How to Clean and Maintain Your Refrigerator Properly

Your refrigerator works around the clock to keep your food fresh and safe. Like any hard-working appliance, it performs best when properly maintained. Regular cleaning not only keeps your fridge hygienic and odor-free, but it also improves efficiency and extends the life of the unit. At Alabama Appliance in Irondale, AL, we want to help you protect your investment. Here’s a complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator properly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Refrigerator?

• Weekly: Wipe down shelves after grocery shopping, discard expired items, spot-clean spills
• Monthly: Full interior cleaning, wipe door gaskets, clean drip tray
• Every 6 months: Clean condenser coils, replace water filter (if applicable), deep clean drawers and shelves
• Annually: Inspect door hinges, leveling feet, water supply line, and fan grilles

Cleaning the Interior

Begin by removing all food items and placing them in a cooler or second refrigerator while you clean. Remove all removable shelves, drawers, and bins and wash them in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry before reinserting.

For the interior walls and floor, use a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of warm water. This is effective at removing odors and light stains without scratching surfaces or leaving chemical residues that could affect food. Avoid bleach or abrasive cleaners inside the refrigerator.

For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth works well. Rinse clean and dry with a soft towel.

Cleaning the Door Gaskets

The rubber door gaskets on your French door, side-by-side, or top-mount refrigerator are critical for maintaining a proper seal. A dirty or damaged gasket allows cold air to escape and warm air in, forcing the compressor to work harder.

Clean gaskets monthly using warm water and mild dish soap. Get into the folds with a soft toothbrush to remove mold and grime that hides in the creases. After cleaning, run your finger along the gasket to feel for cracks, tears, or areas that no longer press firmly against the door frame. A simple test: close the door on a piece of paper—if the paper slides out easily, the seal is weak and the gasket may need replacing.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils—usually located behind or beneath the refrigerator—release heat from the refrigeration cycle. When they’re coated in dust, the compressor must work harder to compensate, which increases energy use and can shorten the life of the appliance.

Clean the condenser coils every 6–12 months:

1. Unplug the refrigerator
2. Pull the unit away from the wall or remove the base grille to access the coils
3. Use a coil brush (available at hardware stores) or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust
4. Plug back in and push back into position

Replacing the Water Filter

If your refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser, it has a water filter that should be replaced every 6 months or when the indicator light activates. A clogged filter reduces water flow, affects ice production, and may reduce the quality of filtered water.

Always use a filter certified for your specific model. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct filter part number and replacement instructions.

Maintaining the Freezer

For standalone freezers or manual-defrost refrigerator freezer compartments, ice buildup of more than ¼ inch significantly reduces efficiency. Defrost the freezer when ice buildup reaches this level.

Most modern frost-free refrigerators manage this automatically, but it’s still a good practice to clean the freezer interior every 6 months, removing any frost residue or spills.

When It’s Time to Upgrade

If your refrigerator is more than 10–15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or your energy bills are noticeably high, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Explore our full refrigeration lineup, check current rebates and promotions, and browse our scratch & dent inventory for upgraded models at reduced prices.

Visit us at 7956 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210, call (205) 777-5154, or email sales@alabamaappliance.com.