Domakihub How to Clean a Fridge: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
A practical method to deep clean and sanitise any refrigerator, fast.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A clean fridge keeps food fresher, stops odours and removes the bacteria that build up on shelves and seals. The video above shows the whole routine in action, and this article breaks it into clear steps you can follow at home, in a holiday rental between guests, or across a hotel kitchen. The method works for any refrigerator and needs only a few things you already have.
Why a regular fridge clean matters
Refrigerators trap spills, condensation and food residue in places you rarely look, like the underside of shelves and the rubber door gasket. Left alone, this becomes a home for mould and bacteria that can transfer onto fresh food and create that stale, sour smell every time you open the door.
In Greece's warm climate, and especially in short-term rentals and hospitality kitchens where the fridge is used hard and handed between people, a clean appliance is also part of basic hygiene and guest trust. A quick wipe is not enough; a proper clean every four to six weeks keeps things safe and pleasant.
What you'll need
You don't need special products. A bowl of warm water with a little dish soap handles most of the job. For a natural sanitiser, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water works well, or use a food-safe spray. Have two microfibre cloths, an old toothbrush for tight grooves, and a cooler bag or box ready for the food you remove.
Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals inside a fridge, as residues can taint food. Stick to mild soap, vinegar or a cleaner clearly labelled safe for food-contact surfaces.
The step-by-step method
- 1
Empty the fridge and triage the food
Switch the fridge off or set it to a low setting, then take everything out. Move chilled and frozen items into a cooler bag so they stay safe. As you go, check dates and bin anything expired, mouldy or unidentifiable. An empty fridge is far easier to clean and lets you see every surface.
- 2
Remove shelves and drawers
Take out all the removable shelves, glass plates and crisper drawers. Let glass shelves come up to room temperature for a few minutes before washing so they don't crack from the temperature shock. Wash them in the sink with warm soapy water, rinse and set them aside to air-dry on a towel.
- 3
Wipe down the interior
Spray or wipe all interior walls, the ceiling and the door with your soapy water or vinegar solution. Work top to bottom so drips fall onto areas you haven't cleaned yet. Use the toothbrush for corners, hinges and the grooves around fittings where grime collects. For dried-on spills, lay a warm damp cloth over them for a minute to soften before wiping.
- 4
Clean the door seals and exterior
The rubber gasket around the door is a hotspot for mould and crumbs. Run a damp cloth or toothbrush along every fold of the seal. Then wipe the handles, the top of the unit and the front panel, since these collect the most fingerprints and touch points, which matters most in shared and guest kitchens.
- 5
Dry, reassemble and restock
Dry the interior and all the shelves with a clean cloth so no moisture is trapped, which prevents new mould and frost. Slide the shelves and drawers back in, turn the fridge back to its normal temperature, and return the food, wiping any sticky jars before they go back. Group items so you can see them, which keeps the fridge cleaner for longer.
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FAQ
- How often should I clean my fridge?
- Do a quick wipe of spills as they happen, and a full deep clean every four to six weeks. In holiday rentals and hotel kitchens, clean and sanitise between guests or shifts, since the appliance is used heavily and shared.
- What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?
- Warm water with a little dish soap handles most jobs safely. For sanitising and odour, a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix works well. Avoid bleach and strong chemicals inside, as residues can transfer to food.
- How do I stop my fridge from smelling?
- Remove old or spoiled food, wipe up spills quickly, and dry the interior fully after cleaning. An open box of baking soda or a small dish of coffee grounds on a shelf absorbs lingering odours between cleans.