Baking Soda Solutions

• Baking soda cleans as well as disinfects, resulting in a refrigerator that both looks and smells better. To scrub the entire interior, mix 1 quart of water and 4 tbsp. baking soda. Dampen a cloth with the baking soda mixture and scrub the walls, shelves and door. Rinsing is not necessary as baking soda continues to disinfect and deodorize over time. If the refrigerator has excessive odor, place a sheet of aluminum foil along the bottom and pour undiluted baking soda along the sheet. To keep the refrigerator smelling fresh, keep an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves.
  
  

Acid Solutions

• If you have mildew growing in the refrigerator, wipe down the entire surface with white vinegar, applied to a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the refrigerator with a second, water-dampened cloth after 15 minutes. The acetic acid in the vinegar works as a powerful disinfectant, and vinegar is also useful for general cleaning. Other acids such as tomato juice and lemon juice also make effective cleaners. Just apply the liquid to a cloth, scrub and then rinse with a second cloth.
  
  

Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla extract deodorizes and cleans, especially where pungent odors are present. Dab some extract onto a soft cloth and scrub the interior. As with baking soda, the solution does not require rinsing, as it continues to offer deodorizing benefits. Alternatively, apply the vanilla extract to cotton balls and use them for scrubbing.
  
  

Salt and Water

• Reader's Digest recommends dropping a handful of salt into 1 gallon of warm water. Apply the salt water to a sponge and scrub the inside of your refrigerator. The sodium chloride effectively cleans the inside of the refrigerator without emitting fumes or odors. Rinse the salt away with a damp sponge.