Fridge Cleaning Mastery: Don Aslett’s Top Refrigerator Tips

Introduction

Maintaining a clean fridge is key to a healthy kitchen and efficient food storage. With Don Aslett’s expert advice, fridge cleaning becomes a simple, satisfying task. Aslett, known as the “cleaning guru,” has spent decades teaching hands-on refrigerator cleaning methods that save time and eliminate germs. In this article, we’ll follow his step-by-step guidance to remove hidden spills, banish odors, and organize shelves for optimal freshness. Whether you’re a busy parent or a neat-freak chef, these insights will help you unlock the secrets to a spotless, well-running fridge.

Why Regular Fridge Cleaning Matters

A cluttered, dirty fridge can hide expired foods, harbor bacteria, and waste energy. When coils and vents get dusty, your appliance works harder and drives up electricity costs. Leftover spills breed mold and odors that invade everything you store. By committing to routine fridge cleaning, you:

Protect family health by reducing germs.
Extend the life of your refrigerator.
Cut food waste by clearly seeing what you have.
Save on energy bills with efficient cooling.

With Don Aslett’s proven system, you’ll turn a chore into a quick, effective routine that keeps your kitchen safe and fresh.

Meet Don Aslett: The Cleaning Maestro

Don Aslett is an author and speaker who has written over 50 books on cleaning and housekeeping. He founded Varsity Contract Cleaning Company in 1957 and has since built a reputation for simple, hands-on methods. Aslett’s motto is “Clean easily, live better.” His advice focuses on using everyday tools and mild solutions, avoiding harsh chemicals, and creating systems that prevent messes from returning. For fridge care, his strategies balance speed and thoroughness—perfect for those who want big results with small effort.

Top 8 Steps To Fridge Cleaning

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

Before you begin, gather your supplies. Don Aslett recommends:

Mild cleaner: A mix of warm water and gentle dish soap.
Baking soda: Natural deodorizer and stain remover.
Microfiber cloths or sponges: Non-abrasive and lint-free.
Old towels or absorbent pads: To catch drips and spills.
A small brush or toothbrush: For crevices and door seals.
Storage bins or baskets: To group items as you clean.

Clear a counter or table near the fridge. Unplug the appliance for safety and better access to tight spots. With your tools ready, you’ll move through cleaning steps without breaks.

Step 2: Empty and Sort Contents

Work section by section:

Remove door bins first: Set items on your counter in baskets labeled “Keep” or “Discard.”
Take out all shelves and drawers: Place on towels to protect surfaces.
Sort food: Check expiration dates, look for freezer burn, and toss spoiled items.
Group similar foods: Meat in one bin, dairy in another, condiments together.

This step reveals hidden spills and makes it easy to see what fridge station needs attention. Aslett calls this “making the mess visible,” so you know exactly where to focus.

Step 3: Clean Interior Surfaces

With the fridge empty, mix a solution of two tablespoons of mild dish soap in one liter of warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring almost dry, and wipe:

Ceiling and walls: Start at the top to avoid drips on cleaned areas.
Door interior: Give extra attention to the gasket (rubber seal) where crumbs collect.
Shelf ledges and tracks: Use a small brush to dislodge debris.

For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge and gently rub. Baking soda is non-abrasive and neutralizes odors. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, then dry surfaces with a fresh towel. This method leaves no chemical residue.

Step 4: Wash Removable Parts

While the fridge interior dries, clean shelves and drawers:

Submerge them in your sink filled with the same warm, soapy solution.
Let plastic bins soak for 10 minutes to loosen stuck-on food.
Scrub with a sponge and a dash of baking soda if needed.
Rinse with clear water and dry completely before reassembly.

Dry parts properly to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold. Aslett stresses that fully dry components help keep your fridge smelling fresh longer.

Step 5: Tackle Door Gaskets and Coils

The rubber gasket along your door edge keeps cold air in. Use a toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub every fold. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Next, clean the coils:

Unplug the fridge.
Remove grille (if present) at the front or back.
Vacuum coils using the brush attachment.
Wipe dust with a dry cloth.

Clean coils improve cooling efficiency and can lower energy bills by up to 30%. Aslett notes that neglected coils are one of the biggest hidden energy wasters in the home.

Step 6: Deodorize with Natural Methods

After a full clean, freshen the interior:

Baking soda box: Place an open box on a shelf to absorb odors.
Charcoal sachets: Activated charcoal packets work similarly and last longer.
Citrus slices: A bowl of lemon or orange slices adds a natural, light scent.

Replace odors absorbers every three months. These simple steps ensure your fridge smells clean without harsh sprays.

Step 7: Reassemble and Organize

With everything dry, it’s time to put your fridge back in order:

Replace shelves and drawers in their original positions.
Group foods logically:

Top shelf: Ready-to-eat items (dairy, leftovers).
Middle shelves: Beverages and eggs.
Bottom shelf: Raw meats on a tray to catch drips.
Door bins: Condiments, small jars, and beverages.

Use clear bins: Keep similar items together, making them easier to find.
Label and date leftovers: A quick way to avoid forgotten, spoiled meals.

A well-organized fridge keeps items visible and reduces open-door time, further saving energy.

Step 8: Maintain with Quick Weekly Touches

To prevent major messes, adopt Aslett’s “micro-clean” habit: spend five minutes each week wiping spills and checking for expired foods. Keep a small spray bottle of diluted soap water on hand. After you close a jar or container, quickly wipe its spot. This ongoing care keeps your fridge in near-perfect condition and cuts deep cleans down to once every three months.

Conclusion

Following Don Aslett’s fridge cleaning expertise transforms a daunting chore into an easy, effective routine. By planning carefully, emptying and sorting contents, and using simple tools like warm soapy water and baking soda, you’ll banish spills, odors, and hidden grime. Cleaning coils and gaskets boosts efficiency, while natural deodorizers keep your refrigerator fresh. Reassembling with clear bins and weekly micro-cleans maintains order and hygiene. Embrace these strategies to protect your family’s health, save energy, and extend your appliance’s life. With Aslett’s guidance, a spotless, well-organized fridge is now within your grasp—no stress required.