How to Clean Your Fridge: A Step-by-Step Australian Guide

A clean fridge is essential for food safety, energy efficiency, and appliance longevity. Oceania Appliances recommends a thorough fridge clean every 3 months. Here's how to do it properly.

What You'll Need

• Warm soapy water or diluted white vinegar
• Microfibre cloths or sponges
• Bicarbonate of soda (for odours)
• An old toothbrush (for seals and crevices)
• An esky or cooler bag for food storage during cleaning

Step 1: Empty and Sort Your Fridge

Remove all food and check expiry dates. Discard anything past its use-by date. Place perishables in a cooler bag with ice packs. This is a great opportunity to review your food storage habits.

Step 2: Remove and Wash Shelves and Drawers

Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and compartments. Wash them in warm soapy water. Allow to reach room temperature first if your fridge was very cold, to prevent thermal shock cracking the glass.

Step 3: Clean the Interior

Wipe down all interior surfaces with a cloth dampened in a mixture of water and white vinegar or mild dish soap. Pay special attention to spills and sticky residue. An old toothbrush is handy for getting into corners and around shelf supports.

Step 4: Clean the Door Seals

The rubber door seals (gaskets) are notorious for harbouring mould and bacteria. Use a toothbrush dipped in a vinegar solution to scrub the folds carefully. Dry thoroughly afterward.

Step 5: Deodorise with Bicarbonate of Soda

Place an open box of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf to absorb odours. Replace every 3 months.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior and Coils

Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Vacuum or brush the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge — dusty coils reduce efficiency and shorten appliance life.

Step 7: Restock Smartly

When restocking, keep raw meats on the bottom shelf, dairy in the middle, and fruits and vegetables in crisper drawers. Avoid overloading — good airflow keeps food fresher and reduces energy use.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?

A quick wipe-down weekly and a deep clean every 3 months is ideal for most Australian households.

Upgrade Your Fridge with Oceania Appliances

If your fridge is struggling to stay cold, running loudly, or costing too much to run, it may be time for an upgrade. Browse our range of certified refurbished fridges at oceaniaappliances.com.au. All models include a 3-month warranty and free delivery across Sydney.