Improper care of household appliances can lead to premature breakdowns — and a refrigerator is no exception.
To ensure your fridge serves you well for many years, it’s important to maintain it properly.
Below is a complete guide on how to care for both modern and older refrigerators at home.

If you’re building better cleaning habits overall, you may also like our
Daily Cleaning Routine (10‑Minute System).

🧊 Care for Modern Refrigerators (No Frost)

A No Frost refrigerator should be cleaned at least once every two months — ideally once a month.
Simply remove all food and wipe the walls, shelves, and drawers.

Twice a year, even a modern No Frost refrigerator must be fully defrosted and washed with suitable detergents.
Rinse the drainage hole with warm water (an enema or syringe works well).
Then tilt the refrigerator slightly to collect water from the drain tray on the back and wipe it clean.

🧼 Care for Old or Drip Refrigerators

Older refrigerators should be washed monthly — always after defrosting.
If an unpleasant smell appears earlier, wash it immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled cleaning.

🛒 Preparing a New Refrigerator

A brand‑new refrigerator must be washed before plugging it in and loading it with food.
This removes factory dust, odors, and packaging residue.

🧽 How to Wash a Refrigerator Properly

Use warm, weak baking soda solution.
Soapy water, dishwashing liquid, or laundry soap also work well.
Some people use vodka to wipe down a new refrigerator.
Avoid letting water flow behind the door seal.
Clean the drainage hole thoroughly — it often collects dirt and causes odors.
After washing, wipe everything dry with a soft cloth and leave the door open for at least 30 minutes.

🌿 Preventing Unpleasant Odors

Store strong‑smelling foods (fish, soups, drinks) in tightly sealed containers.
Remove spoiled or questionable foods immediately.
Onions, garlic, and some vegetables are better stored outside the fridge.
Fresh tomatoes lose flavor when refrigerated — keep them at room temperature.

🧴 How to Remove Persistent Odors

Bread slices: Place small pieces on shelves for a few hours — they absorb odors.
Lemon juice or vinegar: Wipe the interior with a cloth soaked in lemon juice or vinegar.
Activated charcoal: Crush tablets and place them in a small container.
Baking soda: A glass of soda works as an excellent natural deodorizer.
Semolina or rice: Both absorb odors effectively when placed in an open jar.
Wood ash: A traditional method — place a small saucer of ash on a shelf.