The refrigerator is undoubtedly among the most important appliance in homes and businesses—but also frequently overlooked in terms of cleaning. Most residential and commercial refrigeration systems tend to get filthy and foul-smelling with spoiled food, spills, and stains. Regular wiping and scrubbing are not enough to keep your fridge fresh; the answer lies with deep-cleaning. Here’s how to do it properly.

How to Deep Clean a Refrigerator

Remove Everything

The first thing you must do is to take out everything, including the shelves and drawers. Make sure the unit is unplugged for safety concerns. Place perishables in a cooler to keep them chilled. Then, clean the removable drawers and shelves with water and baking soda or dish soap.

Wipe Down the Interiors

With a clean cloth, soak it in warm soapy water and use it to scrub surfaces from top to bottom. Alternatively, you can use baking soda instead of mild soap since food tends to absorb odors. Pay attention to the bottom and back areas where spills often collect. Wipe wet surfaces with another cloth, then repeat the scrub, rinse, and dry cycle for bins and drawers.

Clean the Exteriors

Like the inside, give the exteriors a good wipe down as well. Wipe doors with a soft, damp rag, taking care to clean the gasket seals around the door. Take out the drip pan or tray under the fridge, and wash it. Brush or vacuum the condenser coils to get rid of dirt buildup.

Organize Its Contents

Before putting things back into the fridge, take time to sort them out. Toss out anything that is expired, spoiled, or looking inedible. Organize them by type—dairy, meat, or fresh produce—before storage. Line the shelves and drawers with plastic wrap or mats for quick cleanups during spills.

Why It Matters

Deep cleaning the refrigerator at least once a month ensures that everything inside remains fresh, edible, and free from any contamination. Consuming food that may have been spoiled or contaminated poses a health risk. Moreover, a fridge that is frequently overloaded has a shorter lifespan—drawers and shelves tend to collapse with heavy weights.

What You Should Look Out For

Aside from foul odors and running out of space as reasons to clean your fridge, pay attention to frost build-up and condensation around your unit. While these are indicators of a dirty refrigerator, they also point to possible operational issues like failing motor, leaking refrigerant, or damaged seals that merit repairs or replacement. Call a commercial refrigeration professional for diagnosis.

 

Regularly deep-cleaning your refrigerator ensures that its always running at peak efficiency. For issues with your commercial refrigeration, count on the professionals at Universal Refrigeration of Auburn, WA. Since 1985, they have provided outstanding services on heating and cooling, including air conditioning, throughout the region. Visit them online or call (253) 939-5501 for commercial refrigeration servicing.