Cleaning Experts Say Deep Cleaning the Fridge Prevents Odors and Extends Appliance Life

Deep cleaning the refrigerator is often postponed until a spill turns sticky or a smell becomes impossible to ignore. Cleaning professionals say that approach is a mistake, especially in 2026 as households prepare for parties, holiday gatherings and busy weekly meal planning. The fridge is one of the hardest-working appliances in the home, yet it is frequently left out of routine cleaning. Experts warn that dried spills, forgotten produce and old leftovers can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, leading to foul odors and contaminated food.

Gerardo Mellado, a cleaning expert and brand director at Clean Cult, says regular deep cleaning keeps food fresh longer, prevents contamination and helps the appliance run more efficiently and last longer. Derek Christian, a cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer at All Star Cleaning, adds that it prevents bacteria and mold growth, reducing odors that can make everything inside the fridge smell rotten.

Christian also points to an organizational benefit. A deep clean forces households to remove every item, inspect old food and rearrange the contents. That makes it easier to throw out expired products, group similar items and finally wash the container of month-old food that kept getting pushed to the back. In a busy kitchen, that decluttering step can be as valuable as the cleaning itself.

Before starting, cleaning experts suggest setting aside a couple of hours, depending on how dirty and crowded the fridge is. The first step is to remove everything: food items, shelves, drawers and organizers. For safety, the appliance should be unplugged. All removable components should be washed with warm water and a gentle dish soap.

For the interior, Christian recommends wiping it down with a non-toxic cleaning spray or warm water with plant-based soap. Mellado advises paying close attention to corners and door seals because those areas trap grime easily. Instead of paper towels, Christian recommends a reusable Swedish dishcloth, and for tough stains or stubborn food splatter, a scrubbing sponge. After cleaning, the interior and all washed removable parts should be dried before they are placed back inside the appliance.

One simple odor-control step is to place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Christian says it helps absorb odors and keeps everything a little fresher. Refrigerator-specific boxes of baking soda are now widely available, making the habit even easier to maintain.

Once the fridge is clean, restocking matters. Mellado's best advice is to think in zones, keeping like items such as dairy, snacks and sauces together. Christian suggests clear plastic bins to separate food and make better use of space. Clear containers keep items visible and within easy reach, and they also make spills and messes easier to spot so they can be cleaned quickly before bacteria and odors form.

To reduce food waste, Mellado recommends keeping eat-first items toward the front of the appliance. He follows a simple rule: what you cannot see, you will not eat. That means avoiding deep rows of food stacked behind each other. Mellado also recommends storing meats on the bottom shelf to prevent messy, bacteria-causing leaks.

Long-term maintenance does not require a full deep clean every week. Christian recommends a weekly gentle clean and a deeper cleaning every three months. Mellado suggests a weekly fridge audit: toss expired items, regroup similar foods and gently wipe down shelves and drawers. Spills and splatter should be cleaned up immediately rather than left to dry.

For 2026 households, the message from cleaning professionals is straightforward: a clean fridge is not just about appearances. It supports food safety, protects the appliance and makes entertaining less stressful. A few hours of deep cleaning, followed by simple weekly habits, can keep the kitchen fresher and more organized long after the party is over. 😊