Hygiene of kitchen appliances is not just a matter of aesthetics, but an important component of food safety. The inside of the refrigerator creates ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria if you do not clean it regularly. Many housewives and owners are wondering what is the best way to wash the refrigerator so as not to damage the plastic and rubber bands, but at the same time guarantee to destroy germs.
Incorrectly selected household chemicals can cause an unpleasant chemical odor, which is subsequently absorbed into the food. Moreover, aggressive components can destroy the structure of the seals or cause clouding of transparent shelves. In this material, we will analyze proven methods and means that will allow you to put your equipment in order.
Preparing equipment and defrosting
Before you begin direct cleaning, you must completely empty the refrigerator of its contents. All products should be placed in a cool place or thermal bags with ice should be used to prevent them from spoiling during the procedure. After this, the unit must be disconnected from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket.
The next step depends on the type of cooling system of your device. If you manual defrosting, it will take time for the ice to thaw. In models with the system No Frost this process is faster, but it is still necessary to leave the doors open for ventilation and access to all corners. Do not use a hairdryer or other heating devices to speed up defrosting, as a sudden temperature change can damage the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pick out the ice with a knife or sharp objects. One awkward movement can puncture the cooling circuit, which will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs.
While the equipment is defrosting, remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg containers and bottle holders. It is more convenient to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin using warm water and a soft sponge. This will allow you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places inside the case.
Folk remedies for cleaning the refrigerator
Home remedies are often more effective and safer than store-bought ones chemistry. They do not contain chlorine and phosphates, which can be dangerous when in contact with food. One of the most popular and affordable products is baking soda.
Soda solution does an excellent job of removing greasy stains and neutralizing unpleasant odors. To prepare the cleaning composition, dilute two tablespoons of powder in a liter of warm water. The resulting liquid can be used to wipe the interior walls, shelves and drawers. After treatment, the surfaces do not require thorough rinsing, since soda is safe.
- 🍋 Citric acid is effective against scale and limescale, leaves a fresh citrus aroma.
- 🍺 Ammonia is a powerful tool for removing old stains and disinfecting, but requires a good ventilation.
- 🍶 Vinegar water - a mixture of water and table vinegar in a 1:1 ratio perfectly disinfects and removes grease.
- 🦷 Toothpaste - helps to wipe off complex stains in the corners and at the joints of plastic.
Another proven product is a household one. soap. It has pronounced antibacterial properties and is easily washed off with water. Grate a bar of soap, dissolve the shavings in hot water until you get a thick foam and use this foam for washing. The main thing is to carefully remove soap residues, otherwise they can leave a sticky layer.
Professional household chemicals: what to choose
If you prefer ready-made solutions, the market offers a wide range of specialized products for caring for kitchen appliances. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the “for refrigerators” or “food grade plastic” labeling. Such compositions are developed taking into account the specifics of the materials used in the production of cameras.
Sprays and gels from well-known brands, such as Electrolux, Whirlpool or Sano, often contain antibacterial components and do not require rinsing with water. This saves a lot of time and effort. However, even when using “safe” chemicals, it is recommended to wipe the surfaces with a damp, clean cloth after treatment.
| Type of product | Examples of brands | Features of application | Necessity of rinsing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray cleaner | Top House, Luxus | Easy to apply, fast acting | Advisable |
| Wet wipes | Unicum, Sano | For express cleaning and polishing | No |
| Foam cleaner | Grass, Prosept | Penetrates well into pores, removes grease | Required |
| Disinfector | Dalocin (solution) | Destroys 99.9% bacteria and mold | Aeration required |
When using aerosols, try not to spray them directly onto food or exposed skin. Also avoid getting chemicals on electrical elements, light bulbs and the light button inside the camera. If the product gets on the sealing rubber, immediately remove it with a damp cloth, as some components can dry out the rubber.
Removing stubborn dirt and mold
Sometimes regular cleaning is not enough, and mold or stubborn stains appear on the walls or in the drainage hole. Mold is not only unsightly, but also dangerous to health, as its spores can cause allergies and poisoning. You need to deal with it immediately.
To remove black spots of mold, it is best to use hydrogen peroxide or special antifungal agents. Apply the liquid to a cotton pad and apply to the affected area for a few minutes, then wipe thoroughly. Pay special attention to the corners of the chamber and the junction of the back wall with the bottom.
⚠️ Attention: If mold has penetrated deep into the pores of a plastic box or seal and cannot be washed off, it is better to replace the part. Fungal spores can remain in microcracks and grow again.
Greasy stains, which often form near door shelves where open jars of sauces or oil are stored, can be removed using mustard gruel. Apply mustard powder mixed with water to the stain, leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Mustard is an excellent natural fat emulsifier.
How to clean the drainage hole?
If there is water in the refrigerator, the drainage hole may be clogged. Take a special brush-brush (often included) or twist a soft rope of cotton wool. Carefully insert it into the hole on the back wall and make several rotational movements. Rinse the hole with warm water from a syringe without a needle.
Care of seals and external surfaces
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is the element that is most often ignored when cleaning, and it is this that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Moisture and dirt accumulate in the folds of rubber, which over time leads to the appearance of a black coating and loss of elasticity.
Wipe the seal with a damp cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar or a special rubber conditioner. This will help keep it soft and ensure the door seals tightly. If the rubber has lost its shape and begins to let in the cold, gently warm it up with a hairdryer at the minimum temperature, but do not overdo it.
The outside of the refrigerator also requires care. For stainless steel cases (Stainless Steel) use special polishes that leave a protective layer and hide fingerprints. Move the rag strictly along the metal fibers to avoid leaving random scratches. It is better to wipe glossy plastic surfaces with microfiber to avoid streaks.
- 🧽 Use soft sponges to avoid scratching the gloss.
- 🚫 Avoid abrasive powders and hard brushes.
- ✨ For shine, you can use baby wash oil or furniture polish.
☑️ Checklist for perfect cleaning
How to get rid of an unpleasant odor
Even after thorough washing, a specific odor may remain in the refrigerator. This often happens if spoiled food or strong-smelling fish have been left in the chamber for a long time. Normal ventilation may not help in such cases.
There are many ways neutralize odors. The simplest is to leave an open container with activated carbon, soda or ground coffee in the chamber. These substances are excellent absorbents and will quickly draw out extraneous odors. This “trap” needs to be changed once a month.
You can also use natural flavors: a slice of lemon, orange peel or a cotton pad soaked in vanilla extract. However, remember that fragrances only mask the odor and do not eliminate its cause. If the smell is persistent and does not go away after general cleaning with vinegar or soda, there may be a problem in the insulating material inside the walls, and then the help of a professional may be required.
What absolutely should not be done when cleaning
A refrigerator is a complex household appliance, and improper care can shorten its service life. There are a number of actions that are prohibited by equipment manufacturers. Violation of these rules may result in damage or loss of warranty.
Never wash the refrigerator under running water from a hose or shower. Water may get into electrical wiring, the compressor, or the control system, causing a short circuit. Also, moisture that gets into the thermal insulation layer can lead to corrosion of the housing and the appearance of rust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use chlorine-containing bleaches (for example, “Whiteness”) to wash internal surfaces. Chlorine attacks plastic aggressively, making it brittle, and its fumes are extremely harmful to food.
Avoid using metal scrapers, knives and hard brushes. They leave micro-scratches on the plastic, in which bacteria and dirt will subsequently accumulate, which will no longer be washable. Also, do not place hot pots or dishes on the shelves - this creates an extra load on the compressor and can deform the shelves.
Frequently asked questions and answers
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
General cleaning with defrosting is recommended every 3-4 months. However, you should wipe down shelves and check for spoiled food weekly. If liquid is spilled or crumbs are scattered, the contamination must be removed immediately.
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator without unplugging it?
This is not recommended. Firstly, water can get on the contacts. Secondly, when washing, the door is open for a long time, and the compressor will run idle, trying to catch up with the temperature, which leads to excessive energy consumption and wear of the motor. It is better to turn off the device while cleaning.
How to wash yellow deposits on plastic?
Yellowishness often appears from time or contact with certain products. Try using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or special plastic cleaning wipes. Rubbing with alcohol also helps (but not on rubber parts).
What to do if there is a chemical smell left after washing?
It is necessary to re-wipe all surfaces with a clean damp cloth several times. Leave the refrigerator doors open for several hours (or overnight) to completely air out. You can place activated carbon tablets inside.