Practical „Low frost” and “No frost“ refrigerator cleaning method in 15 minutes (without chemicals)
According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the refrigerator should be regularly cleaned every 3 to 4 months, but if needed you can do it even more often. With some tricks listed below cleaning shouldn’t be a problem for you.
👉 Firstly, the whole process of refrigerator cleaning is much easier then before simply because you own a new generation refrigerator at your home (no frost or low frost type), so the whole process will be easily and quickly done in just 15 minutes. In this article, you will learn everything about defrosting your fridge and freezer, effective cleaning of the refrigerator interior, as well as practical tips on how to keep your fridge frost-free and prevent ice buildup in the freezer.
Practical „Low frost” and “No frost“ refrigerator cleaning method
1. What is the best time to clean the fridge?
Ideally the day before the big „grocery shopping“, because in that case you will have the minimum amount of items in the fridge.
2. Prepare a base to put out the items from the refrigerator.
It can be a pair of clean kitchen towels or some other cloth, onto which you will put the food from the refrigerator. That way you will keep the items clean and also you would not have to wash and wipe the work surface of the kitchen table afterwards.
3. No need for turning off the appliance.
Sometimes it is very difficult to turn off the refrigerator if the socket is not accessible. Using this method of cleaning, it is not necessary to turn off the refrigerator and unplug the socket.
4. Remove and wash all the internal parts.
Remove all horizontal baskets, drawers and refrigerator hanging shelves and take them to the bathroom for a shower. Be sure to close the refrigerator door while doing it! Shower all the parts you took to the bathroom with warm water in order to remove the dirt and to melt a thin layer of ice if any (it can be sometimes formed in low frost systems). Wipe the parts with a sponge and dish-washing liquid in case there are some stains and shower the elements again. If you do not want to use any chemicals, wipe with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and then rinse well. Leave the fridge parts to drain.
5. While the items are drying, back to the fridge cleaning.
Prepare a cloth and alcohol for cleaning, but be aware to use it by spraying alcohol on the cloth. Never spray or pour alcohol directly on the inside of the refrigerator for reasons of flammability! If you don’t feel sure how to do this, as an alternative you can prepare warm water in a medium-sized bowl and add two tablespoons of baking soda. This mix eliminates potential bacteria and is great for disinfecting the inside of the refrigerator. If the interior remains moistened, wipe with a dry cloth.
6. Don’t forget to clean the outside – doors.
You can clean it with a cloth and alcohol, as well.
7. Return all items to the refrigerator.
Return the items, and sort it as you wish. If they are not dry, leave it to dry or wipe them with a dry cloth before returning.
8. Refresh the fridge by putting the lemon cuts inside.
Cut a lemon in a half, put it on a plate and then in the fridge. Be sure to place the lemon on a plate so that it does not leave acid stains on the clean parts of refrigerator. The lemon will absorb all the odors that may have accumulated on the food and will give the refreshing note. You can keep it in the fridge as long as it is fresh.
⚠️ Don’t Risk Damaging Your Fridge
Caution!
– If you have any special parts in the refrigerator such as filters and grilles, it is best to clean them according to the manual instructions (if you have lost it, you can always find it online) When doing this be sure to unplug the refrigerator from socket.
– If it states in the manual that it’s allowed to wash elements such as hanging shelves on the door, ice buckets, egg bowls in the dishwasher, then you can use this option and make it even easier. Do not wash them in the dish-washer without reading the manual because if the plastic is not of good quality then it can be distorted by the heat.
✅Conclusion
Using these practical „easy daily“ tricks the refrigerator cleaning will be done quickly in just 15 minutes. We do believe that you will find this not a demanding and difficult job any more and hopefully you will maintain hygiene on a regular basis to keep a fresh, clean and healthy atmosphere.
📌 Real-life Add-on
👉 We have to admit — although this article was written a while ago and has helped many readers, we only recently realized we left out one important scenario: what to do when your “low frost” freezer ends up with a serious ice buildup. And of course, that usually happens when you don’t have time to clean it regularly (or when the kids constantly ask for ice cubes for lemonade). So here it is now — a practical update, straight from experience.
How to Defrost a Frozen Freezer Compartment in a “Low Frost” Fridge
🔹 Normally, with regular cleaning, it’s enough to simply wipe away the thin layer of frost with a cloth. However, if you have small children and tend to open the freezer frequently—whether for food, ice cubes, or to quickly cool something hot (like a cold coffee or lemonade on a warm day)—the freezer gets opened a lot, and over time, ice can start to build up. If you forget to clean it regularly, it can become a problem.
Here’s how we managed to remove the ice buildup quickly and easily, without using chemicals:
- 1. Remove everything from the freezer—both food and storage drawers/shelves. Take out the drawers and shelves and rinse them with warm water in the shower to melt off any ice. Then dry them with a clean cloth.
2. To melt the ice in the freezer compartment, you can use one of two methods:
– Use a hairdryer to gently heat the icy areas until the ice softens and starts to come off.
– Or place a pot of hot water inside the freezer and leave it for about 5 minutes. The steam will loosen the ice and make it easier to remove.
3. Once the ice has softened, remove it by hand, let it fall off on its own, or gently detach it with a wooden spatula (never use metal tools).
4. Be sure to prepare a container for the ice chunks you remove, and place towels—one underneath the freezer door to catch dripping water, and another one to wipe the interior.
💡This method is fast, simple, and doesn’t require unplugging the appliance—perfect for when you need a quick solution.
🔔 Important Note: Cleaning the Freezer While the Appliance is Plugged In
🔹 If you don’t want to unplug your fridge while cleaning the freezer compartment—which is often the case with combined fridge-freezer units (fridge on top, freezer below)—here are some important precautions:
– It is possible to clean the freezer while the appliance is running, but it must be done carefully, efficiently, and with certain safety steps in mind.
– Always keep the fridge door closed throughout the process to prevent temperature changes that could spoil your food.
– The entire process should take no longer than 15–20 minutes to avoid overloading the cooling system.
– If using a hairdryer, don’t aim it at one spot for too long to avoid damaging the plastic. If using a pot of hot water, make sure it sits safely and doesn’t spill.
– Prepare in advance a container for melted ice and several towels to catch water and protect the area around the freezer.
– If you estimate the defrosting will take longer or if there is a significant ice buildup, it’s best to unplug the appliance and either transfer the most sensitive items from the fridge to a cooler or plan the cleaning when your fridge is nearly empty.
🚩This approach is great for quick, routine maintenance, but everything should be done at your own discretion and with caution. If you’re unsure, or if your freezer has specific features, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual or consult a professional.
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👉 If you enjoy our fridge cleaning tips, you might also find these articles useful: How to Wash Sponge Cloths and When to Replace Them — practical advice for maintaining your kitchen sponges, click here.
and Savory Cornbread Muffins with Beer, Cheese & Smoked Pork — a delicious recipe for savory muffins to spice up your table. Check them out and enjoy! click here.
