We all spend a significant part of our day at work, and having snacks or home-cooked meals at the ready can be a mood booster, especially on long, busy days. Having a reliable refrigerator that keeps food fresh can be a lifesaver. But while having a shared fridge in the break room is very convenient, it can quickly become a problem when no one takes care of it.
Why Fridge Cleaning Is Important
When not cleaned regularly, the office fridge becomes a health hazard. In offices, schools, and staff kitchens, it’s common to find forgotten leftovers, expired lunches, and open containers that lead to spills and odours. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth, mould, pests, and even cross‑contamination, which can affect the team’s health and safety.
A clean fridge isn’t just about keeping appearances. It reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses while promoting a sense of shared responsibility in the workplace.
Dirty fridges can also become expensive. Spoiled items in an overstuffed fridge can quietly drive up energy costs. Regular cleaning helps increase your fridge’s efficiency while reducing waste. It also helps extend the life of your fridge.
Setting a Fridge Cleaning Routine That Works
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer on how to keep your office fridge clean. Cleaning professionals and food safety experts recommend briefly cleaning your refrigerator at least once a week, with a deeper clean every few months.
Routine fridge cleaning should be done on a weekly basis. A quick check on Fridays or before weekends can help reduce spoilage. Wipe away visible spills immediately and toss anything that’s expired. It’s also smart to check the crisper drawers once a week in case there’s a forgotten salad bowl—spoiled produce can spread bacteria quickly. Toss anything old.
Deep cleaning should happen every 3–4 months. This involves emptying the fridge, cleaning drawers and shelves, and checking the seals and coils. Set a calendar reminder for this quarterly clean-up and rotate the responsibility if needed. If your office tends to use the fridge, consider a more frequent cleaning schedule.
How to Do a Proper Deep Clean
- Start by unplugging the fridge and removing all food inside. Store perishables in a cooler while you clean.
- Take out shelves and drawers and wash them in warm, soapy water.
- For the inside of the fridge, use a food-safe cleaning solution: dishwashing liquid and water, a vinegar solution, or a multi-surface kitchen cleaner will do the job.
- Wipe down the rubber door seals or gusset, which can trap mould and food crumbs.
- If you’re able, vacuum or dust the back coils to improve energy efficiency. Do this at least once or twice a year. This prevents the unit from overheating and using more energy.
When you’re done, place a box of baking soda or a cup of coffee grounds inside the fridge. This helps absorb lingering odours and keeps the fridge fresh between cleans.
How to Clean Mould in Your Fridge
If you spot mould in your office fridge (especially in hidden corners, rubber seals, or in the drawers), it’s a sign that it hasn’t been cleaned thoroughly in a while. Here’s how to address this problem:
- Use a solution of three parts white vinegar and 2 parts water or a commercial mould remover that’s safe for kitchen use. Scrub the affected areas with a sponge or soft brush and make sure to get into crevices like door seals.
- After scrubbing, wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Leave the fridge door open to air out before plugging it back in and restocking.
If mould reappears quickly, it could indicate a deeper issue, such as poor ventilation, moisture leaks, or a failing gusset that may have to be replaced. Consider using silica gel pads to absorb excess moisture.
Tools to Keep Things Tidy
Simple storage boxes or bins can help keep your fridge in order. Use clear bins to separate staff items or departments. A small dry-erase board or a sticky note can remind everyone of the cleanout schedule. Keep a roll of masking tape and a marker nearby so it can be easy for everyone in the office to date and label their items.
Stock up on the necessary cleaning chemicals to make it easy for everyone to clean up. Place basic cleaning supplies close to the fridge: paper towels, a sponge or cloth wipes, and a food-safe cleaner.
If your workplace allows, assign a rotating fridge monitor every two weeks to check for issues, restock baking soda, and make sure everyone’s following the rules.
How to Organise Your Office Fridge
An organised fridge is easier to maintain. When you keep your fridge compartmentalised, it can be easier for everyone to find their food without hassle. It also reduces the chances of spills, waste, or having mystery items left behind.
Start by setting a simple structure. Keep shared items like milk or condiments on the top shelf. Middle shelves can be used for individual meals and snacks; make sure everything is labelled with names and dates. Heavier items can be kept on the bottom shelf. Crisper drawers can be used as an additional shared space. Use the fridge door for longer-lasting items like sauces or dressings.
Reducing Food Waste
Besides the health benefits, cleaning and organising your office fridge can help cut down on food waste. According to a National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study in 2021, an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted every year in Australia—that’s around 312 kg per person. This wastage costs the economy more than $36 billion annually and contributes roughly 3% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
By knowing what gets eaten and what gets thrown out, your team can shop smarter and avoid overstocking the fridge or pantry. Being more mindful of what goes in and out of the refrigerator can also help align your office practices with broader sustainability goals, like Australia’s commitment to halve food waste by 2030 under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.
Final Tip: Make It Easy to Maintain
To keep your office fridge clean, it’s important to be consistent. Stick to your cleaning schedule, keep the labelling materials stocked, and make your cleaning system easy for everyone to follow.
A fridge that’s clean, organised, and regularly maintained will last longer, work better, and keep the office kitchen or break room a place people would want to use.
