How to Clean Out Your Fridge With 6 Simple Steps

Inside: Ready to clean out your fridge and finally find that mystery container in the back? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to decluttering your refrigerator and keeping it fresh.

Let’s be honest—cleaning out the fridge is one of those tasks we all put off. It’s easy to ignore until you can’t find space for the groceries or you discover something that most definitely expired months ago. But the good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to clean out your fridge in a simple, doable way—because we’re all about keeping things intentional and low-stress around here. This chore doesn’t have to take a long time or be overthought. It actually can be one of the simplest decluttering projects around the house — and very satisfying once it’s complete!

Why You Should Clean Out Your Fridge Regularly

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Keeping your fridge clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it can save you money, time and frustration. Below are several key benefits to having a clean fridge.

• Prevents food waste (goodbye forgotten leftovers!)
• Helps you see what you actually have (allowing you to save money and not buy duplicates)
• Keeps odors under control
• Makes grocery shopping easier
• Just feels good. Like a fresh start in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Out Your Fridge

Below are six straightforward steps on how to clean out your fridge in an efficient and effective way. This makes such a difference in your kitchen’s aesthetics and functionality, you will be so happy with yourself when you are done!

1. Pick the Right Time

Choose a day before your regular grocery trip—this way your fridge is naturally a bit emptier. Set a timer for 30–45 minutes so the task doesn’t take over your whole day.

2. Empty It Out

Take everything out. Yes, everything. Use a cooler or insulated bag if anything needs to stay cold for a bit. Group items by type (dairy, condiments, produce) as you remove them to make it easier when you put things back.

3. Toss the Bad Stuff

Check expiration dates. Look for anything wilted, moldy, or questionable. If it’s been there longer than you remember, it’s probably time to let it go.

Also consider tossing items you know your family won’t eat (even if it’s still in edible condition) or has lost it’s need in your home. For example, special diet items, leftovers no one wants, condiments or a salad dressing you never liked. Don’t hold onto food just because it is food. If you feel guilty for tossing usable food items, consider asking a close-by friend or neighbor if it’s something they’d want.

4. Wipe it Down

Use warm, soapy water or a vinegar-water mix to wipe down all surfaces—shelves, drawers, and door compartments. If your shelves are removable, take them out for a deeper clean. You can really use any sort of non-toxic spray cleaner in this case. You simply need a cleaning solution that doesn’t have a strong smell or has any toxins (here is one non-scented, non-toxic option).

5. Group + Return

Before putting things back, group them by category. This helps you see what you have and prevents overbuying. If your fridge has drawers for different types of produce or meats, or various sized shelves, use those for what they are intended.

Ways to Group Fridge Contents

• Leftovers front and center
• Condiments grouped together
• Snacks in easy-to-reach bins for kids
• Deli meats and cheeses and other “flat” items stored in sliding doors
• Use sturdy side shelves for drink cartons

6. Add a Fresh Touch

There is nothing worse than a foul odor inside your fridge. A small bowl of baking soda or a slice of lemon can help keep your fridge smelling fresh. Change out these items every so often to keep things fresh (baking soda usually has a noted expiration date for when it loses effectiveness).

Bonus points: Wipe down the exterior of fridge too! Use a damp cloth or a stainless steel surface cleaner to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Keep It Simple Going Forward

Once your fridge is clean, a little maintenance goes a long way. It will get dirty again (quickly) and life happens so messes and stickiness will too, but you can have the fresh feeling last longer with the tips below.

tips to keep your fridge clean ongoing

• A weekly 5-minute check-in (remove expired items, wipe down sticky shelves and bottles)
• Storing leftovers in clear containers (be able to see what you have, hidden food tends to go bad because it’s easily forgotten)
• Labeling items with dates (use a sharpie on plastic packaging or a food label for noting expirations)
• Adding a quick “fridge scan” before meal planning (before heading to the store or ordering groceries take inventory to avoid duplicate or unnecessary purchases)

Final Thoughts on Cleaning Out Your Fridge

When you clean out your fridge, you’re not just decluttering a space—you’re making your everyday life smoother. You’re setting yourself up to waste less, spend less, and feel more in control in the kitchen.

So, go ahead. Set that timer, play your favorite playlist, and give your fridge the refresh it deserves.