October 6, 2025, 9:04 am | Read time: 3 minutes
If food in the refrigerator spoils faster than usual, it often results from poor hygiene within the appliance. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure freshness and longevity. However, it’s important to avoid common mistakes when cleaning the refrigerator.
Mistake 1: Aggressive Cleaning Agents
To ensure the refrigerator is truly hygienically clean, the right cleaning agents are crucial. A common mistake is using the same products for all areas. While acidic home remedies such as lemon juice or vinegar are excellent for removing germs and bacteria inside, caution is advised for the refrigerator door: The delicate rubber seal can be damaged by aggressive cleaners.
The rubber seal ensures that the cold stays inside the appliance and maintains consistent cooling performance. If the material becomes porous, air escapes, the refrigerator has to work harder–energy consumption increases, and it ultimately costs more money.
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Mistake 2: Clogged Drainage Channel
Is there an unusual amount of condensation in the refrigerator? Does it smell unpleasant? A possible cause could be a clogged drainage channel. This leads to a small hole, usually located at the bottom of the back wall. You can carefully clean the drain using a small cotton swab or a small bottle brush. More stubborn deposits can be removed with a toothpick.
Mistake 3: Not Regulating Temperature
Cleaning the refrigerator is one of the least popular household tasks, mainly because it involves a relatively high amount of effort. Before the surfaces can be wiped down, the appliance must be completely emptied. It is also advisable to disconnect the refrigerator from the power or at least turn down the temperature.
Regulating the temperature saves energy–and money. With the door open, the refrigerator has to continuously cool, which consumes electricity. By disconnecting the appliance from the power, its performance is paused. This not only saves money but also protects the compressor.
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Mistake 4: Cleaning Too Infrequently
If food spills in the refrigerator, the resulting stains should be removed immediately. Otherwise, it’s recommended to empty the refrigerator about every four weeks for a thorough cleaning, according to the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety. The removable shelves are best washed in the sink with dish soap and lukewarm water. Clean the interior with water and dish soap or vinegar.
Regular cleaning of the refrigerator prevents the spread of mold. Due to close contact, poor refrigerator hygiene can significantly affect the shelf life of food.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Exterior
In the household, there are various areas that are easily overlooked during cleaning. This is not necessarily because they are rarely used. More often, it’s because dirt is not immediately noticeable. This is often the case with the exterior of the refrigerator.
When opening and closing, fingerprints and food residues end up on the outside of the appliance. You shouldn’t wait to clean the handles until they become sticky. It’s better to regularly include them in kitchen cleaning to remove germs and bacteria.