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How to Clean Your Refrigerator the Right Way — and When to Call a Professional

by | Jul 1, 2026

Voted Best of the Desert

Cris's Cleaning Services LLC - How to clean refrigerator right way Arizona The Valley Best of the Desert

I'm going to be honest with you. In a recent national survey, cleaning out the refrigerator was named the number one chore people are most embarrassed to admit they've been skipping. And I completely understand why — it's one of those jobs that always seems less urgent than everything else, until suddenly it really isn't.

After more than 10 years of deep cleaning homes across The Valley, I've seen the inside of a lot of refrigerators. Furthermore, I've helped hundreds of Arizona families get theirs back to a genuinely clean, safe, and fresh condition. Today I want to walk you through exactly how to do it right.

My name is Cris, and I own Cris's Cleaning Services, LLC — voted Best of the Desert by our Arizona community. Here is the step-by-step process we use, and when it's time to call us instead.

Why cleaning your refrigerator actually matters

First, this is not just about appearance. A dirty refrigerator can harbor bacteria, mold, and food odors that affect the quality and safety of everything inside it. Additionally, in Arizona's heat, food spoils faster — which means spills and buildup in your fridge become a genuine health concern much faster than in cooler climates. Therefore, regular refrigerator cleaning is not optional — it's essential.

How to deep clean your refrigerator — step by step

1
Empty everything outRemove all food, shelves, and drawers. Place perishables in a cooler with ice so nothing spoils while you work. This is the step most people skip — and it's the reason their clean never fully works.
2
Remove and soak shelves and drawersTake out all removable shelves and drawers and let them soak in warm soapy water in your sink. Let them sit while you clean the interior — this softens dried spills so they wipe away easily.
3
Wipe down the interior wallsMix one part baking soda with seven parts water for a safe, odor-neutralizing cleaner. Wipe down every wall, corner, and crevice inside the fridge. Pay extra attention to the back wall where moisture tends to collect.
4
Clean the door gasketThe rubber seal around the door is one of the most overlooked spots. Mold loves to grow here. Use a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda solution to scrub every fold of the gasket thoroughly.
5
Clean the freezer tooDon't stop at the fridge. Empty the freezer, wipe down the interior, and check for any frost buildup or forgotten spills. A clean freezer runs more efficiently — which matters a lot in Arizona's summer heat.
6
Wash and dry shelves and drawersScrub the soaked shelves and drawers, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them completely before putting them back. Putting wet shelves back into a cold fridge can cause cracking and watermarks.
7
Wipe down the exteriorClean the outside of the fridge including the top, handles, and sides. The top of the refrigerator is one of the dustiest spots in any kitchen — especially in Arizona where dust accumulates constantly.
8
Put everything back thoughtfullyBefore restocking, check every item's expiration date and throw away anything expired or questionable. Wipe down jars and containers before putting them back. This is the step that makes the biggest difference in how long it stays clean.

How often should you clean your refrigerator in Arizona?

In most climates, a thorough refrigerator clean every three to four months is sufficient. However, in Arizona's intense summer heat, I recommend cleaning it every two months at minimum. Additionally, wipe up spills immediately — because in our warm climate, bacteria multiply significantly faster than in cooler states. Therefore, don't let anything sit.

"I was so embarrassed by the state of my fridge. When Cris's team came for a deep clean they handled the refrigerator without judgment and left it looking brand new inside. I had no idea how much had built up in there."

"I was so embarrassed by the state of my fridge. When Cris's team came for a deep clean they handled the refrigerator without judgment and left it looking brand new inside. I had no idea how much had built up in there."

When it’s time to call a professional

Sometimes a refrigerator gets to a point where tackling it yourself feels genuinely overwhelming. Furthermore, if you haven't cleaned it in over six months, if there's visible mold growth, or if odors persist after cleaning, that's exactly when our deep cleaning service makes the most sense. As part of our deep clean service, we handle the refrigerator interior completely — so you don't have to.

What we include in a deep clean kitchen service

When our team comes in for a deep clean, the refrigerator interior is included alongside your oven, stovetop, microwave, cabinets, countertops, sink, and floors. Consequently, your entire kitchen gets the reset it deserves in one visit — without you spending your weekend on your knees scrubbing.

We proudly serve all of The Valley

Whether you need a one-time deep clean or a recurring service to keep your kitchen maintained, we serve the entire Phoenix metro area.

Over 10 years in business. More than 400 five-star reviews. Voted Best of the Desert. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured. That is not just a cleaning company — that is a company you can genuinely trust with your home.

📞 Ready to finally get that refrigerator — and your whole kitchen — professionally clean? Call Cris's Cleaning Services, LLC today: (602) 574-3916. Voted Best of the Desert — no judgment, just results across all of The Valley!