Why your fridge is a germ hotspot – and how to fix it

You trust it with your milk, your salad, even last night’s leftovers, but your fridge might be turning on you. Without the right care, your fridge can become a playground for germs, a haven for mould and bacteria, as well as a source of unpleasant odours. 

More than half of the fridges tested in one study had at least one type of harmful bacteria lurking inside – the kind of bugs that can lead to nasty side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms, including well-known culprits like E. coli, salmonella and listeria. 

What is the worst spot for germs in your fridge? 

We’ve all unearthed a forgotten lettuce liquefying in the vegetable drawer, and apart from the gross factor, this is exactly the place for bacteria to thrive if not cleaned regularly.

Research has found that your average vegetable drawer can harbour more bacteria per square centimetre than a toilet seat. 

And it’s not just the veggie drawer you need to worry about. Door seals and fridge handles are germ hotspots too.

Seals tend to get missed during cleaning and can trap crumbs and spills, while handles are touched constantly but rarely wiped down properly. In homes with more relaxed cleaning routines, handles were found to be some of the most bacteria-laden areas, right up there with the dreaded salad drawer. 

How “fridge lingering” and overcrowding cause germs

You’d think the fridge would be one of the cleanest, safest spots in your kitchen – it’s cold, after all. But that chill isn’t always enough to keep bacteria at bay, especially as many people don’t have their fridges set to the right temperature. 

Nearly 60% of fridges tested in a survey were running warmer than the recommended 5°C. Some were even hitting temperatures above 10°C, which is far too warm to keep food safely chilled. 

So, what’s going on? Even with today’s “smarter” fridges, many don’t have accurate or easy-to-read temperature displays. And, let’s be honest, when was the last time you checked (or even adjusted) the settings? Most of us – in fact 68% of households – just plug in and hope for the best. 

Then there’s the classic fridge door linger. Every time we stand there debating between cheese or chocolate, warm air rushes in. The longer the door stays open, the more the temperature rises, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

Then there’s the classic fridge door linger. Every time we stand there debating between cheese or chocolate, warm air rushes in. The longer the door stays open, the more the temperature rises, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

It’s not just about temperature either. A hygienic fridge also needs good airflow and smart storage. Overstuffing shelves can block ventilation and create warm spots.  

A truly hygienic fridge also demands regular cleaning to keep those nasty germs from thriving. According to Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, you should clean your fridge in small doses regularly to prevent it from smelling and to stop harmful bacteria from breeding.  

“A regular fridge clean should be completed every few days,” she recommends. “It’s also essential to perform deep cleans every now and again to keep your fridge in the best possible state. Your fridge is the hardest working appliance in the kitchen and keeping it at its best will ensure it has a long life.” 

How to fix it fast 

First, you need to get the temperature under control. 

To keep your fridge at the right temperature, aim for 5°C or below. This slows down the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps your food fresher for longer. If your fridge doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, it’s worth popping a small thermometer inside to check.  

Avoid overloading shelves as crowded fridges can block air circulation and lead to uneven cooling. Keep the door closed as much as possible (no lingering snack decisions!), and if your fridge has manual controls, adjust them with the seasons – warmer kitchens in summer may mean you need to keep your fridge running at a lower temperature.  

Once that’s done, it’s important to do a deep clean. Sarah suggests doing this a few times a year. Here’s her step-by-step guide:

• First unplug your appliance and put down some towels to protect the floor in case there are any leaks. You’ll also want to remove all food. This is a great chance to chuck anything away that’s expired as well.
• Sarah suggests starting with the shelves and drawers as these can harbour the most bacteria. “Wipe each one carefully with a mixture of water and baking soda, which will remove any odours,” she says. “For any stubborn crusts, use a putty knife or butter knife to loosen the gunk before wiping again. Then, leave the shelves and drawers to soak in a water and baking soda solution while you continue with the rest of the appliance.”
• Next, spray the inside of the fridge with a cleaning solution, such as a multi-purpose cleaning spray, and thoroughly wash all the built-in fixtures and the nooks and crannies of the door, as well as the bottom of the fridge. "Make sure you get into all of the cracks underneath the shelving areas,” says Sarah, who also recommends drying everything with a clean towel, including the shelves and drawers.

  Tip: If you’re concerned about using strong cleaning chemicals near food, opt for natural options like white vinegar or lemon juice, which are both food-safe and effective

• Then, it’s time to tackle those germ-riddled seals, which Sarah says can cause mould and mildew to grow if not cleaned effectively. “Use a damp cloth and some cleaning solution to get into all of these folds and then dry with a dry towel”, she states. “This will help to prevent mould and mildew and will keep the seal tight, allowing your fridge to work at maximum efficiency.”
• If you don’t have a built-in fridge, it’s now time to look behind it. Sarah suggests moving it away from the wall and vacuuming the coils. Keeping these clean is important as it helps your fridge run more efficiently and can extend its life. When the coils get covered in dust, dirt or pet hair, they can’t do their job properly, which means your fridge has to work harder to stay cold, using more energy and putting extra strain on the motor.
• Once everything is in its place, it’s time to put all the food back into the fridge. To keep it smelling lovely, Sarah suggests a cupboard staple to help. “Place an opened-up box of baking soda in your fridge as this helps to absorb any odours in the future,” she says.