A clean fridge is not just about appearances; it is essential for keeping your food fresh, safe and free from unpleasant odours. Over time, spills, forgotten leftovers and moisture can create stains and lingering smells that make your refrigerator feel unhygienic. While store-bought cleaners may seem convenient, they often contain strong chemicals and artificial fragrances that many people prefer to avoid around food.
The good news is that you can make an effective fridge cleaning spray at home in just five minutes using simple kitchen ingredients. This DIY solution is affordable, natural and easy to prepare, helping you tackle grease, stains, and bad smells while leaving your refrigerator spotless, fresh-smelling and hygienic without much effort.
DIY fridge cleaning spray: Key ingredients required
This DIY fridge cleaning spray is a quick and natural way to keep your refrigerator fresh, clean and free from unpleasant smells. Made with simple kitchen ingredients, it helps remove stains and grease while leaving your fridge hygienic and fresh-smelling without harsh chemicals. Together, these simple ingredients create an easy and affordable cleaning spray that can help keep your refrigerator hygienic and fresh-smelling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
- Juice of half a lemon
- 5–6 drops of lemon (optional)
- 1 empty spray bottle
Vinegar-based cleaning solutions may help reduce certain bacteria and fungi commonly found on household surfaces. The acetic acid, which is the main component in vinegar, showed promising antimicrobial properties when used in domestic cleaning practices. It is suggested that natural cleaning ingredients can still play an effective role in maintaining hygiene at home. Adding vanilla also helps remove stains and unpleasant odours, while bicarbonate of soda absorbs lingering smells, and lemon leaves the fridge smelling fresh and clean.
How to make the DIY fridge cleaning spray
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Pour the white vinegar and warm water into an empty spray bottle. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add a few drops of essential oil if you would like a fresher scent.
Step 2: Add the bicarbonate of soda
Carefully add the bicarbonate of soda to the bottle. The mixture may fizz for a few seconds, which is completely normal.
Step 3: Shake the bottle gently
Seal the spray bottle and give it a gentle shake so all the ingredients blend together properly.
Step 4: Clean the fridge
Spray the solution onto shelves, drawers and any stained areas inside the fridge. Wipe everything down with a soft cloth or sponge until clean.
Step 5: Leave it fresh and dry
Keep the fridge door open for a few minutes to let the inside air dry naturally and remove any lingering smells.
Important tips to keep your refrigerator fresh and clean
Try to clear out expired food and old leftovers regularly, as they are often the main reason behind unpleasant fridge smells.
Clean up spills as soon as possible, especially milk, sauces or juice stains, so they do not leave marks or odours behind.
While using the spray, avoid soaking the inside of the fridge or spraying directly near vents and electrical areas.
Always use a soft cloth or sponge so the shelves and drawers do not get scratched.
You can keep a small bowl or open box of bicarbonate of soda inside the fridge to absorb unwanted smells naturally.
Giving your fridge a quick clean every couple of weeks can help keep it hygienic, fresh-smelling and easier to maintain.
Before placing food back inside, make sure all the shelves and drawers are completely dry.