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 fragrances.

1. Prepare for 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 the shelves and drawers

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

- Anything 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.

- Glass shelves can be cleaned with window cleaner. Västerbottenssåpa's window cleaner contains neither colorants nor fragrance. 

3. Clean the inside

- Use a mild cleaning solution, such as unscented soap spray: Mix a solution according to the instructions. One kitchen soap refill is mixed with 0.5 l of water, resulting in a ready-to-use solution with a pH of approximately 9, which is perfect for cleaning. 

- Wipe down: 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 cleaner 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 manner. Store older food at the front so it gets 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 organised refrigerator!

Regularly cleaning the refrigerator reduces the risk of bacteria, bad odours, and food waste. Our unscented 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 odours are usually caused by food remnants or spills that have started to mould. Start by emptying the refrigerator and cleaning it thoroughly with an unscented cleaning product. Always avoid fragrances in the refrigerator—they may negatively affect the food.

 

2. How do you clean the refrigerator drawers?

The refrigerator drawers can usually be removed easily and cleaned by hand. Wash them in warm water with a mild, unscented 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 microfibre cloth to wipe it clean and remove fingerprints and dirt.

 

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

Always use unscented cleaning products in the refrigerator. Our kitchen cleaning kit is a natural alternative that is gentle on both surfaces and food. Avoid products with fragrances, colourants, or harsh chemicals—especially in environments where you store food.

Order natural cleaning products here: Soapa