• About/New Reader
    • Meet Alexis
    • Disclosures/Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Cookies
    • Drinks
    • Sweet Treats
    • Snacks
    • Baking Tips
  • Garden
    • Hibiscus
    • geranium
    • Rose
    • Patio/Container
    • Flower Tips
    • Backyard Inspiration
    • Fall Tips
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • DIY Skin Care
  • DIY Cleaner
  • Explore More Topics
    • DIY
      • Home/Office
    • Chemist Solutions
    • Life/Personal
    • Pregnancy
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Books
    • health/fitness
    • Weekly Snapshots
    • Seasonal
      • Autumn
      • christmas
      • Halloween
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • New Year’s Eve
↑
  • Meet Alexis
  • Press
  • Contact
  • The E-Book
  • Testimonials
  • Amazon Shop
  • Disclosures/Privacy Policy

Chemistry Cachet

Chemistry Secrets for Healthy Living, Beauty, Gardening & Cleaning

  • About/New Reader
    • Meet Alexis
    • Why We Are Called Chemistry Cachet
    • Disclosures/Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Cookies
    • Drinks
    • Sweet Treats
    • Snacks
    • Baking Tips
  • Garden
    • Garden
    • Insects
    • Lawn
    • Hibiscus
    • geranium
    • Rose
    • Patio/Container
    • Flower Tips
    • Backyard Inspiration
    • Fall Tips
  • Health
  • DIY Skin Care
  • DIY Cleaner
  • Explore More Topics
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • DIY
      • Home/Office
    • Chemist Solutions
    • Life/Personal
    • Pregnancy
    • Chocolate
    • Coffee
    • Books
    • Weekly Snapshots
    • Seasonal
      • Autumn
      • christmas
      • Halloween
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • New Year’s Eve

Easy DIY Refrigerator Cleaner

7.17.23

Share this...
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on email
Email

This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website.

doy refrigerator ingredients

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.

Baking soda 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 cleanliness. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

You can choose to disinfect your refrigerator as needed or once per month.

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. 

Chemistry Cachet's DIY fridge cleaner  

 


signature

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk

Alexis
Alexis
Share this...
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on email
Email

Share this:

  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Cleaner Tagged With: disinfect refrigerator, diy refrigerator cleaner, good storage, homemade refrigerator cleaner

Previous article:
« Review of Health & Beauty Products Part II
Next article:
Washing Machine Hacks To Keep It Clean, Mold-Free, and Running Like New »

Comments

  1. Aussie Jo says

    July 17, 2023 at 4:34 pm

    Thank you so much for this if only I was able to clean my fridge with ease but your tips should make it easier.

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      July 18, 2023 at 4:27 am

      This cleaner definitely makes it easier to clean! And everything smells so good after using it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Mary says

    October 10, 2023 at 9:29 pm

    I buy a cleaning vinegar called Zep you can find it in home depot for 10 bucks a gallon and it smells fantastic! No vinegar smell, just a clean floral scent and works great

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      October 11, 2023 at 4:30 am

      Hi Mary! I have used Zep before! It does have a nice smell. It combines vinegar with glycol ether and different surfactants to make the cleaner.

      Reply
  3. Tina says

    October 11, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    When I clean the refrigerator, I always wipe the jars and containers before putting them away. Just a thought. Have a great day and many thanks for the cleaner recipe.😊

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      October 11, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      Yes! I always do that too. So many condiments and jars get sticky and gross 🙂

      Reply
  4. Brianna says

    May 27, 2024 at 1:01 pm

    Can this be used to clean anything or just the refrigerator?

    Reply
    • Alexis says

      May 28, 2024 at 5:02 am

      Since this contains citric acid, it won’t be all-purpose. I wouldn’t use this on natural stone like marble or granite. But it can be used on many other things. If you are looking for an all-purpose type of cleaner, I would go with our rubbing-alcohol based cleaners like this spray or the one from the eBook.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome, I'm Alexis!

Chemist, rheumatoid arthritis warrior, wife, mom sharing chemistry secrets for cleaning, skincare, gardening, health, and more!

Monthly Newsletter

Exclusive articles and tips straight to your inbox each month!

Follow

Disclosures

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Chemistry Cachet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Please read more here.

Recent Posts

  • DIY Cleaning Solutions for Your Engraved Jewelry
  • Non-Greasy, Water Resistant Mineral SPF 50 For Your Body
  • Essential Tips To Prepare Your Garden for Spring

Monthly Newsletter

Exclusive recipes and tips straight to your inbox each month!

Stay In Touch

Categories

Archives

Copyright ©2025, Chemistry Cachet. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
 

Loading Comments...