Sparkling Clean: How to clean your refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator is important not only for sanitary reasons, but also to help your refrigerator keep working efficiently. Refrigerator debris can affect the way the fan works for example, or clog other mechanisms, such as vents or condenser coils. This not only leads to a decrease in efficiency but can also cause your refrigerator to work harder than necessary, which could shorten its lifespan and increase your energy bills.

Aim to clean your refrigerator weekly and aim to deep clean your refrigerator every three months. This can help to keep any odours at bay and reduce the likelihood of build-up in the fridge. 

Ensure to check your cleaning fluid to make sure it’s safe to use on a fridge. The cleaning fluid will usually state on the label what kind of surfaces you’re able to use it on. Be mindful of any other specific usage instructions, such as making sure not to leave the liquid on a surface for over 5 minutes, as it could damage the surface.

Start by emptying all the contents of the fridge. This will help to prevent spillage and breakage. You could put food in insulated bags or a cooler to keep food cold or wait until shopping day so you have fewer things in the fridge.  Try to work quickly to keep your items cold while you clean.

Consider turning off the refrigerator. This will help prevent energy waste and is most safe. The refrigerator is an electric appliance, and so caution should be taken to avoid water or cleaning fluid touching any live electricity when cleaning. Therefore, we recommend turning off the refrigerator when cleaning.

Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away crumbs and any other debris. Make sure you check any handles and the door seal for those rogue crumbs.

Remove all detachable parts of the refrigerator, such as shelves and drawers. If you have food items that need to be kept cold, keep one shelf in the fridge to store these items. Allow the shelves and drawers you’ve removed from the fridge to warm up to room temperature before cleaning. If glass shelves are exposed to warm or hot water while still cold, this could cause them to break due to shock. Once these shelves are cleaned and dry, put food on those shelves, then clean the remaining shelves.

Do not wash shelves or drawers in the dishwasher.

Take out the shelves of the refrigerator if this is possible, and wash them in the sink with dish soap, warm water and a sponge.

If it’s not possible to remove the shelves from the refrigerator or if you're short on time – spray the shelves with cleaning spray on top and bottom, leave for a few moments, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Leave shelves and drawers to dry either on a towel next to the sink or within the refrigerator. 

Use a soft, clean sponge and mild cleaning detergent to wipe the inside of the refrigerator. Use the detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For a natural alternative combine each parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. However, always ensure to test a small inconspicuous area first, before spraying over the refrigerator. Do not allow the solution to sit for more than a few minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe the refrigerator and remove any remaining vinegar solution. 

Ensure all the cleaning detergent is removed from the refrigerator by wiping over with warm water and a damp cloth. If glass shelves are exposed to warm or hot water while still cold, this could cause them to break due to shock. Allow glass shelves to reach room temperature before cleaning. 

Use a dry, clean microfibre cloth to wipe the refrigerator to help it dry. 

If you have removed the shelves and drawers from the refrigerator, replace these and the food items into the refrigerator.  

It’s also important to make sure the exterior of the refrigerator is regularly cleaned. This can help prevent rust, avoid wear and remove finger marks. 

Consider using a mild detergent of your choice to apply to the exterior of the refrigerator. Ensure to check the cleaning detergent is suitable for use on the material of your refrigerator, and make sure to follow the cleaning detergent instructions, to avoid damage, marks or discolouration of the refrigerator. Many LG fridges are made with stainless steel which is easy to maintain.

Use a clean, wet cloth to remove any remaining detergent. 

Use a microfibre cloth or towel of your choice to dry the exterior of the refrigerator, and to prevent any watermarks. 

Stainless steel makes a great choice for your kitchen, due to its anti-rust and hard-wearing properties. 

Make sure to always clean stainless steel in the direction of the grain to prevent streaking. The gain could be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. 

Use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel, to help maintain its lustre and prevent damage. If you don’t have a stainless-steel specific cleaner, use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Wipe in the direction of the grain. 

Leaving stainless steel appliances to dry naturally can cause water spots. To avoid this, buff stainless steel appliances dry using a clean microfibre cloth. This can help to minimise streaks and keep your appliance looking shiny. 

For a natural alternative to cleaning spray – make a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply to any stains and allow to sit for up to five minutes.

Use a damp sponge to wipe away the stain.

Use a scrub sponge to remove any stubborn debris if it does not wipe away easily. Use warm water to soften the debris, and then use the scrub to gently dislodge the debris. Be careful not to damage the surface of the refrigerator as you do this.

Deep clean the refrigerator regularly, and remove any old food to avoid odours within the refrigerator. Baking soda can also be used to absorb any lingering odours. Place a few spoonfuls of baking soda into a cup inside the refrigerator to absorb any smells. Ensure to label the cup and place on a high shelf.

Water buildup often occurs for one of the following reasons; blockage in the drainage hole, the door has been left open too long, hot food has not been left to cool before being placed in the refrigerator, the appliance is not level.

Clean the drainage hole located at the lower part of the back wall with a damp cloth and cotton bud.

Using a soft cloth, wipe to soak up any water in the appliance.

Avoid opening the door for too long.

Ensure food is left to cool before placing in the fridge, to avoid condensation. 

The recommended place to store meat is in the bottom shelf, to avoid cross-contamination.