OR ROTTEN FOOD

To help prevent spoilage, don’t let food sit in the refrigerator for long periods of time. This amount of time may vary, depending on how perishable the food item is, but if you notice that any produce or other food items have spoiled, discard them immediately.

Learn how to remove stubborn odors from your refrigerator.