We Cleaned Out Our Refrigerator for the First Time in Years(!). Here’s How to Do It Properly
It started with a smell.
Every time we opened the refrigerator door, this horrible, putrid smell would hit me in the face and make me gasp. I threw out what I thought was the cause, only for it to still be there. For weeks we did what any busy family does: we blamed it on something temporary and moved on.
But eventually, the smell became unavoidable. The refrigerator needed to be cleaned out. PJ is usually (okay, always) the one who cleans out the refrigerator because I can’t be bothered, but he told me a few weeks back he’s done with that and if I wanted the smell gone, I had to do it myself. I hadn’t cleaned the fridge out in years, and besides that, I don’t remember the last time it was even emptied out completely and cleaned thoroughly.
So, last week I had a few hours before the kids got home from school and decided to tackle it head on.
Once everything started coming out, it quickly became clear how this happens. Refrigerators, much like junk drawers, slowly become ecosystems. We had doubles of things we absolutely did not need doubles of. Two jars of grape jelly. Two open salsas. Two mustards. An impressive collection of sauces that had been opened once and then forgotten forever. There were also, of course, a lot of Ocoee Farm eggs that were not expired. Our chickens are producing so many eggs lately, so we’re stocking up and giving them out to friends and family when we see them.
But there were also things expired long enough that the dates almost felt historical. Sour cream that clearly belonged to a previous school year. Leftovers that no one could identify.
And then there was the smell.
Eventually we found the culprit hiding in the back corner behind a row of condiments. I won’t describe it in detail because some mysteries are better left there, but let’s just say it had passed the point of being food and entered a new phase of existence.
Once that was gone, the real work began.
The Proper Way to Clean Out a Refrigerator
If you’re going to clean a refrigerator, you might as well do it the right way, AKA the kind of methodical, satisfying clean that makes everything feel fresh again.
Here’s the process that worked for me:
1. Empty everything completely
Take everything out. Shelves, drawers, condiments, sauces, all of it. Set items on the counter or table so you can actually see what you have.
This step alone is usually shocking. Most of us don’t realize how much is hiding in the back.
2. Toss anything questionable
Check expiration dates and use common sense. If you don’t remember opening it, if it smells strange, or if it’s been sitting there untouched for months, it’s time to let it go.
This is also when duplicates become obvious.
3. Remove the shelves and drawers
Most refrigerator shelves and drawers lift out easily. Take them to the sink and wash them with warm water and a mild dish soap. Let them air dry or wipe them with a clean towel.
4. Wipe down the interior
Use warm, soapy water or a gentle cleaning solution and wipe down the interior walls, the back of the fridge, and the door compartments.
Pay attention to corners, edges, and underneath the drawers where spills tend to collect.
A soft cloth or sponge works best, just nothing abrasive.
5. Dry everything thoroughly
Before putting anything back, make sure the shelves and interior are completely dry. This prevents lingering moisture and helps everything stay fresh longer.
6. Put items back thoughtfully
This is the moment to reorganize.
Keep frequently used items at eye level. Store condiments together so they’re easy to find. Put leftovers in clear containers so they don’t disappear into the back.
And maybe most importantly, don’t refill it with things you know no one is going to eat.
By the time everything was back in place, the refrigerator looked so clean and refreshed. There was no smell, no mystery containers, no accidental mustard collection. All that was left was food we actually use!
And the funny thing is, once it’s done, the whole process takes less time than you expect. The hard part is just deciding to start.
If your refrigerator smells a little off or if you can’t remember the last time you cleaned it out, consider this your sign to tackle that project. Just open the door, take a deep breath, and begin.
You might be surprised by what you find.