Every home in Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, and across the GTA has one appliance that never takes a break, never switches off, and never complains: the refrigerator.
It hums along day and night, keeping groceries fresh, chilling drinks, preserving leftovers, and storing all those little items that make meal prep possible. And yet, despite how vital it is, the fridge is often the most neglected item in the kitchen.
Many households only clean it once or twice a year, usually when a strong odor finally escapes or when spoiled food forces them to act.
The Hidden Risks of Neglect
Cold temperatures slow bacteria, but they do not kill them, and once raw meat juices leak onto a shelf, or leafy greens start to rot, dangerous bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella can multiply even in chilly conditions.
Odors seep into plastic bins and rubber seals, making them difficult to remove later.
Dust that accumulates on condenser coils forces the motor to strain harder, raising Toronto Hydro bills by as much as 15%.
More Than Just Hygiene
Keeping the fridge clean is not only about hygiene; it is also about the quality of daily life. A clean refrigerator makes it easier to find what you need quickly, saves you from buying duplicates of things you already own, and reduces the stress of mealtime preparation. A fridge that smells fresh, looks organized, and runs efficiently brings peace of mind every single day.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know: a step-by-step refrigerator cleaning routine, seasonal maintenance tips tailored to Toronto’s climate, eco-friendly cleaning methods that are safe and effective, food safety and storage guidelines, myths and mistakes to avoid, and clear advice on when DIY cleaning is enough and when to call NOW IT’S CLEAN, the GTA’s trusted professional cleaning service.
7 Step-by-Step Process on how to clean a refrigerator
Cleaning your fridge may seem overwhelming, but breaking it into clear steps makes the process straightforward and manageable. A structured cleaning routine turns a daunting task into a smooth process and restores your fridge to a fresh, safe condition.
Step 1: Preparation Is Key
First things first: safety. Unplug your fridge or switch off the breaker. This not only saves energy while the doors are open but also makes it safer for you. Next, move your food into a cooler with ice packs so it stays fresh. Then, remove all drawers, shelves, and bins so you have a clear space to work with.
Pro tip: Take a quick “before” picture, it’ll help you remember your usual setup when it’s time to put everything back.
Step 2: Wash Shelves and Drawers
Glass shelves can suddenly crack if exposed to hot water or cold, so let them warm to room temperature first. Wash everything in warm, soapy water.
For stubborn sticky spills (hello, jam jars!), scrub with a paste made from baking soda and water. Rinse and dry each piece completely; otherwise, if moisture is left behind, it can cause mold.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Inside
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz a microfiber cloth, and give the walls, corners, and seams a good wipe. If you hit any hardened gunk, press a warm, damp cloth against it for a minute. It’ll soften right up and wipe away easily. Avoid spraying directly inside the fridge; it’s better to spray the cloth so excess liquid doesn’t pool in corners.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Door Seals
The rubber gaskets on your fridge doors are magnets for crumbs and mold. Grab an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub out any grime. Dry the seals really well afterward, as moisture trapped here can lead to mold in no time.
Step 5: Tackle the Coils and Drip Pan
Pull the fridge a little away from the wall. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to clean the coils; this can improve your fridge’s efficiency and shave a little off your energy bill. If your fridge has a drip pan, take it out and give it a rinse with vinegar to sanitize.
Step 6: Organize Food Like a Pro
Before putting food back, take a moment to wipe each container or bottle that has sticky bottoms on clean shelves. Toss anything past its expiry date. When reorganizing, keep food safety in mind: raw meat belongs on the bottom shelf (so juices don’t drip on other food), dairy in the middle where temperatures are stable, and condiments in the door.
Leftovers? Label with the date so you actually remember to eat them.
Step 7: Freshen and Reset
To keep odors away, place an open box of baking soda or a small container of activated charcoal inside. Reset the temperatures to food-safe levels: 2–4°C for the fridge and –18°C for the freezer.
That’s it, you’re done! Step back and admire your fresh, organized fridge.
Seasonal Refrigerator Cleaning in Toronto
Toronto’s four seasons bring unique challenges for fridge care.
1. Spring: Reset After Winter
Clear out heavy winter foods, soups, and sauces. Sanitize drawers before restocking with fresh produce. Vacuum coils that often collect dust during furnace season. Rotate condiments many expire after the holiday season.
2. Summer: Handle Humidity and Spills
Toronto’s hot summers bring high humidity. Moisture collects in corners and gaskets, so wipe them weekly. Dry grocery bags to avoid mold. Clean spills quickly, especially from meat juices and marinades during barbecue season.
3. Fall: Prepare for Holidays and School
Declutter condiments and organize for baking season. Create snack bins for easy school lunches. Clean before Thanksgiving and Christmas to make room for larger dishes, turkeys, and desserts.
4. Winter: Manage Salt and Outages
Salt and slush from grocery bags can damage seals. Wipe immediately. Label and rotate holiday leftovers. During winter storms, power outages risk spoilage discard unsafe food and sanitize before restocking.
Conclusion
Your fridge is more than an appliance it is the center of your kitchen and your family’s health. Regular cleaning protects food, prevents odors, saves money, and reduces stress.
For stubborn problems or stress-free resets, trust NOW IT’S CLEAN. Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, and the GTA, their eco-friendly team ensures your fridge stays fresh, clean, and safe.
Visit nowitsclean.ca to request your free, no-obligation quote today.
FAQs
- How often should I deep clean my fridge?
Most experts, including Toronto Public Health, recommend a deep cleaning every three months, with monthly spot cleans for spills and odors. In smaller Toronto condos where space is tight and fridges fill quickly, cleaning may need to happen even more frequently to prevent clutter and contamination. - What is the fastest way to remove fridge odors?
The quickest method is to place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal inside overnight. Both absorb unpleasant smells. However, if odors remain after repeated attempts, it usually means bacteria or mold are hiding in door gaskets or the drip pan, in which case professional cleaning is best. - Can I use bleach inside my fridge?
Bleach is not recommended for refrigerators. While it disinfects, it leaves behind chemical residues that can seep into food and damage seals. Vinegar and baking soda are safer, food-friendly, and just as effective for everyday cleaning. - Do professionals also clean freezers?
Yes. NOW IT’S CLEAN offers full fridge and freezer cleaning. They handle everything, from sanitizing shelves to removing stubborn freezer odors, making it an ideal service for families preparing for holidays or recovering after power outages. - How much does professional fridge cleaning cost in Toronto?
Most services cost between $80 and $120, depending on fridge size and condition. Considering the time saved, the prevention of foodborne illness, and the reduced food waste, it is a worthwhile investment for busy households. - Is professional cleaning worth it for condos?
Absolutely. Smaller fridges fill up faster, spills accumulate quickly, and condo boards often enforce strict eco-friendly rules. Professional cleaning services like NOW IT’S CLEAN follow these rules and ensure no detail is missed. - How long does a professional fridge cleaning take?
Most appointments take less than an hour, while DIY deep cleans can take two to three hours and still miss hidden areas. Professionals have tools and techniques that make the process quicker and more effective. - Are eco-friendly cleaners strong enough to disinfect?
Yes. Vinegar and baking soda may be gentle, but studies show they kill common bacteria and eliminate odors. They are safe for food-contact surfaces, unlike harsh chemical sprays. - What should I do after a winter power outage in Toronto?
If power is out for more than four hours, discard perishables like meat, dairy, and cooked food. Before restocking, wipe shelves with a vinegar and baking soda solution to remove bacteria and odors caused by spoiled food.