To clean a fridge without turning it into an all-day job, work one shelf at a time and keep the order simple: sort food, remove washable parts, wipe from top to bottom, dry, then restock.
Quick reference chart
| Question | Best answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| First step | Move food to a cool bag | Chilled food should not sit out unnecessarily. |
| Shelves and drawers | Warm soapy water | Let glass warm slightly before washing to reduce crack risk. |
| Inside surfaces | Mild food-safe cleaner | Avoid harsh scented products around food. |
| Door seal | Soft cloth and creases | Crumbs and spills collect in the folds. |
| Finish | Dry before restocking | Drying helps prevent odours and water pooling. |
Step-by-step method
- Move chilled food to a cool bag or another cold place, and discard anything spoiled or past its safe use-by date.
- Take out removable shelves, drawers and door bins.
- Let cold glass shelves warm slightly before washing them in warm soapy water.
- Wipe the top, sides and back of the fridge with a mild food-safe cleaning solution.
- Clean the door seal gently, including the folds where crumbs and spills collect.
- Dry all parts fully, replace them and put food back in date order.
How to clean fridge shelves and drawers
Wash removable parts separately with warm water and a little washing-up liquid. Avoid sudden temperature changes with glass shelves, and dry every edge before sliding the parts back in.
How to get rid of fridge smells
First remove the source: old food, spills, damp packaging or a dirty drawer. After cleaning, leave an open bicarbonate of soda container inside if odours linger, and check the door seal closes properly.
Common fridge-cleaning mistakes
Do not use harsh sprays around food, pour water into vents, scrape cold glass with force, or leave chilled food at room temperature while doing a long deep clean.
What to read next
For more practical guides, see how to clean a microwave, how to clean a dishwasher, how to clean a toaster, Home Cleaning Guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean a fridge?
Move food somewhere cool, remove washable parts, wipe inside surfaces with a mild food-safe solution, dry fully and restock in date order.
How often should you clean a fridge?
Wipe spills as they happen and give the fridge a fuller clean every few months, or sooner if there is a smell or leak.
How do you clean a fridge door seal?
Use a soft damp cloth to clean along the folds, then dry it so crumbs and moisture do not build up.
How do you remove a bad fridge smell?
Remove the cause first, clean shelves and drawers, dry the fridge, and use bicarbonate of soda only as a follow-up odour absorber.
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For a streak-free kitchen reset, use this guide to cleaning stainless steel appliances, then see how to clean a fridge and how to clean a dishwasher.