Listen up, my friends! Your fridge is the black sheep of your household, constantly overlooked and undervalued. But let me tell you, this critical appliance is a ticking time bomb of grime and gunk. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that just because your food is kept cold and rotated, your fridge stays pristine. Hell no! It’s a breeding ground for cross-contamination, spills, splashes and other nastiness that’ll make you wanna hurl.
A messy fridge ain’t just a health hazard, it’s a money pit. When you can’t find what you need in a cluttered fridge, you end up wasting food, from forgotten leftovers to produce that goes bad, to condiments that are past their expiration date. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A dirty fridge can jack up your energy bill by a ton, thanks to poor air circulation, dirty coils, and leaky seals.
So, let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?
- It’s time to add your fridge to your weekly cleaning routine.
- Wipe down surfaces, sanitize the door handle.
- Rotate food as it gets older, store food in clear containers with lids, and pay attention to dates.
Tip: Find out more about how to organize your fridge.
- But even with all that, you’ll still need to go all in and deep clean your fridge a few times a year. Trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds!

Why is it Important to Deep Clean Your Fridge?
It’s time to pay attention to your fridge, that neglected appliance hidden behind closed doors, people.
You might be wondering why it matters?
Well, let me tell you that your refrigerator is a bacterial breeding ground that is constantly exposed to food spills, splashes, and other grossness. It’s also a perfect environment for germs to flourish because the temperature is lower than the rest of your kitchen.
The thing is, though, people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists dirty fridges as one of the main causes of food-related illnesses. That’s right, according to the CDC, a staggering 48 million people fall ill with foodborne illnesses every year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and a startling 3,000 fatalities.
What can you do about it then?
Your refrigerator is a crucial device that preserves the freshness of your food and guards against spoilage, but it needs to be cleaned. Furthermore, I’m not referring to a quick wipedown with a damp cloth. I’m referring to a thorough cleaning that gets rid of all the dirt, muck, and bacteria. It’s time to treat your refrigerator with the respect it merits!

How to Deep Clean Your Fridge
Listen up, folks! It’s time to give your fridge the deep-clean it deserves. With this simple blueprint, you’ll get the job done in no time, leaving you with a clean and pristine appliance. So, gather your supplies and let’s get to it!
- Stock Up on Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:
- An old rag to protect your floors
- A bucket of baking soda and water (2 tablespoons to 1 quart of water)
- A stack of paper towels or cloths
- A can of multi-surface spray
- A butter knife or putty knife
- A couple of trash bags
- A cooler to store your food while you clean
- A vacuum with a crevice tool
Now, let’s dive in and give your fridge the facelift it’s been begging for!
- Prepare

Ladies and gentlemen, pay attention.
- Let’s make sure we are completely prepared and ready to go before we begin the deep cleaning process.
- People, put safety first. My behavior is serious. The switch on the fuse or circuit breaker for the outlet your fridge is plugged into must be flipped to turn off the juice in this situation.
- Don’t take any chances—we’re dealing with electricity and water—unplug the damn thing, and I mean it. That is an unsafe combination.
- Let’s think about floor protection now that we have that resolved. We don’t want to leave any water damage behind, so I recommend getting an old towel and putting it on the floor. You’ll appreciate it later, I assure you. Especially if your kitchen has elegant wood flooring. Spills do occur, but we’re ready to deal with them head-on.
Therefore, let’s get ready and deep clean this refrigerator so that it sparkles like a diamond.
3. Purge the Rotten Goods

It’s time to say goodbye to the food that’s been hangin’ around for too long, making your fridge its home.
- Grab a cooler and start packing in all the edibles.
- Check expiration dates and give the boot to anything that’s past its prime. Be ruthless in your cleansing, my friend.
- If a bottle of pickle relish has been chillin’ in your fridge for 6 months after being used in just one recipe and your family won’t be able to finish it, show it the door.
Time to make room for the good stuff and keep your fridge fresh!
4.Shelves and Drawers Extraction

Time to peel off those shelves and drawers, partner!
- Put down a towel to protect your floors, then take each shelf and give it a good scrub-a-dub-dub with your baking soda and water mix. That stuff is like a magnet for odors, so it’ll do the heavy lifting for you.
- If there’s any stubborn grime stuck on, bust out that butter knife or putty knife and get down to business.
- Scrape off any gunk and don’t hold back! This is a deep clean, remember, so go for broke and get rid of every last trace of yuckiness.
- Soak ‘Em Up!

Listen up, people! It’s time to take those shelves and drawers to the sink or a big-ass Rubbermaid bin and let ’em soak in a bath of baking soda and water.
- This’ll help blast away all that stubborn grime, crusties, and funky odors that’s been clogging up your fridge.While they soak, you can use this time to plan your next yacht party.
6. Wash inside of fridge

Let’s take the task of washing the inside of your fridge to new heights. This is a job that requires a certain finesse, a certain panache if you will.
- First things first, grab that bottle of cleaning solution, whether it be a spray or a cloth, and get ready to unleash some serious scrubbing power.
- We’re talking about a full-on assault on those built-in fixtures, the nooks and crannies of the door, and that bottom of the fridge that’s been collecting who knows what for far too long.
- But wait, there’s more. This is where things get truly wild. We’re gonna be diving into the cracks and crevices where all the crumbs and food particles like to hide out.
- And let me tell you, a little tool like your trusty butter knife is gonna come in handy. That’s right, we’re talking about reaching into the depths of the fridge to retrieve all those pesky particles that have been gathering dust.
7. Dry inside with a cloth

We’re about to elevate the simple task of drying the inside of your fridge to new heights.
This is where the real magic happens, where the rubber meets the road, and where the champagne starts flowing.
We’re talking about ensuring that the inside of your fridge is bone-dry and spick-and-span. That’s right, not a single drop of moisture can be left behind.
And what’s the best way to accomplish this feat, you might ask?
- Well, my friend, it’s all about wiping down each and every bin with a soft cloth or even a fancy-schmancy paper towel.
- But wait, there’s more. This is where things get truly epic. Before you put those shelves and bins back in place, you want to make sure that every nook and cranny has been thoroughly dried and polished. This is where you show your attention to detail, your flair for the dramatic, and your inner Jordan Belfort.
- So, grab that cloth, or better yet, those paper towels, and let’s get to work. Because at the end of the day, a fully dry and spotless fridge is a thing of beauty, and that, my friend, is the name of the game.
- Clean the door seals/gaskets

We’re about to take on one of the dirtiest and most important parts of cleaning your fridge, the door seals.
These little guys are the unsung heroes of the fridge world, but unfortunately, they also happen to be the breeding ground for debris, crumbs, and worst of all, mold and mildew.
But fear not, my friend, because with a little elbow grease and a lot of panache, we can turn those door seals from a grimy mess into a thing of beauty. We’re talking about giving them a thorough cleaning, inside and out, and making sure that not a single crumb or speck of mildew is left behind.
Always remember to maintain your refrigerator door seals, as there are always a lot of mess and even mould.
And what’s the key to success, you might ask?
It’s all about drying them impeccably, my friend. That’s right, we’re talking about leaving not a single drop of moisture behind. This is what will prevent any unwanted mold and mildew, and ensure that the seals are working at maximum efficiency.
So, let’s get to work, my friend. Grab that cleaning solution and let’s show those door seals who’s boss.
And when we’re finished, not only will your fridge look like a million bucks, but it will also be functioning at peak performance, like a well-oiled machine.
- Vacuum the grate/ kickplate and coils

We’re about to take on one of the most overlooked, yet crucial parts of cleaning your fridge, the coils, the kickplate, and the grate.
These little guys are the powerhouse behind the magic of your fridge, but unfortunately, they also happen to be the dust magnets of the household.
But fear not, my friend, because with a little bit of muscle and a lot of style, we can turn these dusty, neglected parts into shining stars. We’re talking about pulling that fridge out from the wall and giving it the royal treatment. That’s right, we’re going to grab our trusty vacuum and suck up every last speck of dust that’s accumulated on those coils.
And what’s the key to success, you might ask?
It’s all about attention to detail, my friend. That’s why we’re going to carefully remove the kickplate or grate from the bottom of the fridge, and give it the same love and attention that we gave the coils.
And for those of you with fancy fridges, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you. If you happen to have a drip tray or pan, we’re going to remove that baby and clean it just like we did the shelves. That’s right, no part of your fridge will be left untouched, no stone will be left unturned.
So, let’s get to work, my friend. Grab that vacuum and let’s show those coils, kickplate, and grate who’s boss. And when we’re finished, your fridge will be running smoother than a Mercedes-Benz on a freshly paved road.
- Replace items in the fridge

We’re about to tackle the final step of our fridge cleaning extravaganza.
- This is where we bring it all together, where we take all the hard work we’ve done and turn it into a masterpiece. That’s right, we’re going to restock that baby and turn it into a well-oiled, odor-free machine.
- But hold on, my friend, we’re not just going to throw everything back in willy-nilly. No, we’re going to be strategic, we’re going to be meticulous. We’re going to secure each lid and wipe down anything that’s sticky, making sure that everything is spotless before it goes back in.
- And when it comes to where we put things, we’re going to be smart about it. We’re going to put all the meats and seafood on the bottom, to protect against any spills that might happen. That’s right, we’re not taking any chances, we’re playing it safe, and keeping things extra clean.
- And for those of you who want to take things to the next level, I’ve got a little secret for you. I like to put a folded paper towel in the drawers and under liquids, like milk and juice. That’s right, my friend, we’re going to absorb any condensation before it even has a chance to form. And to top it all off, we’re going to add an open box of baking soda to absorb any unwanted odors.
- So, let’s get to work, my friend. Let’s bring this baby to life and turn it into a work of art. And when we’re finished, you’ll have a fridge that’s as organized as a Wall Street trading floor and as fresh as a spring morning.
11. Remove frozen items

Alright, buckle up, folks, because we’re about to go into the freezer.
This is where things get real, where we take our fridge cleaning game to the next level. We’re talking about the deep freeze, the land of frozen delights, where the thermometer dips below zero, and where only the strong survive.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, my friends. Before we dive in, you need to know that most freezers these days don’t need a full-blown defrosting. Just a simple cleaning will do the trick. But we need to work fast, my friend, because due to the perishable nature of the items in the freezer, we can’t dilly-dally.
So, what are we going to do?
1. First, we’re going to remove all the items and store them in a cooler.
2. And then, we’re going to check the expiration dates.
3. If you come across anything that you don’t immediately recognize, or anything with ice crystals or freezer burn on the inside, it’s got to go.
4. That’s right, my friend, we’re not taking any chances, we’re playing it safe, and getting rid of anything that’s not up to snuff.
5. And then, we’re going to check things that are frozen in a solid mass, like vegetables or fruit.
6. If they’ve been thawed and refrozen, then they need to go, too. That’s right, my friends, we’re looking out for you and your health, and we’re not taking any chances when it comes to foodborne illness.
So, let’s get to work, folks. We’re going to clean this freezer until it shines, and when we’re finished, it’s going to be as organized as a Wall Street trading floor and as fresh as a spring morning.
12. Wipe the inside of the freezer

Alright, folks, we’re not done yet. We’ve still got one more step to take, and it’s a big one.
We’re talking about wiping the inside of the freezer. This is where we take our cleaning skills to the limit and turn this deep freeze into a gleaming masterpiece.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Jordan, this is going to be a cakewalk, a breeze in the park.” But, my friends, you’re wrong. Wiping out the inside of the freezer is a big job, and we need to take it seriously. We’re going to wipe every inch, every nook, every cranny, and every surface until it’s spotless.
And what do we need to wipe with, you ask?
Well, I’ll tell you. We’re going to use our trusty cleaning solution and a cloth, just like we did in the fridge. But this time, we’re going to work even faster.
This is usually a much faster job, but don’t be fooled. We still need to wipe those baskets and shelves with care.
So, let’s get to it, folks. We’re going to turn this freezer into a shining beacon of cleanliness and organization, and when we’re done, we’re going to be able to store our frozen delights with pride.
13. Discard ice

Alright folks, we’re almost there. We’ve cleaned the fridge, the freezer, and made our deep freeze a shining example of cleanliness.
But there’s one more thing we need to take care of. It’s time to discard that old, stale, flavorless ice.
We’re going to take out those ice cube trays, wash them like they’ve never been washed before, and refill them with the purest, freshest water you can find. I’m talking about H2O, folks, the nectar of the gods. We’re not messing around here.
And you know what they say, “With fresh water, comes fresh ice.” That’s right, my friends. We’re going to have the crispiest, tastiest ice in all the land, and we’re going to do it with style. That’s the Jordan Belfort way, baby!
So, let’s get to it, folks. Let’s wash those trays, refill them with water, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Because when we’re done, we’re going to have a fridge and freezer that’s not just clean, but a symbol of our success.

Fridge Cleaning Tips
Listen up my friend, if you want to keep your fridge flyin’ high and pristine, you gotta put in the work.
Here’s some hot tips from the Wolf of Fridges:
1. Focus your attention on the trouble spots, the door, bottom shelves, and any other areas where grub tends to get wild and make a mess. This is where the real dirt and grime hide, and where you need to be a cleaning machine.
2. Clearing out your fridge before you start is crucial. This way, you’ve got full access to all the crevices and you won’t have to worry about getting your food contaminated.
3. Ditch those harsh chemical cleaners, they’re bad for you, bad for the environment and worst of all, they don’t even work that well. Instead, use natural remedies like vinegar or baking soda mixed with H2O, they’ll leave your fridge smelling like a freshly picked fruit salad.
4. A deep clean is a must, at least once a month. Bacteria and odors can build up quick, and if you’ve got little ones or anyone in your household with a weak immune system, you may want to do it more often.
5. Remember, keeping your fridge on point is a key part of keeping your home and your family healthy and safe. So, set aside some time each month, arm yourself with some natural cleaners and show that fridge who’s boss!

Clean a Refrigerator Naturally
If you want to keep your icebox smelling fresh as a daisy and free from any harmful bacteria, you gotta be on top of your cleaning game.
And let me tell you, the best way to do that is with some good old-fashioned natural cleaners.
- Now, I know some folks will tell you that vinegar mixed with water is the way to go, but if that’s not your cup of tea, no problem! You can get just as good results with baking soda mixed with water. Just mix up a batch, grab a sponge or cloth, and get to work wiping down those shelves and every inch of the inside of that fridge. And if you got any pesky stains that just won’t budge, let that mixture sit for a few minutes, then watch it disappear like magic. Trust me, with these natural cleaners, your fridge will be spotless and smelling fresh as a daisy in no time!

How often should you deep clean your fridge?
If you want to keep that chill box of yours in tip-top shape, you gotta be on top of the cleaning game. Now, the gurus say you should be doing a deep dive clean of your refrigerator once a month. That’s just the minimum. But, if you got little ones running around or someone with a delicate immune system, you better make that cleaning session more frequent. Trust me, you don’t wanna be serving up a side of bacteria with your dinner. Keep your fridge clean and you’ll keep your family healthy.

Do you need to empty your fridge before deep cleaning it?
Youse guys gotta empty that fridge like a bank vault before you deep clean the damn thing, y’know? That way, you can clean all the nooks and crannies, top to bottom, left to right. Ya don’t want to miss a spot, and you also don’t want to be messin’ with your grub while you’re cleanin’. So, get everything out, give it a proper wipe-down, and then you can start restockin’ like a boss. But, listen to me here, each and every item should be polished up before it finds its way back into that cold box. Keep it spotless, baby!

Is it safe to clean a refrigerator with bleach?
Let’s talk about deep cleaning that bad boy of yours, the refrigerator. You might be tempted to reach for the bleach, but hold your horses! That sh*t can be toxic to your grub. Stick with the natural cleaners, like vinegar or baking soda. Trust me, these gentle yet effective ingredients will keep your fridge smelling fresher than a brand new Mercedes-Benz. And when it comes to cleaning, make sure you remove everything from the fridge before you start, so you can reach every inch, every nook and cranny, and give it the deep clean it deserves. Now you can replace all your food and items with confidence, knowing that the only bacteria in there is the bacteria of success!

What happens if I don’t clean my fridge?
If you don’t scrub down that icebox of yours, you’re playing with fire. See, grime and other nasties accumulate, causing grub to go south. And that, my man, is a recipe for disaster, especially if you got little ones or anyone with a compromised immune system around.
But don’t you worry, I got your back.Ukraine Cleaners, the top dogs in the housekeeping game, got your fridge covered. We offer flexible plans – weekly, bi-weekly, monthly – tailor-made to suit your unique needs. And if you want to take it up a notch, we do custom services, including deep cleaning that fridge of yours. Don’t wait, give us a jingle at (206) 395-9524, or check us out at https://ukrainecleaners.com/, and let’s get this party started.