Keeping your refrigerator spotless isn’t just about aesthetics or avoiding mystery odors—it’s one of the simplest ways to keep it running at peak efficiency. A clean fridge uses less electricity, keeps food fresher longer, and can even extend the appliance’s lifespan. In fact, a clogged condenser coil alone can increase energy consumption by up to 30%. Whether you’re in Burnaby and want to avoid an unnecessary call for refrigerator repair Burnaby or you simply want to lower your power bill, this step-by-step guide will walk you through a professional-level cleaning that most people finish in under two hours.
Why Refrigerator Efficiency Matters More Than You Think
Contemporary fridges are responsible for approximately 8-12% of the total electricity consumption of a typical household. When the coils are covered in dust, the shelves are packed, and there are sticky spills, the compressor has to work harder, which is directly reflected in the increase in bills and the wear of the fridge. A good cleaning and maintenance of the device can save you energy saving of $50-$100 annually, and at the same time, the risk for costly repairs will be lowered considerably.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Gather everything before you start so the process flows smoothly:
- Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda (for odors and gentle scrubbing)
- Microfiber cloths or soft sponges
- Old toothbrush for tight crevices
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Coil cleaning brush (or a cheap $8 one from any hardware store)
- Cooler with ice packs (to keep food cold while you work)
- Bucket or large bowl
- Flashlight
- Optional: magnetic fridge gasket cleaner or a thin flexible brush
Step 1: Empty and Sort Everything
- Disconnect the fridge (or deactivate the circuit breaker if the plug is in a location that is difficult to access).
- Remove all the items from the refrigerator, no matter what (yes, even that jar of pickles from the year 2022).
- Throw away expired food and that which is questionable. Be very rigorous with yourself; you will thank yourself later.
- Divide similar products that are on the counter (condiments, dairy, produce, etc.) so that it will be easy and fast to stock again.
Secret tip: Just before you empty the shelves, take a quick photo with your phone. It is a great deal easier to put everything back in a neat way than.
Step 2: Remove Shelves, Drawers, and Bins
Nearly all modern cabinets and drawers can be detached or removed by sliding them off their rails without much effort. If something is stuck, you should refer to your manual—do not use force.
- Parts that can be removed should be washed in water with soap, either in the sink or in the bathtub.
- If there are any resistant stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, put it on the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub the area gently.
- Glass shelves: to prevent heat shock cracks, let them reach room temperature before putting them under hot water.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Interior
Clean the area from the top down once more so the drips do not contaminate the areas that have already been cleaned.
- Using two spoonfuls of soda, mix it into one litre of warm water (this mixture is completely safe for food and is a great deodoriser).
- If the worst dirt can hardly be removed, you should use a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water.
- These are, actually, the parts of a fridge, which, by the way, are most likely to be cleaned: – The grooves of the spills under the drawers – Door gasket folds (using an old toothbrush) – Egg and butter compartments that have crumbs – The back wall where condensation is dripping
- Do not forget to dry everything with a microfiber cloth so that mold does not grow.
- Step 4: Tackle the Door Gaskets (The Hidden Efficiency Killer)
The rubber seals that are located around the doors are the main reasons for the accumulation of crumbs, mold, and sticky spills. When they are dirty or cracked, cold air is still able to escape and hence your compressor keeps running nonstop.
Do not be harsh when you detach the gasket from the door and clean that area which is under the gasket with your baking soda solution and toothbrush.
Check that there are no tears or that the material is not getting weaker – small tears can be fixed temporarily with food-grade silicone, but a large tear will most likely require a new gasket from a professional.
Complete with wiping the gasket with a cloth loaded with a small amount of mineral or baby oil; this oil keeps the rubber flexible and it seals better.
Step 5: Clean the Drip Pan (Often Forgotten)
Many fridges feature a drip pan placed below or at the back that gathers condensation. If it becomes moldy, the odor is emitted every time you open the door.
- Remove the toe grille/kickplate that is located at the bottom front.
- Remove the pan (if there is a model that needs removal of a rear cardboard panel—see your manual).
- Empty, clean with hot soapy water, dry thoroughly, and put it back.
Step 6: Vacuum and Brush the Condenser Coils
This is the most crucial step by far for energy saving.
Generally, your coils are:
- Inside the wall behind the fridge (older models)
- Underneath the fridge, behind the kickplate (most newer models)
- At the very back top (some high-end units)
- Disconnect the power to the fridge and gently pull it away from the wall (be sure to have someone assist you if it’s heavy).
- Take a vacuum with a brush attachment and remove the visible dust.
- After that, insert a coil cleaning brush and work it from the bottom to the top—always up and down, never side to side, as this can bend the fins.
- Dust off again with your vacuum, including the floor beneath the fridge and the fan blades if they are there and accessible.
- Repeat this every 6–12 months (every 3 months if you have pets that shed heavily).
Step 7: Clean the Exterior and Top
- Stainless steel: Use a microfiber cloth and one of the following: a dedicated stainless cleaner, or a drop of soap mixed with warm water. When wiping, always go with the grain.
- Fingerprints on black or white finish: A solution of vinegar and water in equal parts sprayed on the surface and wiped off is the best way to make the area look new again.
- Top of fridge: You probably haven’t looked up there recently and will be surprised at how much dust is hiding. Do the vacuuming first, then dust off with a cloth.
Step 8: Reassemble and Reload Smartly
- Allow shelves and drawers to adjust to room temperature before putting them back to prevent any type of breaking.
- Put the food back in the fridge by following the “first in, first out” rule—older ones should go to the front.
- Organise zones: – Upper shelves: Ready-to-eat foods (leftovers, drinks) – Lower shelves: Raw meat (coldest area) – Door: Condiments only (warmest part of fridge) – Crisper drawers: Make sure you set the humidity sliders correctly—high for leafy greens, low for fruits
- Don’t stuff your fridge; overpacking not only stops air circulation but also causes the compressor to work more to keep the temperature.
Bonus Efficiency Hacks After Cleaning
- Cool the fridge at 37 °F (3 °C) and the freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C) – energy consumption will increase by 5% for each degree lower.
- Just use a cheap appliance thermometer to verify the temperature; quite a few built-in displays can be off by several degrees.
- Never let the fresh baking soda from an open box run out (replace it every 3 months) in the fridge.
- Put a bowl of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the fridge for a few hours every month to remove odors.
- Test the door sealing with the dollar-bill method: Close the door on a bill; if you can pull it out without any resistance, the gasket is either dirty or needs replacing.
How Often Should You Do This?
- Quick weekly wipe-down: 10 minutes
- Full interior deep clean: Every 3–6 months
- Condenser coils: Every 6 months (or quarterly with pets)
- Drip pan: Annually or when you notice odors
Signs Your Clean Fridge Still Needs Professional Help
Even the cleanest refrigerator can develop mechanical issues. Call a technician if you notice:
- Constant running or unusual noises
- Frost buildup in freezer (except manual-defrost models)
- Warm spots inside despite cleaning coils
- Water pooling inside or leaking onto floor
- Temperature consistently above 40 °F / 4 °C
In the Burnaby area, local experts can diagnose and fix these problems quickly—often the same day—preventing food spoilage and costly compressor failure.
The Bottom Line
Once or twice a year, a deep cleaning of your fridge can be done in less than two hours and it will bring you great benefits such as: saving energy, having fresher food, fewer repairs, and a longer life of the appliance. Keep it in mind as changing your car’s oil—if you don’t do it, you will have to pay later.
Start today. Pull everything out, grab that coil brush, and give your fridge the spa day it deserves. Your wallet (and your future self) will thank you.
