How often should commercial fridges be cleaned?

Commercial fridges should be cleaned inside at least weekly, with a full deep clean monthly. Daily wipe-downs of shelves and door handles are recommended. UK EHO (Environmental Health Officer) inspections will check fridge cleanliness as part of food safety compliance.

What sanitiser should I use for fridge cleaning?

Use a food-safe sanitiser that meets BS EN 1276 standards. Avoid bleach-based products inside fridges as they can taint food and corrode stainless steel. Quaternary ammonium sanitisers are commonly used for fridge interiors. Always rinse after sanitising.

Should I defrost before cleaning a freezer?

Yes, fully defrost the freezer before deep cleaning. This allows you to clean all surfaces properly and remove ice build-up. Allow 2-4 hours for defrosting depending on the size of the freezer and the thickness of ice build-up. Place towels around the base to catch melt water.

What temperature should I return the fridge to after cleaning?

Fridges should operate at 1-5°C and freezers at -18°C or below. After cleaning, turn the unit back on immediately and allow it to reach the correct temperature before restocking with food. This typically takes 1-2 hours for fridges and 4-6 hours for freezers.

CleanCalcs

Fridge Cleaning Calculator

Estimate cleaning time and sanitiser needed for fridge and freezer cleaning.

Unit Type

Number of Units

Units Needing Defrost

Freezers with ice build-up

Sanitiser Cost per Litre

Optional

How We Calculate This

How the calculation works

Cleaning time and sanitiser volume are calculated per unit based on type and size.

Time per unit (minutes)

Domestic fridge: 25 mins
Domestic freezer: 35 mins
Fridge-freezer: 45 mins
Commercial upright: 40 mins
Commercial chest: 50 mins
Display fridge: 30 mins

Defrost time: 120 mins per unit (if needed)

Total = cleaning time + defrost time

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.