7 Steps to Clean a Refrigerator | Step-by-Step Guide

HOW TO CLEAN A REFRIGERATOR

Use these tools and supplies to help sanitize your refrigerator.

STEP 1. TAKE OUT FOOD FROM THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER

Before starting, remove every item in your refrigerator and freezer. You need to store all perishables in a cooler or undercounter refrigerator. Throw away any expired items or old leftovers.

STEP 2.UNPLUG THE APPLIANCE

Unplug your refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker to avoid wasting electricity as you clean it. 

This is less of an issue if your fridge has removable shelves and drawers, but remember that you’ll be keeping the fridge door open for an extended period, which is a waste of electricity. 

STEP 3. REMOVE STORAGE BINS AND SHELVES

If your fridge has removable shelving and drawers, remove them and place them somewhere safe. Refrigerator models come with various styles of drawers and shelves, so review your owner’s guide to learn which parts of your fridge are removable.

IMPORTANT: Covers and glass shelves are heavy, so be careful when removing these items to avoid dropping them.

STEP 4. WASH REFRIGERATOR BINS AND SHELVES

First, let the bins and shelves reach room temperature. Then, wash the bins with warm water, a mild cleanser and a sponge. You may be able to wash them in the dishwasher, but confirm this with your use and care guide before proceeding.

Generally, glass shelves and bins are dishwasher-safe. To be safe, it’s recommended to hand-wash them with mild dish soap and water.

IMPORTANT: Never clean covers or glass shelves with warm water when they are cold. This may cause them to break due to the sudden temperature change. Furthermore, they are fragile and can break from impact, such as bumping. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many pebble-sized pieces and is challenging to clean. Please note that refrigerator shelves with under-shelf LED lighting are NOT dishwasher-safe.

STEP 5. HAND WASH REMOVABLE PARTS AND INTERIOR SURFACES

• Spray a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner around your fridge’s interior to help kill germs, mildew and mould. Another method is to dampen a clean cloth or sponge in a solution made of either mild detergent and warm water, a mix of baking soda and hot water or white vinegar. Next, clean the door, walls and permanent shelves. You can use a toothbrush to remove any stuck-on grime or spills.
• Then, clean the interior and exterior of the built-in ice maker, if your refrigerator is equipped with one, and change the water filter, if necessary.
• After you’re done cleaning, use a clean towel to wipe the interior until it’s fully dry.

STEP 6.CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE REFRIGERATOR

• To clean a fridge’s exterior, use a mild dish soap mixed with water to wipe down the doors, including the seals and handles. Then, dry it completely with a clean cloth.
• If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, try using affresh^® stainless steel cleaner. All you must do is spray affresh^® onto a clean microfiber cloth and then wipe the surface along the grain. 
• If you don’t have affresh^® stainless steel cleaner, dampen a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth with dishwashing soap and water.
• You need to dry a fridge’s stainless steel exterior right away to help prevent water spots.

STEP 7. PLUG THE REFRIGERATOR BACK IN

After the shelves and interior are clean and dry, plug the refrigerator in or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power. Certain refrigerators may take up to 24 hours to reach their recommended temperature, so you may need to keep any perishable items in a cooler or another refrigerator. Before placing jars and containers in the clean fridge, give them a wipe with soap and warm water.

HOW TO CLEAN THE SHELF CHANNELS AND DRAWERS INSIDE A FRIDGE

Spills that occur inside your refrigerator may drip into the slide control of the crisper bins or shelves, causing them to stick. With heavy spills, you may also have to clean the frame with a soft cloth and mild dish soap.

Use these 3 steps to help clean drawer or shelf channels.

STEP 1. USE A SOFT CLOTH OR SPONGE AND WARM, SOAPY WATER

Warm water can help soften grime. For stubborn stains, make and apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it rest for a minimum of 10 minutes before trying to remove it again.

STEP 2. THOROUGHLY RINSE EACH CHANNEL

Use a towel to rinse off all soapy residue before drying.

STEP 3. DRY WITH A SOFT MICROFIBER CLOTH

Thoroughly dry the channels with a clean microfiber cloth,

Visit our Manuals and Literature page to download or view product literature for your KitchenAid^® appliance.

5 STEPS TO CLEAN A SMELLY REFRIGERATOR

One of the best ways to help prevent odours from forming is to clean your refrigerator regularly. 

Use these 5 steps to help clean a refrigerator with a pungent odour

STEP 1. TIGHTLY WRAP OR COVER FOOD OR PLACE IT IN A SEALED CONTAINER

Tightly wrapping, covering or using containers for leftovers can help reduce the chances of spills occurring or odours forming.

STEP 2. WIPE SPILLS RIGHT AWAY

Spills that sit for a long time are generally harder to clean. Immediately clean any spills or messes to remove the chances of them causing an odour or hardening.

STEP 3. CLEAN BOTH COMPARTMENTS MONTHLY

Make it a monthly routine to clean your refrigerator to help prevent odours from forming and grime buildup. How long this task takes depends on the size of your refrigerator, the kinds of foods you store and how you organize them.

STEP 4. ORGANIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER 

A thoughtfully organized refrigerator can help ensure that food and beverages are accessible and visible and that leftovers aren’t hidden and allowed to spoil in the back corner of the refrigerator.

STEP 5. DISCARD ROTTEN OR SPOILED FOOD

The best way to prevent spoilage is to not let food sit for too long before eating it. The amount of time varies depending on the food and how perishable it is. If you see that any food items, like produce, have spoiled, throw them away immediately. 

Learn effective ways to remove stubborn odours from your refrigerator.