Smelly fridge? You CAN speed clean it – here's how
Whip through the fridge cleaning with our tips – it’ll be sweet-smelling, bacteria- and debris-free, and hygienic in no time


And when we say ‘in no time’… well, this is a job you can get done in half an hour, which isn’t too much of a chore, is it? A fridge needs to be a clean environment so you can store food safely, and the possibility of spills, food that’s out of date, and nasty niffs that linger all make this a task you should definitely commit to doing at regular intervals.
Use our tips to get your fridge clean in double quick time, and check out our main guide to cleaning a fridge for more.
- Check out our cleaning hub page for more hacks, advice and top buys
How to speed clean a fridge
The best time to clean your fridge? When it’s not too full. Take the opportunity before you hit the supermarket for the big shop, or get a delivery. If there’s anything that will spoil, stash it in a cool bag with an ice pack. Grab the opportunity to check labels to make sure nothing’s out of date, too.
1. Take out veg and salad drawers next and any shelves that can be removed.
2. Let any glass come up to room temperature and clean in the sink using washing-up liquid. Leave to dry.
3. Clean the inside of the fridge. Our magic ingredient? A white vinegar and water solution will do it – it cleans, kills germs and nasty smells. Apply, leave to work, then wipe out. Dry using a clean tea towel or paper towels.
4. Clean the handle and door, too, using warm soapy water, but check manufacturer’s instructions to ensure this is suitable for your fridge finish.
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5. Replace dry shelves and drawers, and return food. Don’t forget to wipe any jars and packs before you put them back so they don’t mess up your newly clean fridge.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes – long enough to see fridges become smart, decorating fashions embrace both minimalism and maximalism, and interiors that blur the indoor/outdoor link become a must-have. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes.com, Sarah reviews coffee machines and vacuum cleaners, taking them through their paces at home to give us an honest, real life review and comparison of every model.