How to Use the Can Holder in Your Refrigerator
What the can holder does and where to find it
The can holder is a shallow, slotted rack built into the door or side wall of many refrigerators, designed to store cans upright and keep them cold without taking up shelf space. It holds standard 12-ounce cans in a single row or sometimes two rows, depending on your model. The slots grip the can sides so they stay put even when you open and close the door.
Check your refrigerator's door first — this is the most common location. If your door doesn't have one, look at the side walls inside the fridge, usually on the left or right interior wall near the top or middle. Some models have a removable can holder that slides into a track; others have a fixed rack molded into the door itself. Your refrigerator manual will show you exactly where yours is located and how many cans it holds.
Key Takeaways
- The can holder keeps cans upright and organized in your door or side wall, freeing up shelf space for larger items.
- Standard 12-ounce cans fit most holders, but energy drinks, beer cans, and some specialty beverages may not fit depending on can diameter.
- Wipe cans dry before placing them in the holder to prevent rust stains and water pooling in the slots.
- Remove the holder periodically to clean the tracks and slots, where condensation and spills collect and cause odors.
Loading cans correctly to prevent damage and spills
Insert each can straight down into its slot with the opening facing up. Push it down until it sits firmly in the rack — you should hear or feel a slight click or resistance when it's seated properly. Do not force a can that doesn't fit; forcing damages both the can and the holder's slots.
Before loading, wipe the outside of each can with a clean, dry cloth. Condensation on the can surface will drip into the slots and collect there, creating rust stains on the cans and water pooling in the holder itself. This pooled water is where odors start. If cans are very cold and wet from the store, let them sit in your kitchen for a few minutes so surface moisture evaporates, then wipe them down.
Do not overload the holder by forcing extra cans in or stacking them. Each slot is designed for one can. Overstuffing bends the slots, makes cans hard to remove, and can cause them to tip or fall when you open the door.
What types of cans fit and what doesn't
Standard 12-ounce aluminum cans fit nearly all refrigerator can holders. However, some beverages come in cans with different diameters or shapes that may not slide into the slots smoothly. Energy drink cans, some craft beer cans, and specialty beverage cans are often slightly wider or narrower than standard cans and may jam or fall through.
Before buying a case of an unfamiliar brand, check the can diameter against one of your standard cans, or test a single can in the holder first. Tall, slim cans (like some sparkling water brands) and short, wide cans (like some energy drinks) are the most likely to cause fit problems. If a can doesn't fit, store it on a shelf instead — there is no benefit to forcing it.
Cleaning the can holder to prevent odors and rust
Remove the can holder at least once a month, or more often if you use it daily. If your holder slides out on a track, grasp it firmly and pull straight toward you. If it's molded into the door, you'll clean it in place.
Wipe the slots and the underside of the holder with a damp cloth to remove dust, spilled liquid, and condensation buildup. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices where water pools. For stubborn residue, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the slots gently. Dry the holder completely with a clean cloth before sliding it back in or before loading cans again.
If you notice rust stains inside the slots, soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe the affected area. The acidity helps dissolve rust. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Rust stains on the cans themselves usually wipe away with vinegar as well, but they indicate that water has been sitting in the holder too long — increase your cleaning frequency.
Organizing your cans for easy access
Load cans in the order you plan to drink them, with the one you want first closest to the front or in the easiest-to-reach slot. If your holder has two rows, use the front row for cans you'll grab soon and the back row for backup stock. This prevents you from reaching past full cans and knocking them over.
If you have multiple types of beverages, group them by type — all sodas together, all sparkling water together, all beer together. This makes it faster to find what you want and reduces the number of times you open the door searching. The fewer times the door opens, the less warm air enters and the less condensation forms in the holder.
Troubleshooting common can holder problems
If cans fall out when you open the door, the holder may be tilted or the slots may be worn. Check that the holder is level and fully seated in its track or mounting point. If it's removable, take it out and inspect the slots for cracks or deformation. A slightly bent slot can be gently straightened with a plastic tool, but if the damage is severe, the holder may need to be replaced — contact your refrigerator manufacturer for a replacement part.
If water pools in the bottom of the holder and cans develop rust stains, you're not drying cans before loading them, or the holder itself isn't draining properly. Make sure the holder has small drainage holes or gaps at the lowest point. If water sits there, tilt the holder slightly forward when you slide it back in, or clean it more frequently. Always wipe cans dry before loading.
If the holder smells bad even after cleaning, the odor is likely trapped in the material itself. Soak the holder in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes, scrub it with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. If the smell persists, the holder may have absorbed bacteria or mold deep in the plastic — in that case, replacement is the most practical solution.
When not to use the can holder
Do not store cans of food (like soup or vegetables) in the can holder. These cans are heavier and larger than beverage cans, and they can damage the slots or fall out. Store food cans on a shelf instead, where they're stable and easy to grab.
Do not use the holder for anything other than cans — no bottles, jars, or small containers. The slots are designed specifically for can diameters and won't hold other shapes securely. Forcing non-can items into the holder can break the slots and make the holder unusable for its intended purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store wine bottles or glass bottles in the can holder?
No. The slots are sized for cans only, and bottles are too heavy and wide. Forcing a bottle into the holder will damage the slots and may cause the bottle to break or fall out when the door opens. Use a wine rack or shelf instead.
Why does my can holder smell bad even though I clean it?
Odors usually come from water sitting in the slots for too long, or from mold growing in the plastic. Clean the holder more often, always wipe cans dry before loading, and make sure water drains out completely. If the smell won't go away after vinegar soaking, the plastic has absorbed bacteria and replacement is the best option.
What should I do if a can gets stuck in the holder?
Do not pull hard, as this can dent the can or crack the slot. Gently wiggle the can side to side while pulling straight out. If it's truly stuck, remove the entire holder from the door and work the can out from underneath. Once it's out, inspect the slot for damage or deformation.
Is it okay to store cans horizontally in the holder if they don't fit upright?
No. The holder is designed for upright cans only. Laying a can on its side in the slots will damage the holder and the can may roll out. If a can doesn't fit upright, store it on a shelf instead.
How often should I clean the can holder?
Clean it at least once a month, or every two weeks if you use it daily. More frequent cleaning prevents water buildup, rust stains, and odors. If you notice water pooling or smell anything off, clean it right away.