The first step in knowing how to clean a refrigerator and freezer is to ensure that food is safe: keep in a stored place, shut down the refrigerator and freezer, wash, rinse and dry the appliance surface. Do this before you clean your other kitchen appliances so perishables can be stored safely quickly if needed.
How to Clean a Refrigerator and Freezer Safely
1. Prepare your supplies and food
Use coolers filled with ice packs, a soft brush, microfiber cloths, warm water and mild dish soap. Refer to the appliance handbook for acceptable cleaners and instructions on how to turn off appliances.
Food left in the refrigerator should be held at or below 40° F and food in the freezer should be kept frozen. Discard perishables that have stood at room temperature (above 40°F) for two hours or more, or those that have stood at a temperature over 90°F for one hour or more.
2. Wash shelves and interior surfaces
Take out drawers and shelves and let them come to room temperature before washing so that they don’t crack from the shock. Rinse and dry, using mild soap.
Wipe from top to bottom all internal surfaces. To prevent sticky messes, drench with a damp cloth and clean afterwards. Carefully remove frost and crumbs from folds of a seal’s body; rinse and dry.
Washing the sink and counters after cleaning dirty parts of the refrigerator is a good tip before making a deep clean your kitchen, to avoid the possibility of spreading dirt residue.
3. Defrost and clean the freezer
If using a manual defrost freezer, place towels in the bottom of the freezer, open the freezer door and let the ice melt. Do not use knives for chipping ice; it could cause injury to the appliance.
Freeze, dry and clean with an approved cleaning solution. In frost free models, refer to the manual; if heavy ice occurs frequently, troubleshooting may be required.
Choose the Right Cleaning Method
| Surface | Best starting point |
| Interior walls | Mild soapy water; rinse and dry |
| Glass shelves | Warm to room temperature before handwashing |
| Door seals | Soft brush and damp cloth |
| Exterior finish | Manufacturer-approved cleaner and microfiber cloth |
Finish and Restock
Clean stainless steel fridge doors by following the correct procedures depending on the type of stainless steel finish; for different types of finishes, different cleaning methods may be required for traditional and coated steel. Wipe with paper towels with the grain as directed; DO NOT use abrasive pads!
Check an appliance thermometer before putting food back in the refrigerator; the refrigerator should be 40°F or cooler and the freezer should be 0° or below – cooling time varies; food should be kept safe while cooling.
Final Words
Knowing how to clean a refrigerator and freezer is a task that is about the precautions that can be taken to protect food. Clean and dry all surfaces before restarting the refrigerator and freezer. Ensure that the fridge or freezer has been cooled down before restocking; clean up any spills promptly to avoid buildup. Always read your appliance’s manual prior to cleaning with vinegar, as some finishes can be affected by cleaners.