How to wash a refrigerator, so that it does not smell and shines clean: proven methods

Even the most modern refrigerator eventually begins to emit unpleasant odors. The reasons can be different: from spilled milk to the growth of bacteria in secluded corners. But the main thing is that this is not a death sentence for your technology. Proper cleaning will not only eliminate the odor, but will also extend the life of the unit, preventing the appearance of mold and corrosion.

In this article we will look at 12 effective ways —from improvised means to specialized chemicals, we will tell you how to properly wash the rubber seal (where the most dirt accumulates), and share the secrets of prevention. You will also find out what mistakes 90% of housewives make when washing the refrigerator, and how to avoid them.

Why the refrigerator starts to smell bad: 5 main reasons

Before grabbing a sponge, it is important to understand the source of the problem. The most common culprits are:

• 🍳 Spoiled food —even a small piece of meat or fish forgotten on the back shelf can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
• 🧼 Improper cleaning —if you simply wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, dirt and grease remain in the microcracks of the plastic.
• 🧽 Dirty drainage —organic residues accumulate in the drain hole and begin to rot.
• 🦠 Mold and mildew —especially loves the rubber seal and the back wall (in models with a drip system).
• 🔌 Failure - if the refrigerator does not cool enough, food spoils faster (relevant for older models Indesit or Atlant with worn compressor).

An interesting fact: according to a study by microbiologists, up to 11.4 million bacteria per 10 cm² can live in a refrigerator - this is 750 times more than on a toilet seat! And most of them are concentrated precisely on the seal and the lower shelves.

Preparing for cleaning: what needs to be done BEFORE washing

You can’t just go and start scrubbing the shelves with detergent. There are 4 mandatory stepsthat will speed up the process and make it safe:

1. Unplug the refrigerator —even if you have a model No Frost (for example, Samsung RB30A3200SA), it is better not to risk it. In some units, when the door is open, automatic defrosting may work, and you will get a puddle on the floor.
2. Take out all the products —check the expiration dates and throw away the suspicious stuff. Put the rest in a cooler bag or wrap the food in towels and put it in a bowl with ice.
3. Remove all removable ones. elements -shelves, drawers, wire racks, egg trays. It is better to wash them separately in the sink.
4. Prepare tools: soft sponges, toothbrush (for hard-to-reach places), spray bottle, dry microfiber cloths.

Soft sponge or microfiber cloth|

Tooth brush (for sealing and drainage)|

Spray bottle with sprayer|

Baking soda or vinegar|

Gloves (optional)|

Dry towels

-->

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a Total No Frost system (like Liebherr CNef 4315), do not use hot water to wash the internal surfaces - this may damage the special antibacterial coating.

Top 5 homemade cleaning products refrigerator

You don’t have to spend money on expensive chemicals - many products that you have in the kitchen will cope with the smell just as well. The main rule: do not mix products (for example, soda with vinegar) to avoid toxic fumes.

💡 Secret from the professionals: To enhance the effect, add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to any solution - it has a powerful antibacterial effect and leaves it fresh for a long time. aroma.

How to wash the rubber seal: step-by-step instructions

The seal is the dirtiest place in the refrigerator. Crumbs, grease and moisture accumulate here, creating an ideal environment for mold. You need to clean it separate from the main surfaces, otherwise all your efforts will be in vain.

Take a toothbrush. brush (preferably a new one or a household one) and do the following:

1. Prepare a solution: 1 tbsp. soda + 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide per 200 ml of water.
2. Carefully bend the elastic band and clean all the folds with a brush. fastening!
3. To disinfect, wipe the seal with a cotton pad soaked in medical alcohol (70%).
4. Blot with a dry cloth and leave the door open for 10-15 minutes to dry.

⚠️ Attention: If the seal is cracked or has lost elasticity, no cleaning will help - it needs to be replaced. In models Bosch KGE39XW2AR or Electrolux ERN 1200 FOW you can do this yourself by purchasing an original spare part.

What will happen if you do not clean the seal?

Mold on the rubber band can penetrate into the door mechanism, causing corrosion of the hinges. In advanced cases, this leads to loose closure and constant operation of the compressor for wear (and therefore to increased energy consumption and the risk of breakdown).

Professional remedies: when home methods do not help

If the refrigerator has not been washed for years or the smell is persistent (for example, from spoiled fish), home remedies may not cope. In such cases, you should turn to specialized chemistry:

• 🧴 Sprays for refrigerators - for example, Top House or Unicum". They contain antibacterial components and do not require rinsing.
• 🧼 Washing gels - Sano Refrigerator Cleaner or Bagi Shumanit (the latter removes grease and limescale well).
• 🧪 Disinfectant wipes - convenient for quick cleaning (for example, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes).
• 🌿 Eco-products - if there are allergy sufferers, choose enzyme-based products, for example Bio-Mist.

When using professional chemicals always:

• Read the instructions - some products cannot be used on stainless steel.
• Ventilate the refrigerator after treatment (at least 30 minutes).
• Do not mix different preparations - this can cause a chemical reaction.

💰 Cost: A high-quality product will cost 300–800 rubles, but it will be enough for 5–10 cleanings. For comparison: calling a cleaning service to clean the refrigerator costs from 300 to 800 rubles. 1500 rubles.

How to wash the drainage hole and avoid blockages

The drainage hole (usually located on the back wall at the bottom) is the “weak spot” of many refrigerators. If it becomes clogged, water does not go into the pan, but accumulates inside, creating ideal conditions. for the growth of bacteria.

You need to clean the drainage every 3-6 monthseven if there is no smell. Here's how to do it:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove all the shelves.
2. Find the hole (in models Samsung it is often hidden under a plastic plug).
3. Take a cotton swab or a special brush (comes with some refrigerators, for example LG GA-B489 TGQZ) and carefully clean the hole.
4. Rinse the drain with warm water and soda, using a syringe or syringe without a needle.
5. Check the pan (usually located at the bottom back) - if there is water there, pour it out and rinse the pan.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the drain the water still does not go away, the clog may be deeper in the drain tube. In this case, it is better to call a specialist - independent attempts to clean it can damage the system.

Why DO NOT do this when washing the refrigerator

Even with the best intentions, you can harm the equipment. Here are 7 prohibited techniquesthat accelerate the wear of the refrigerator:

• 🔥 Use hot water - this deforms the plastic and can damage the seal (especially in models with No Frost).
• 🧴 Apply abrasive agents (type Pemolux) - they scratch the surface, and dirt accumulates in microcracks faster.
• 🧽 Wash the refrigerator with hard sponges —metal sponges leave scratches on stainless steel and glass.
• 🌿 Treat the internal surfaces with bleach —its smell is absorbed into the plastic and does not erode for a long time.
• 🔌 Turn on the refrigerator immediately after washing —moisture must evaporate completely, otherwise condensation will form.
• 🧊 Put on hot products on the shelves —this leads to ice formation and overload of the compressor.
• 🚫 Ignore the back wall —dust accumulates there, which interferes with heat transfer and increases energy consumption.

💡 Tip: If you accidentally scratched the plastic, you can restore the surface using polish for car panels (for example, Sonax Plastic Polish). Apply it only to a dry and clean surface.

How to prevent odor: 8 rules of prevention

Regular cleaning is good, but it’s even better to prevent odor from appearing:

• 📅 Wash the refrigerator every 2-4 weeks -quick cleaning is enough. with soda solution.
• 🥩 Store food in containers —especially meat, fish and cheeses. Glass or food-grade plastic boxes with a lid are suitable.
• 🧀 Use odor absorbers —for example, bags with silica gel. (they can be “reanimated” in the microwave) or special carbon filters.
• 🌡️ Keep an eye on it. temperature - in the main chamber it should be +4...+5°C, in the freezer –18°C. At higher values, food spoils faster.
• 🍋 Put “flavors” on the shelf —a slice of lemon, a sprig of rosemary or a cotton swab dipped in vanilla.
• 🧊 Defreeze the freezer 1-2 times a year —even in systems No Frost accumulates over time ice.
• 📦 Do not fill the refrigerator to capacity —air should circulate between the products.
• 🔄 Check expiration dates —inspect it at least once a week.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has a function Holiday Mode (as in Beko GNE114620X), turn it on when you leave for a long time. It maintains a temperature of +15°C, preventing the appearance of mold when the door is rarely opened.

📌 Useful life hack: In order not to forget about cleaning, hang a magnet with a reminder on the refrigerator or set a monthly event on your phone. This will save you time on general cleaning!

FAQ: Answers to common questions. questions

Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with a steam generator?

Yes, but with caution. Steam disinfects and removes grease well, but Do not direct the stream at the seal and electronic elements (for example, the display in models Samsung Family HubKeep the nozzle at a distance of 20-30 cm from the surface). and immediately wipe off the condensation with a dry cloth.

How to remove the smell of plastic in a new refrigerator?

This is normal for new models (especially from AsiaTo eliminate the smell:

1. Rinse all surfaces with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water).
2. Put sliced lemon or orange peels on the shelves.
3. Leave the refrigerator open for 12-24 hours.

If the smell does not left in a week, contact the service center - perhaps this is a plastic defect.

How to wash a refrigerator with a No Frost system?

For No Frost all the same products are suitable, but with two nuances:

• Do not use abrasive powders - they will damage the special coating that prevents the formation of ice.
• After washing, thoroughly wipe the back wall - in these models it often contains ventilation holes that cannot be filled with water.

How to clean a refrigerator if it is heavily soiled with mold?

If there is extensive mold damage (especially on seal):

1. Wear gloves and a respirator - mold spores are dangerous to health.
2. Prepare a solution: 1 liter of water + 100 ml of vinegar + 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Treat all surfaces, paying special attention to joints and rubber band.
4. After 30 minutes, wipe with clean water and dry.
5. If mold remains, repeat the procedure or use a professional antifungal spray (for example, Cillit Bang Black mold).

If mold has penetrated deep into the seal, it will have to be replaced.

Is it necessary to wash the inside of the refrigerator if it is empty (for example, at the dacha)?

Yes, it is necessary! mold.

• Before the end of the summer season - to prevent the appearance of mold.
• Before the start of the season - to remove possible dust and odors.

After washing, leave the door ajar, placing a folded towel between it and the body for air circulation.