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How to clean a refrigerator (inside, shelves, seals, coils and smells)
Updated 2026-11-09. Steps and numbers come from USDA FSIS, FDA and ENERGY STAR, all read on 2026-11-09; tips marked Wrenly suggestion are our own advice as a cleaning service. Your refrigerator's owner's manual comes first. Disclosure: Wrenly Home sells house cleaning in the Peoria, IL area.
Short answer: empty the fridge and throw out food past its time (cooked leftovers 4 days, raw poultry and ground meat 1 to 2 days), wash the shelves and drawers in warm soapy water, wash the inside with hot, soapy water and rinse, and scrub the door gaskets with baking soda and water[1]. Skip solvents and abrasives[1]. For smells, wipe with equal parts vinegar and water[1]. Reload and check it holds 40 °F or below[1][2]. Brush or vacuum the condenser coils several times a year[1].
How to clean a refrigerator, step by step
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Empty it and sort | Take everything out and throw away what shouldn't be eaten. USDA's rule of thumb: cooked leftovers 4 days, raw poultry and ground meat 1 to 2 days. Keep the rest cold in a cooler while you work. | USDA FSIS[1] |
| Take out shelves and drawers | Pull the removable shelves, crisper drawers and door bins and wash them in the sink with warm, soapy water; rinse and dry. Let cold glass shelves warm up on the counter first so hot water doesn't crack them. (Wrenly suggestion) | Washing: USDA FSIS[1] |
| Wash the inside | Clean the walls, ceiling, floor and the inside of the door with hot, soapy water, then rinse. Don't use solvent cleaners, abrasives or any cleanser that can leave a chemical taste in food or ice or damage the interior finish. | USDA FSIS[1] |
| Scrub the door gaskets | Wash the rubber door seals with a baking soda and water solution, getting into the folds. While you're there, check that the seals close airtight; if not, replace them. | USDA FSIS[1]; ENERGY STAR[3] |
| Dry, reload, check the temperature | Dry everything, put the shelves back and reload, with raw meat and poultry sealed or on a tray so juices can't drip. Confirm the fridge holds 40 °F or below with an appliance thermometer. | USDA FSIS[1]; FDA[2] |
| Wipe the outside | Soft cloth and mild dish detergent, or a cleaner or polish made for appliances. Keep the front grill free of dust and lint so air reaches the condenser. | USDA FSIS[1] |
Why it matters: FDA says cleaning the fridge regularly and wiping spills right away helps reduce the growth of Listeria and keeps drips from thawing meat from spreading bacteria to other food[2]. USDA notes that some bacteria, such as Listeria, thrive at cold temperatures and can multiply in the refrigerator over time[1]. Make it a weekly habit to throw out perishables that should no longer be eaten[1].
Where things go back: USDA says to keep perishables, including eggs, off the door, because door bins swing in temperature more than the main cabinet; eggs stay in their carton on a shelf[1][2]. Cover food so it doesn't pick up odors[1].
How to get rid of refrigerator smells
Throw out whatever spoiled first. If the odor stays, USDA FSIS lists these, which may need repeating[1]:
- Wipe the inside with equal parts vinegar and water; USDA notes the acid destroys mildew.
- Wash the inside with baking soda and water, scrubbing the gaskets, shelves, sides and door, then let it air out for several days.
- Stuff the empty fridge with rolled newspaper, close the door for several days, then remove it and wipe with vinegar and water.
- Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely on the bottom, or set them in an open container.
- Put a cotton ball soaked in vanilla in the freezer, close the door for 24 hours and check.
- Use a commercial odor product, following its instructions.
To keep it fresh afterward, leave an opened box of baking soda on a shelf[1].
Coils and door seals
Condenser coils: USDA says to clean them with a brush or vacuum several times a year and to keep the front grill free of dust and lint so air flows to the condenser[1]. ENERGY STAR adds: read your manual for how to clean the coils safely, coil brushes are sold at most hardware stores, and leave a few inches between the fridge and the wall[3]. Unplug the fridge before you reach in, and on newer models check the manual for where the coils are. (Wrenly suggestion)
Door seals: scrub the gaskets with baking soda and water[1]. ENERGY STAR says to make sure they're airtight and replace them if not[3]. A quick check: close the door on a sheet of paper; if it slides out easily at any point, the seal there may be leaking. (Wrenly suggestion)
Temperature: 40 °F or below keeps food safe[1][2]; ENERGY STAR suggests 35 to 38 °F[3]. The freezer should be 0 °F[2].
If your freezer needs defrosting
Most refrigerator-freezers sold today defrost themselves, USDA says, but some still build up frost. When you defrost one, keep refrigerated food cold and frozen food frozen in a cooler with a cold source, or boxed and covered with blankets, and don't use an electric heater, ice pick, knife or other sharp object on the frost: it can damage the inner lining[1].
Before Thanksgiving
A frozen turkey thaws in the refrigerator at 40 °F or below in about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds; keep it in its wrapper on a tray or pan to catch juices, and a thawed turkey keeps 1 to 2 more days in the fridge[4]. That bird needs a clean shelf for most of a week. Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026:
| Turkey size | Fridge thaw time (USDA) | Put it in the fridge |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 1 to 3 days[4] | Mon Nov 23 to Wed Nov 25 |
| 12 to 16 lb | 3 to 4 days[4] | Sun Nov 22 to Mon Nov 23 |
| 16 to 20 lb | 4 to 5 days[4] | Sat Nov 21 to Sun Nov 22 |
| 20 to 24 lb | 5 to 6 days[4] | Fri Nov 20 to Sat Nov 21 |
Clear out and clean the fridge the weekend before (November 14-15), so there's room for the turkey and the make-ahead dishes. (Wrenly suggestion) The rest of the hosting timeline is in our Thanksgiving cleaning checklist, and the oven in how to clean an oven.
What a Wrenly clean covers
The inside of the fridge and freezer is part of every move-out and move-in clean, done in the empty home. A deep clean and every regular visit wipe the outside of the fridge and other appliances, but not the inside (see what's included). We don't move appliances out from the wall, clean coils behind them, or repair anything. If something on the checklist is missed, tell us within 48 hours under our re-clean guarantee.
What it costs
Swipe the table sideways to see every price column →
| Home | Move-out / move-in clean (inside fridge and oven included) | Deep clean (outside of fridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed (1 bath incl.) | $298 | $228 |
| 2 bed (2 baths incl.) | $376 | $272 |
| 3 bed (2 baths incl.) | $480 | $350 |
| 4 bed (3 baths incl.) | $597 | $441 |
| 5 bed (3 baths incl.) | $748 | $558 |
| Each extra bathroom | +$39 | +$33 |
Book online with your bedrooms, bathrooms and preferred day; we confirm the date by email within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean the inside of a refrigerator?
Empty it, throw out food past its time, wash removable shelves and drawers in warm soapy water, then wash the inside with hot, soapy water and rinse. Skip solvents, abrasives and harsh cleansers that can leave a chemical taste or damage the finish (USDA FSIS). Dry, reload, and check it holds 40 °F or below.
Can I clean my fridge with vinegar?
Yes. For odors or mildew, USDA FSIS suggests wiping the inside with equal parts vinegar and water; the acid destroys mildew. For regular cleaning, hot soapy water and a rinse is enough.
How do I clean a refrigerator with baking soda?
Wash the inside with a solution of baking soda and water, scrubbing the gaskets, shelves, sides and door, then let it air out; to keep it smelling fresh afterward, leave an opened box of baking soda on a shelf (USDA FSIS).
How do I get a bad smell out of my refrigerator?
Throw out the spoiled food first, then wipe the inside with equal parts vinegar and water and wash it with baking soda and water, including the gaskets. If the smell stays, USDA FSIS suggests rolled newspaper left inside for several days, fresh coffee grounds or baking soda in an open container, or a vanilla-soaked cotton ball in the freezer for 24 hours. These steps may need repeating.
How do I clean refrigerator coils?
USDA FSIS says to clean the condenser coil with a brush or vacuum several times a year, and to keep the front grill free of dust and lint. ENERGY STAR says to read your manual for how to clean the coils safely (coil brushes are sold at hardware stores) and to leave a few inches between the fridge and the wall.
How do I clean refrigerator door seals?
Scrub the rubber gaskets with a baking soda and water solution, getting into the folds, and dry them (USDA FSIS). Then check they close airtight; ENERGY STAR says to replace seals that don't.
How often should you clean out your refrigerator?
Wipe spills right away and, once a week, throw out perishable food that shouldn't be eaten (USDA FSIS). FDA says to clean the fridge regularly, because it helps reduce the growth of Listeria and keeps drips from thawing meat off other food. Coils: several times a year.
When should I clean the fridge before Thanksgiving?
Before the turkey goes in. USDA says to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator at 40 °F or below, about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds: 5 to 6 days for a 20 to 24 lb bird. With Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, 2026, that means a big turkey goes in by about Friday, November 20, so clear and clean the fridge the weekend before.
Does Wrenly Home clean the inside of refrigerators?
Yes, in every move-out and move-in clean: the inside of the empty fridge and freezer is included. A deep clean and a regular visit wipe the outside of the fridge but not the inside. We don't move appliances out from the wall or clean the coils behind them.
Sources
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Refrigeration & Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration. Accessed 2026-11-09.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Are You Storing Food Safely?. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely. Accessed 2026-11-09.
- ENERGY STAR, Refrigerators (saving tips). https://www.energystar.gov/products/refrigerators. Accessed 2026-11-09.
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Let's Talk Turkey: A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/lets-talk-turkey-roasting. Accessed 2026-11-09.
General home-care and food-safety information drawn from the sources above; your refrigerator's owner's manual comes first. Not appliance-repair advice. If anything here is out of date, email [email protected] and we'll correct it.