If your refrigerator is starting to look like something from a crime scene—with its greasy coating, fingerprints, and smudges of unknown origin—you’re not alone. Cooking grease, steam, and everyday use slowly but surely take their toll. And then there’s the internal chaos: sauce drips on the drawers, unidentified stains along the seal, and the last bit of tomato pretending to be still alive. The refrigerator, that heart of the home kitchen, deserves more. Much more. It’s time to get your fridge cleaned with vinegar!
Why clean? refrigerator with vinegar? Fortunately, there is a solution that is simple, natural and, above all, effective. Alcohol vinegar, that humble hero of the pantry. When you add a little baking soda and warm water, you get a natural cleaning bomb that easily tackles the most stubborn grease – without tears, without gloves, and without the feeling that you just exhaled half a chemistry lab. It's time to bring your fridge back to life. Professionally. And with style.
1. Exterior of the refrigerator – spotless shine
The outside of your refrigerator is the front line. If it’s near the stove, it’s often the target of grease drips and steam – especially if you like to cook in a “a little explosion never hurts” style. So it’s a good idea to start from the outside in.
What you need:
- White spirit vinegar (5 %)
- Water
- A drop of dish detergent
- Microfiber cloth
- Sprayer
- (optional) Olive oil for a final shine on stainless steel surfaces
Process:
Mix the solution: Mix 1:1 white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a drop of detergent for extra power.
Spray and wait: Apply the solution to the greasiest areas and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. The grease should feel scared.
Wipe properly: Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain (for stainless steel refrigerators!). This prevents streaks and creates an even shine.
Final touch: For a shine like in the catalog, pour a little olive oil on a cloth and polish the surfaces with it.
Disinfection of handles: Clean your doorknobs with a surface-safe disinfectant – they often harbor more bacteria than your computer keyboard.
2. Interior of the refrigerator – thorough but gentle cleaning
The inside of your fridge is a more intimate story. It’s where everything hides: from forgotten pesto from September to juices dripping from pickles (yes, that happens too). When cleaning, you need to be thorough but careful – you don’t want to damage the surfaces or let aggressive odors soak into your food.
What you need:
- White spirit vinegar
- bicarbonate of soda
- Hot water
- Dish detergent
- Sponge, microfiber cloth
- Bowl or bucket
Process:
Empty the refrigerator: Take your time. Remove all food and go through your yogurt hands – this can also be a therapeutic mini detox.
Make a cleaning paste: Mix white vinegar and baking soda (about 1:1) in a bowl to make a thick paste. Apply to stains and stubborn dirt. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.
Wipe away stains: Use a damp sponge to remove the paste and any dirt. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that won't damage the plastic, but still effectively removes dirt.
Foam cleaning: Mix warm water with a little detergent in a bowl and use a sponge to clean the shelves, drawers, and walls of the refrigerator. This will neutralize the vinegar smell and add a feeling of freshness.
Dry until dry: Use another microfiber cloth to wipe all parts dry. Don't forget the edges, seals, and joints - that's where the most micro-world hides.
PRO tips for a flawless refrigerator all year round
If you want to keep your fridge from turning into an archaeological site, prevention is your best ally. Once a week, take a minute or two to quickly wipe down the handles and check the shelves – it’s a small ritual that can save you a serious cleaning spree later. For freshness without artificial fragrances, there’s a simple trick: a small cup of baking soda placed in the corner of the fridge will quietly and effectively absorb unpleasant odors.
And last but perhaps most important: check your food regularly. If you're not sure what it is—or how long it's been there—you already know the answer. As the old refrigerator saying goes, doubt is often a clear sign of good-bye.
Cleaning your fridge isn't exactly a Saturday highlight, but with some vinegar, baking soda, and the right amount of determination, it can become almost... satisfying. Your fridge will smell fresh, shine like a professional kitchen, and, most importantly, become a place where food actually shines, not disappears into a haze of grease.