How Often Should You Clean Out Your Fridge? (And Why It Matters)
The fridge is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but it’s often one of the most overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. Between spilled sauces, forgotten leftovers, and expired condiments hiding in the back, your refrigerator can become a breeding ground for bacteria, odors, and food waste if not cleaned out regularly.
Whether you're a meal-prepper, takeout loyalist, or somewhere in between, here’s why cleaning your fridge should be a non-negotiable part of your home care routine.
1. Food Safety Starts with a Clean Environment
Your refrigerator is designed to keep food fresh, but if the interior is cluttered with spills, spoiled items, or sticky shelves, it can’t do its job effectively. Mold, bacteria, and cross-contamination can all happen inside a dirty fridge—leading to foul smells or, worse, potential health risks.
Cleaning your fridge regularly helps eliminate harmful bacteria and keeps your food storage area truly sanitary.
2. Reduce Waste & Save Money
Ever found a forgotten container of takeout in the back corner? Or realized you bought something you already had—hidden behind a ketchup bottle? A clean fridge makes it easier to see what you have, which means less food waste, fewer accidental double purchases, and smarter grocery planning overall.
It’s a simple task that can help your wallet and the planet.
3. It Helps Your Fridge Run More Efficiently
When your refrigerator is overstuffed or dirty, it has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. That can reduce its efficiency and even shorten its lifespan. Regular clean-outs—especially removing buildup from vents and wiping door seals—help your appliance run smoothly and use less energy.
So… How Often Should You Do It?
Here’s a general guideline:
Quick wipe-down: Once a week (when you’re taking out the trash or doing a grocery run)
Deeper clean (remove items, wipe shelves, toss expired foods): Every 1–2 months
Full clean (shelves out, drawers scrubbed, everything sanitized): Every 3–4 months—or after any major spill or power outage
What to Use for a Safe, Effective Clean
We recommend using eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaners like a vinegar + water mix or a gentle degreaser like Sal Suds. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can leave behind residue and interact with your food.
Don’t forget: warm, soapy water and microfiber cloths go a long way—and always dry shelves and drawers thoroughly before putting items back in.
Tight on Time?
We get it—life is full, and cleaning out the fridge may not be top of your list. That’s why we offer fridge deep cleaning as an add-on to any Consistently Clean booking.
Whether you're prepping for guests, doing a seasonal reset, or just want that fresh, organized feel again—let us handle the mess.
Book your next clean and ask us to refresh your fridge while we’re there. You’ll love how it looks (and smells).
