Table of content:
Baking Soda and Water Paste
Vinegar and Water Spray
Lemon Juice and Water Solution
Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Spray
Discover effective and affordable ways to keep your refrigerator spotless with these DIY cleaning methods. This guide covers simple, natural solutions you can make at home, including a baking soda and water paste for scrubbing away tough stains, a vinegar and water spray for disinfecting surfaces, a lemon juice and water solution for freshening and deodorizing, and a hydrogen peroxide and water spray for tackling germs and bacteria. Each method is easy to prepare, safe for food storage areas, and helps maintain a clean, odor-free refrigerator without harsh chemicals.
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
President at E-Cloth
Updated July, 20
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Baking Soda and Water Paste
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to refrigerator surfaces using a sponge or cloth, gently scrubbing away stains and odors. Wipe clean with a damp cloth for a fresh, odor-free fridge.
Baking Soda and Water Paste for Cleaning Your Refrigerator
- Mix up your paste: Combine about 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir until you get a thick, spreadable paste. If it’s too runny, add a bit more baking soda; if it’s too dry, add a splash more water. You want it to stick, not drip.
- Clear out the fridge: Take out all food, shelves, and drawers. This gives you full access and keeps crumbs and spills from hiding in corners. If you’re worried about food warming up, pop it in a cooler while you work.
- Apply the paste: Use a clean cloth, sponge, or even your fingers to spread the paste on any spots with stuck-on gunk, stains, or lingering odors. Focus on door seals, shelf edges, and those mysterious sticky patches that seem to appear out of nowhere.
- Let it sit: Give the paste about 10–15 minutes to do its thing. This gives the baking soda time to help loosen up grime and neutralize odors. (Don’t expect miracles on old, set-in stains, but it’ll help with most everyday messes.)
- Scrub gently: Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to work the paste into the mess. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it can help lift off residue without scratching most fridge surfaces. Avoid using anything too rough, especially on plastic or glass.
- Wipe away the paste: Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe away all traces of the baking soda paste. Make sure you get into corners and crevices—leftover paste can dry into a powdery film.
- Dry and reassemble: Use a dry towel to wipe down all surfaces. Put shelves and drawers back in, then return your food. Take a moment to toss anything expired or questionable while you’re at it.
- Extra tip: For stubborn odors, you can leave an open box or small bowl of baking soda in the fridge after cleaning. It’ll help absorb everyday smells between deep cleans.
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Limited Deep Cleaning
Baking soda and water paste offers only limited deep cleaning for refrigerators, as it may not effectively remove tough stains, odors, or bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, leaving some grime and contaminants behind.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
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Vinegar and Water Spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto refrigerator surfaces and shelves, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This natural cleaner removes odors, cuts through grime, and leaves your fridge fresh and spotless.
How to Clean Your Refrigerator with a Vinegar and Water Spray
- Mix your solution: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Give it a good shake. This mix is a classic for breaking up grime and sticky spots, but don’t expect it to work miracles on every mess.
- Empty the fridge: Take out all food, drinks, and removable shelves or drawers. This gives you full access and keeps your groceries out of the splash zone.
- Spray generously: Spritz the inside walls, shelves, and drawers with your vinegar-water solution. Let it sit for a couple of minutes—this helps loosen up dried spills and mystery gunk.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe down all sprayed surfaces. Microfiber is great for picking up residue and doesn’t leave lint behind.
- For stubborn spots: If you find sticky or crusty areas, spray again and let the solution sit a bit longer. Use a non-abrasive sponge or an old toothbrush to gently scrub without scratching surfaces.
- Clean removable parts: Wash shelves and drawers in the sink with the same vinegar-water mix or mild dish soap. Rinse and dry thoroughly before putting them back.
- Dry everything: Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down all surfaces before restocking your fridge. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to odors.
- Don’t forget the door seals: Gently clean the rubber gaskets around the door with your spray and a soft cloth. These spots love to collect crumbs and spills.
Odor Removal Ineffective
Vinegar and water spray may not fully eliminate strong or persistent refrigerator odors, as it can mask smells temporarily but may not penetrate or neutralize deeply embedded or stubborn sources of odor.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
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Lemon Juice and Water Solution
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto refrigerator surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The natural acidity of lemon helps remove stains, neutralize odors, and leaves a fresh scent.
Lemon Juice and Water Solution for Cleaning Your Refrigerator
- Mix up your solution: Combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled will do in a pinch. The acidity in lemon juice helps loosen grime and leaves a fresh scent behind.
- Empty the fridge: Take out all food, shelves, and drawers. This gives you full access to every nook and cranny. If you’re worried about perishables, pop them in a cooler while you work.
- Spray and let it sit: Generously mist the inside surfaces of your fridge with the lemon-water solution. Let it sit for a few minutes—this gives the solution time to work on sticky spots and light stains.
- Wipe with a clean cloth: Use a microfiber or other soft cloth to wipe down all surfaces. For stubborn spots, a little extra elbow grease or a second application may be needed. Avoid using anything abrasive, as it can scratch the interior.
- Clean shelves and drawers separately: Wash removable parts in the sink with the same lemon-water mix. Rinse thoroughly and dry before putting them back.
- Don’t forget the door seals: Gently clean the rubber gaskets around the door with your solution and a soft cloth. These areas can trap crumbs and spills.
- Dry everything: Before restocking, make sure all surfaces are dry. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside your fridge.
- Enjoy the fresh scent: Lemon juice leaves behind a light, pleasant aroma that can help mask lingering food odors.
Bacterial Growth Risk
Using lemon juice and water to clean a refrigerator may not effectively kill bacteria, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, as this solution lacks the disinfecting power needed to ensure a hygienic environment.
Ready for an Easier Way to Clean?
Skip the mixing, spraying, and scrubbing. With E-Cloth, you get a streak-free shine using just water—no added chemicals, no hassle. Make every window sparkle the simple way.
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Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Spray
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto refrigerator surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This method disinfects and removes stains without harsh chemicals.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Spray for Cleaning Your Refrigerator
- Mix your solution: Combine equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a clean spray bottle. This dilution is gentle enough for most surfaces but still helps with everyday grime.
- Empty the fridge: Take out all food, shelves, and drawers. This gives you full access and prevents any accidental spray on your groceries.
- Spray generously: Mist the inside walls, shelves, and drawers with your hydrogen peroxide and water mix. Pay extra attention to sticky spots, spills, and corners where crumbs like to hide.
- Let it sit: Give the solution a few minutes to work on stubborn messes. This helps loosen dried-on gunk, making it easier to wipe away.
- Wipe with a clean cloth: Use a microfiber or other lint-free cloth to wipe down all sprayed surfaces. For tough spots, a gentle scrub with a soft sponge can help.
- Rinse if needed: If you notice any residue or if you’re sensitive to the smell, wipe again with a damp cloth (just water) to remove any leftover solution.
- Dry and reassemble: Make sure everything is dry before putting shelves, drawers, and food back in place. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside your fridge.
- Extra tip: For removable parts, you can soak them in the hydrogen peroxide and water mix in your sink for a deeper clean. Just rinse and dry thoroughly before returning them to the fridge.
Surface Residue Persistence
Hydrogen peroxide may leave a residue on refrigerator surfaces if not thoroughly wiped, potentially contaminating food and affecting taste or safety. Incomplete rinsing can also reduce cleaning effectiveness and cause persistent odors.
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