How to Clean a Fridge, Freezer & More

A person stands in front of a refrigerator holding the doors open to look inside, with various food items on the shelves.

Keep your fridge fresh and organized with these easy steps for cleaning your refrigerator. Learn how to remove spills and odors effectively.

More from Clorox experts

Ready to tackle that fridge and make it sparkle? Grab your Clorox™ cleaner and let's dive into the ultimate fridge refresh! A fridge can get dirty inside from food spills, leaks, expired items and everyday crumbs. Around the fridge, dust, pet hair and moisture buildup can attract grime, especially near vents, coils and the floor area. Regular cleaning helps prevent odors and mold and enhances cooling efficiency.

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How often to clean your fridge

You probably reach in the fridge several times a day, and so do any of your roommates or family members. A once-a-week wipe-down with Clorox™ Free & Clear Cleaning Wipes will help keep messes and smudges to a minimum. Start by emptying the shelves, then give all surfaces a pass with the wipes. If you have more stubborn food spills, spray Clorox™ Free & Clear Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray on soiled surfaces and let stand for 30 seconds, then wipe clean. Regular cleaning may help keep your appliances running smoothly and your kitchen sanitary. For a seasonal deep clean, check out the steps below for using Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach.

What to use to clean a fridge

Steps to clean non-food-contact surfaces inside the fridge & shelves

  1. Empty the shelves

    Remove food from the refrigerator. Check any expiration dates as you go and set aside items you want to keep.

    Tip

    Clean and disinfect in zones to keep the job more manageable: shelves first, door storage next, vegetable bins last.

  2. Make up the bleach solution

    Measure 1 gallon of water (16 cups) into the plastic bucket, and then add 1/3 cup bleach to the water.

  3. Pre-clean the inside

    If necessary, use a sponge dampened with water to wipe any obvious dirt or grime from shelves and other surfaces before the disinfecting step.

  4. Apply the disinfecting bleach solution

    Wearing gloves, use the sponge to wipe down surfaces with the bleach and water solution, including the walls, door handle and the door seal. Reapply as needed to keep surfaces wet for 6 minutes to disinfect.

    Tip

    To remove mold or mildew in the refrigerator, let the bleach and water solution contact the surface for up to 10 minutes.

  5. Rinse

    Rinse the sponge with clean water and then wipe surfaces again to rinse them.

    Tip

    Removable shelves and bins can be treated and rinsed in the sink.

  6. Air dry

    Let surfaces air dry before replacing food items.

How to clean the outside of a fridge

To keep the outside of your fridge looking great, use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to give it a wipe down every week, specifically targeting the handles and any water dispenser buttons. Every few months, use Clorox™ Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner to remove fingerprints, smudges and dust. Don't forget to clean around and under the fridge to clear away any dirt and debris, and give any magnets a good wipe to get rid of dust.

How to clean mold from your fridge & freezer

To tackle mold in your fridge or freezer, start by unplugging your appliance and removing all the food. Allow the appliance to come to room temperature prior to treatment. Mix a solution of water and bleach or use Clorox™ Clean-Up Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach, spray 4 to 6 inches from surface until thoroughly wet, and let stand visibly wet for 5 minutes. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before plugging it back in and restocking.

How to clean the fridge water dispenser

Keeping your fridge water dispenser clean is essential for fresh-tasting water. Here's how to do it: Turn off the water supply. Mix a solution of water and bleach per the ratios listed above, and scrub the dispenser nozzle and surrounding areas with a small brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaner residue, then turn the water supply back on.

How to clean under & behind the fridge

Cleaning under and behind your fridge is easier than you might think! Just unplug the fridge and carefully pull it away from the wall. Use a vacuum or broom to remove dust and debris, then wipe down the floor and walls with a mild cleaner. Regularly doing this helps keep your kitchen clean and your fridge running efficiently.

How to clean a mini fridge

Start by unplugging it and removing all the contents. Wipe down the interior with Clorox™ Free & Clear Cleaning Wipes, paying extra attention to any spills or stains. For stubborn spots, use Clorox™ Free & Clear Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray as directed, then dry thoroughly before plugging it back in and restocking. Regular cleaning keeps your mini fridge fresh and ready for use.

How to clean a chest freezer

To clean a chest freezer, start by unplugging it and removing all the contents. Wipe down the interior with a mixture of warm water and mild soap, or use Clorox™ Free & Clear Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray. Then, dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. For stubborn stains or odors, use a solution of baking soda and water, and make sure to leave the lid open for a while to air it out before plugging it back in.

Tips to clean your fridge with bleach

  • Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
  • Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
  • Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean refrigerator coils without a brush?

If you don't have a coil brush, you can first try gently using a vacuum cleaner with a narrow detailing nozzle attachment to remove dust and grime. Then wipe the coils with a dry microfiber cloth or use compressed air to blow out hard-to-reach dirt. Just be sure to unplug the fridge first and avoid using anything too wet or abrasive.

Can you put fridge shelves in the dishwasher?

Check your appliance manual first, as some fridges are designed with glass shelves and removable parts that can go in the dishwasher. Be aware that high heat and strong dishwasher detergents can sometimes damage shelves, especially if they have protective coatings or plastic trim. If you're unsure, it's safest to wash fridge shelves by hand with warm, soapy water.

How do you clean the water line in a fridge?

First, unplug the fridge and shut off the water supply. Then flush the line by running a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water through it, letting it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Regularly cleaning the water line helps remove hard water mineral deposits, mold and bacteria.

How do you disinfect a fridge?

To disinfect a fridge, start by removing all food contents and take out the shelves. Let appliance rise to room temperature. Then, scrub surfaces with Clorox™ Disinfecting All Purpose Cleaner to remove dirt and grime. After cleaning, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. Regular disinfecting helps kill germs, prevent odors and keep your fridge safe for food storage.