Think about the last time you cleaned your refrigerator. Did you move a few jars aside, wipe around them, and call it a day? You’re not alone; I used to do the same thing. But here’s the problem: cleaning your fridge this way doesn’t just miss hidden grime; it can actually make your food storage less safe.

A better approach is to clear out every shelf, remove them completely, and wash them with a mild soap or a mix of water and vinegar. Once they’re out, take a moment to check the fridge walls and corners, which are those forgotten spots where spills, crumbs, and sticky residue tend to hide, and clean those too.

Why it’s a bad idea

Don’t cut corners

It might seem harmless to wipe down your shelves while they are still in your refrigerator, but it’s actually not a good idea. For one thing, there’s a strong chance that doing so will spread nasty bacteria. When you clean those interior surfaces, the dirty water can drip downward, carrying tiny bits of food or residue from the upper shelves to the drawers below. That runoff might contain germs like Salmonella or Listeria from raw meat, turning your fridge into a prime spot for contamination instead of cleanliness.

Neither of these germs is good. Salmonella can cause an infection known as salmonellosis, which leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, and headache. In severe cases, it can cause dehydration, spread beyond the intestines, and result in life-threatening complications.

By contrast, Listeria causes a disease called listeriosis, which can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting, to serious invasive infections when the bacteria spread to the bloodstream or the nervous system. Severe symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and can be fatal, especially in newborns, pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

It’s also important to note that cleaning the shelves inside the refrigerator means missing other spots. Fridge shelves and bins have corners, grooves, and tracks that trap crumbs and sticky spills. An everyday sponge usually can’t reach those tight areas, so gunk continues to collect there over time. Eventually, that leftover moisture and debris can cause mold, lingering smells, or even damage your produce. Food is expensive, so do what you can to keep it fresh and avoid waste.

Some also like to clean the inside of their refrigerator with a commercial cleaning solution. This is also a bad idea, as the leftover solution could leak if the shelf isn’t rinsed thoroughly. In doing so, the residue could contaminate your food.

The right way to do it

Spend the time

When it’s time to clean your fridge, take the shelves and drawers out first. From there, give them a good wash in warm, soapy water, rinse them off, and let them dry before putting everything back. For the inside walls, use a simple vinegar-and-water mix or a baking soda and water solution; both are effective in eliminating odors and preventing bacterial growth. Vinegar shouldn’t be used on all surfaces, but in this case, it’s okay.

Some people wipe things down without removing the shelves if the fridge looks clean and smells fine. That can work for quick touch-ups between deep cleans, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you do.

Still, bacteria can hide in spots you don’t notice. Even a small drip from a meat package or produce bag can spread germs that quietly build up in the cold air around your food. Spending a few extra minutes on a full clean helps prevent bad smells and keeps your food fresher longer.

Other things you can do

Make the fridge clean, inside and out

Cleaning the outside of your refrigerator is just as important as cleaning the inside.

To effectively clean the exterior, use a mild soap solution and warm water, applied with a clean, soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Gently wipe down all surfaces, including the doors, handles, and door seals. After cleaning, be sure to dry the surface thoroughly with a soft cloth or microfiber towel to prevent streaks and water spots.

For stainless steel refrigerators, use a stainless steel cleaner or a cloth dampened with mild soap and water, wiping in the direction of the grain to maintain the finish and avoid scratches. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach, ammonia, vinegar-based cleaners, window sprays, or abrasive cloths and paper towels, as these can damage or dull the surface.

When cleaning refrigerator door handles, you can use a mild household detergent or appliance polish. Products like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be helpful for removing tough marks. Regularly cleaning the exterior helps maintain the appliance’s appearance, extends its lifespan, and keeps it hygienic and fresh.

If you want to be extra cautious, always unplug the refrigerator before cleaning, especially when addressing areas like vents and coils at the back or bottom of the unit.

If your refrigerator smells, try this tiny trick.

Remember the key step

Cleaning the shelves in your refrigerator while they are inside isn’t recommended. Instead, you should thoroughly clean the shelves outside. A deep clean serves two essential functions: it removes germs and odors while extending the shelf life and freshness of food. The process of removing shelves and drawers, followed by proper washing and thorough cleaning of corners, will help you control the spread of bacteria and prevent food from spoiling.

The additional effort you put into maintenance will benefit your refrigerator and your family members in the future.

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