A clean fridge is not just nicer to open. Spills and old food feed mould and bacteria, sticky seals stop the door closing properly, and a blocked drain can cause leaks. Cleaning the fridge properly a few times a year is one of the simplest ways to keep it working well.
How to Clean a Fridge: The Short Answer
Empty the fridge into an esky, remove shelves and drawers and wash them in warm soapy water, wipe the cabinet with a mild solution of warm water and bicarb soda, clean the door seals, flush the defrost drain, dry everything and put food back, throwing out anything expired. Every six to twelve months, switch the fridge off at the wall and vacuum the condenser coils at the back or underneath.
What You Need
- warm water and mild dishwashing liquid
- bicarb soda (baking soda)
- soft cloths or sponges, and a soft toothbrush for seals
- a turkey baster or syringe for the drain
- a vacuum with a brush attachment for the coils
- an esky or cooler with ice packs
Avoid bleach, abrasive powders and scourers, which can damage liners, seals and coatings.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Inside
- Empty the fridge. Move food into an esky with ice packs, and throw out anything expired or spoiled.
- Remove shelves and drawers. Let glass shelves warm to room temperature before washing so they do not crack.
- Wash removable parts. Use warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe the cabinet. Use a solution of warm water with a spoonful or two of bicarb soda. It cleans and deodorises without harsh chemicals.
- Clean the door seals. Wipe the folds with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Dry them well. Sticky, dirty seals do not seal properly.
- Flush the defrost drain. Find the small hole at the back of the fridge compartment and gently flush it with warm water using a baster or syringe. This prevents leaks. See our guide on why a fridge leaks water.
- Dry and reassemble. Put shelves and drawers back once fully dry.
- Restock. Return food promptly and wipe the bottoms of jars and bottles as you go.
Cleaning the Outside
Wipe the doors and handles with warm soapy water. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain and use a cleaner designed for it. Clean the top of the fridge, which collects dust and grease.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils
Switch the fridge off at the wall. Carefully pull it out, then vacuum the coils and condenser fan area at the back or underneath using a brush attachment. Dirty coils make the fridge run longer, use more power and cool less effectively. Our power saving guide explains why.
Dealing With Smells and Mould
An open container of bicarb soda on a shelf absorbs odours. If you find mould, remove the affected food, clean the area thoroughly and dry it. Persistent mould often comes back because of a blocked drain, poor seals or high humidity. Our guide to preventing mould in your fridge covers this in detail.
Found ice on the back wall, a leak or a smell that will not go away? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556.
How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?
- Weekly: wipe spills and remove expired food.
- Every three to six months: full interior clean, seals and drain.
- Every six to twelve months: condenser coils.
For a complete schedule, see our fridge maintenance checklist.
Fridge Repairs Across Sydney
If cleaning reveals a problem, such as a split seal, a drain that keeps blocking, frost build-up or a fridge that is not cooling, Ace Fridge Repairs can help. We service Greater Sydney, including Abbotsford, St Marys, Cecil Hills and Penrith, from 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763, with a 12-month warranty on parts and labour.
For residential or commercial fridge repairs, call 0452 462 556, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?
Warm water with mild dishwashing liquid, or warm water with bicarb soda. Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can damage liners and seals.
How often should I clean my fridge?
Wipe spills weekly, do a full interior clean every three to six months, and vacuum the condenser coils every six to twelve months.
Should I turn the fridge off to clean it?
You do not have to for a quick interior clean, but switch it off at the wall before a deep clean or when cleaning the coils.
How do I get rid of a bad smell in my fridge?
Remove spoiled food, clean the interior and seals, flush the drain and leave an open container of bicarb soda inside. A smell that persists may point to a blocked drain or hidden mould.