How do you clean the refrigerator?

Cleaning the refrigerator is something many people put off—but it is both easy and important. Here you will find a practical step-by-step guide to cleaning your refrigerator naturally, without harsh chemicals or perfumes.

1. Preparations before cleaning

- Turn off the refrigerator: If possible, turn off the refrigerator to save energy while cleaning.

- Empty the refrigerator: Remove all food and drinks. Place perishable items in a cool bag or in a cool place. Dairy products, meat, chicken, etc. need to stay cold, while jam and marmalade can remain on the kitchen counter while you clean.

2. Remove shelves and drawers

- Remove all detachable parts, such as shelves, drawers, and compartments. Let them reach room temperature before cleaning them to avoid cracks. 

- Everything that comes into contact with food should be cleaned with unscented products. Scented cleaning products can leave residues that are absorbed by food, especially open packages or foods with a high fat content. Therefore, unscented cleaning is the safest choice in the refrigerator.

- You can polish glass shelves with window cleaner. Västerbottenssåpa's window cleaner contains neither colorants nor perfume. 

3. Clean the inside

- Använd en mild rengöringslösning, till exempel unscented liquid soap spray: Blanda en lösning enligt instruktion. En refill kökssåpa blandas med 0,5l vatten vilket ger en brukslösning med ett pH på ca 9, vilket är helt perfekt för rengöring. 

- Wipe: Use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of the refrigerator. Don't forget to clean the door seals and small corners.

4. Clean the shelves and drawers

- Wash thoroughly: Wash the shelves and drawers with warm water and kitchen soap. Rinse and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the refrigerator.

5. Wipe the outside

- Use soap spray: Wipe the outside of the refrigerator, including the handles and the door edge. If the refrigerator is stainless steel, use a suitable cleaning product to avoid stains. Window cleaner works well for this.

6. Sort the food

- Check freshness: Go through the food before putting it back. Throw away anything that is old or inedible. Food goes in the compost. Sort packaging into glass, metal, and plastic.

- Organize: Put the food back in an organized way. Store older food at the front so it is used first.

For example, you can store all dairy products on one shelf, meat on another shelf, and so on. Refrigerators often have dedicated drawers for vegetables.

7. Turn the refrigerator back on

- When you're done, turn the refrigerator back on and enjoy a clean and organized refrigerator!

By cleaning the refrigerator regularly, you reduce the risk of bacteria, bad odors, and food waste. Our fragrance-free cleaning products are gentle, effective, and safe to use where you store your food.

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Questions and answers

1. What should I do if the refrigerator smells bad?

If the refrigerator smells bad, spraying air freshener is not enough—it only temporarily masks the problem. Bad odors are usually caused by food residue or spills that have started to mold. Start by emptying the refrigerator and cleaning it thoroughly with a fragrance-free cleaning product. Always avoid fragrances in the refrigerator—they can negatively affect the food.

 

2. How do you clean the refrigerator drawers?

The refrigerator drawers can usually be easily removed and cleaned by hand. Wash them in warm water with a mild, fragrance-free kitchen soap. Rinse thoroughly and let them air-dry completely before putting them back.


3. What should you use to clean the outside of the refrigerator?

For the outside of the refrigerator, a soap spray or window cleaner works excellently—especially if it is stainless steel. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it clean and remove fingerprints and dirt.

 

4. Which cleaning product should you use in the refrigerator?

Always use fragrance-free cleaning products in the refrigerator. Our kitchen cleaning kit is a natural alternative that is gentle on both surfaces and food. Avoid products with fragrance, dyes, or harsh chemicals—especially in areas where you store food.

Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa