How to Clean Fridge Mold – 10 Best Ways to Safely Remove It

Why Fridge Mold Happens & Why It’s a Problem

Found unexpected fuzzy patches or musty smells when opening your fridge? That’s mould — and it’s more common than you’d think.

Whether from expired food, forgotten spills, or just poor airflow, mould spores can settle and thrive in cold, damp environments. And yes, even fridges aren’t immune.

Not only is it unsightly, but fridge mould can also affect your health and contaminate your food.

Left untreated, it may spread into the seals, shelving, or even the insulation behind panels.

Is Fridge Mold Dangerous?

Yes, certain types of mould can release spores that trigger respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and foodborne illness.

According to the Food Standards Agency, mould growing near food can be harmful — even if you can’t see it yet.

Top 10 Ways to Safely Remove Fridge Mold

Here are the safest and most effective ways to remove mould from your fridge using natural and chemical methods.

Whether you’re dealing with surface spots or deep grime, this guide covers all you need.

1. White Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray mouldy areas, leave for 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
2. Bicarbonate of Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste. Apply to mouldy spots, scrub with a sponge or brush, and rinse.
3. Lemon Juice: Its natural acidity helps break down mould. Apply fresh lemon juice to the area, wait 5 minutes, then scrub gently.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): This is a powerful disinfectant. Spray directly, let it fizz and kill spores, then wipe thoroughly.
5. Steam Cleaning: If you have a handheld steamer, use it around fridge seals, edges, and drawers. The heat helps lift mould and sanitise surfaces.
6. Anti-mould sprays (Fridge-safe): Available in most supermarkets, look for sprays marked food-safe and mould-specific.
7. Toothbrush Scrub for Seals: Dip an old toothbrush in vinegar or baking soda and scrub fridge door seals where mould loves to hide.
8. Clean and Soak Removable Parts: Take out shelves and drawers. Soak in hot soapy water with vinegar or bleach, depending on severity.
9. Replace Seals if Needed: If the rubber door gasket is blackened or cracked beyond cleaning, it may need replacing to prevent mould from recurring.
10. Disinfect with Mild Detergent: After removing mould, wipe all surfaces with warm water and dish soap, then dry completely.

Tools You’ll Need

Preventing Mold in the Future

Once cleaned, prevention is key to keeping mould away. Here are 5 ways to stay mould-free:

• Wipe fridge seals and interior every 2–3 weeks
• Keep a box of baking soda inside to absorb moisture
• Check and remove expired food weekly
• Ensure fridge temp stays under 5°C
• Dry shelves before placing them back after cleaning

When to Call a Professional

If the mould keeps returning or has spread into insulation or behind panels, it’s time to call a professional.

At Glohus Cleaning, we offer safe and detailed fridge cleaning as part of our kitchen cleaning services across Hertfordshire. You’ll get peace of mind and a fridge that feels brand new.

FAQs: Fridge Mould Removal

Need Help? Let Glohus Handle It

If you’re busy or worried about doing it wrong, Glohus offers reliable, DBS-checked cleaners who will deep-clean your fridge, kitchen, and more. Our local Hertfordshire team is trusted by dozens of households for thorough hygiene and flexible scheduling.

Get your home fresh again – book a cleaning with Glohus today.

Written by Robiul Alam

Founder of Glohus Cleaning, with over 5 years of hands-on experience helping families across Hertfordshire keep their homes spotless, hygienic, and stress-free.