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I wanted to share with your my favorite easy DIY refrigerator cleaner today.

Most of our readers love the “vinegar everything cleaner” from page 13 in the eBook for appliances including refrigerators. 

It is one of my favorites too, and I always keep a bottle on hand for basic cleaning. The vinegar cleaner from our eBook is perfect for all types of appliances.

However, I have had several requests (from my husband LOL) to make an acidic cleaner without vinegar. He hates the smell of vinegar so much. Even the diluted vinegar cleaner he just can’t stand.

Many readers have requested a cleaner that works like vinegar with no vinegar smell.

This is for you!

Easy DIY Refrigerator Cleaner

Even if you love vinegar like me, you are going to enjoy this homemade refrigerator cleaner because it works so well. 

Over the past two years, I have been experimenting with citric acid to bring you really fantastic homemade cleaners in a new way. Our first one to share was the DIY toilet bowl cleaner which went viral because it is so good!

This is my next one to share.

Ingredients Needed For DIY Refrigerator Cleaner:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tbsp citric acid
• 1 tbsp concentrated dish soap
• 20 drops citrus burst oil**
• Spray bottle (I use these)
• Mushroom Funnel 

Directions:

1. In your glass spray bottle (glass is best for essential oil storage), add in warm water (just out of the faucet), citric acid, dish soap, and essential oil.
2. Swirl the bottle around to mix it up.
3. Give the bottle a gentle shake before spraying each time.
4. Spray the inside and outside of the refrigerator and wipe off. This works great around water dispensers too. See picture below.

** Feel free to use purify oil, orange oil, or lemon oil. Read the science breakdown below for more details.

Use a Baking Soda Paste For Stuck on Stains

If you have anything sticky or stubborn, try a baking soda paste.

This versatile ingredient not only deodorizes but also helps lift and remove stains. To use baking soda as a cleaning agent, create a paste by mixing it with water and apply it to any stained or smelly areas within your refrigerator. Leave the paste for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth or sponge. The result is a fresh and clean fridge, free from unpleasant odors.

Breakdown of Each Ingredient For This Homemade Fridge Cleaner

Readers always love the breakdown for each ingredient in our homemade cleaners. Each ingredient is very purposeful, so be sure to check this section out.

Water

Water is important in homemade cleaners for a reason.

It helps all these ingredients to combine well, but also makes sure there isn’t too many soap suds. Water is a natural surfactant, so it makes a good ingredient in DIY cleaning products. Read more about how water works in cleaners in our Fall all-purpose cleaner post.

Citric Acid

If you want a powerful acidic cleaning agent for your home, keep citric acid on hand. It has similar properties to vinegar, and it is really fantastic for hard water stains! Like baking soda, it is also powerful for odor absorption. Citric acid also combats bacteria, mold, and mildew by lowering the pH levels and allowing cell penetration.

Concentrated Dish Soap

Concentrated dish soap is a another common aspect in homemade cleaners. It is a good surfactant and cleaner. As you know, we use Dawn dish soap in most of our DIY recipes. I have personally used Castile soap for this, and it did not do as good of a job at scrubbing stains. You are welcome to use Castile soap or a more “natural” variety of a liquid soap, but results will not be the same. Using Dawn leaves no residue or suds after wiping. 

Citrus Burst Essential Oil

This is my favorite oil for fridge cleaning because it smells so strong and fresh. Feel free to use purify oil, orange oil, or lemon oil. The essential oil in this recipe is for scent and odor removal, so I recommend using one of these mentioned for best results.

How To Disinfect The Refrigerator 

I always remind readers that cleaning and disinfecting are alway two separate steps. Even if you are using store-bought products, these are done in different steps. Head to this blog post to learn more about cleaning vs disinfecting.

First, always clean the surface to remove any residue or grime. You can use this easy DIY refrigerator cleaner to clean all the surfaces in your refrigerator safely.

Next, use a disinfectant. I recommend our DIY Lysol spray which utilizes peroxide or use Force of Nature for a great store-bought option. Spray the disinfectant on the surface and let it sit for 10 minutes. You can shut the door to your refrigerator during this time. After the 10 minutes are done, simply wipe off any remaining dampness.

Optimize Organization for Easy Maintenance

A clean and organized refrigerator not only ensures the freshness of your food but also makes it easier to maintain and navigate. By optimizing the organization of your refrigerator, you can create a system that promotes easy maintenance and prevents messes from accumulating. 

Designate Specific Areas

Start by designating specific areas for different types of food, such as shelves for dairy products, meats, and vegetables. This not only keeps similar items together but also minimizes the chances of cross-contamination. Utilize clear storage containers, bins, and labels to further enhance organization and make it easier to find what you need.

Consider implementing a “first in, first out” rule, where you place newly purchased items at the back and move older items to the front. This ensures that food doesn’t get forgotten and spoiled in the depths of your refrigerator. Additionally, regularly checking expiration dates and disposing of expired items will help maintain a cleaner and healthier fridge.

Stackable Containers For Storage

Invest in stackable containers or organizers that maximize vertical space. This allows you to utilize every inch of your fridge efficiently and prevents items from being hidden or forgotten. By keeping similar items together and having a designated spot for each category, you can easily locate ingredients and avoid the hassle of rummaging through a jumble of containers. I also love these glass storage containers for leftover food.

Another useful storage solution to consider is the addition of refrigerator organizers. These handy accessories come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to store items like cans, bottles, and eggs in a neat and organized manner. With designated slots and compartments for specific items, refrigerator organizers help prevent items from rolling around, spilling, or getting lost in the back of the fridge.

Consider the layout of your refrigerator and how frequently you access certain items. Place frequently used items at eye level or within easy reach to save time and effort. This can include items like beverages, condiments, or snacks that you reach for regularly. By optimizing the placement of these items, you can quickly grab what you need without having to dig through a cluttered fridge.

Creating an organizational system tailored to your needs and habits will not only make it easier to find and maintain a clean refrigerator but also set you up for success when it comes to regular cleaning. With an organized fridge, you’ll be able to quickly spot any spills or messes that need attention and implement a cleaning schedule that ensures your refrigerator stays fresh and hygienic.

Implement a Regular Cleaning Schedule For Your Refrigerator

Implementing a regular cleaning schedule is a crucial step in maintaining a clean and organized refrigerator. While creating an organizational system tailored to your needs and habits will make it easier to find and maintain a clean fridge, it’s important to establish a routine for cleaning as well. By setting up a regular cleaning schedule, you can ensure that your refrigerator stays fresh and hygienic, avoiding any buildup of grime or unpleasant odors.

When it comes to establishing a cleaning schedule, it’s helpful to consider your lifestyle and the specific needs of your household. Some people may find it effective to clean their refrigerator on a weekly basis, while others may prefer a bi-weekly or monthly schedule. The frequency of cleaning will depend on factors such as the size of your family, the types of food you store in your fridge, and how often you use it.

Choose a Specific Time To Clean

To simplify the process, choose a specific day or time to dedicate to refrigerator cleaning. This could be a weekend morning or a weekday evening when you have some free time. By consistently adhering to this schedule, you’ll develop a routine that becomes second nature, making it easier to maintain a clean and organized fridge.

During your designated cleaning time, start by removing all the items from your refrigerator. After emptying out the contents of your fridge, use this easy homemade refrigerator cleaner to clean all parts of the fridge.

Finally, before placing the food back into your refrigerator, ensure that all the cleaned surfaces are completely dry. Excess moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria or mold, so it’s important to allow the fridge to air dry or use a clean towel to dry any remaining dampness. Once everything is clean and dry, you can confidently put the food back in its designated spots, knowing that your refrigerator is fresh and ready for use.

I recommend disinfecting it once per month or just as needed if food spills or there is bad odors lingering around.

By implementing a regular cleaning schedule, you’ll not only maintain a clean and hygienic refrigerator but also establish a routine that helps you stay organized. With your fridge in tip-top shape, it will be easier to find and access food quickly, saving you time and effort in the long run.

In Conclusion on Making DIY Refrigerator Cleaner:

In conclusion, regular cleaning with our DIY Cleaner, disinfecting properly, and investing in smart storage solutions will maintain a clean and organized refrigerator. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll not only have a sparkling clean fridge but also a well-organized space that makes meal prep and grocery shopping a breeze. 

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