After purchasing a long-awaited household appliance, the owners are faced with an important question, which is often ignored in the hassle of unpacking: how to wash the new one refrigerator. Many people mistakenly believe that factory packaging guarantees the sterility of internal surfaces, but this is not entirely true.
During the production, assembly and transportation process, industrial dust, as well as tiny particles of plastic and lubricants, settle on the walls of chambers, shelves and drawers. In addition, the specific technical smell characteristic of new equipment can be transferred to products, especially dairy and bakery products, significantly worsening their taste.
That is why thorough initial washing is a mandatory step in preparing the unit for operation. Correct processing will not only eliminate extraneous odors, but also create a protective layer that facilitates further maintenance. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the process, from the choice of safe products to the features of cleaning various types of surfaces.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any water procedures, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances in a damp environment without taking precautions can lead to electric shock.
Why do you need to wash new equipment
Primary cleaning is not just a tribute to cleanliness, but a necessary hygienic procedure. The internal surfaces of refrigeration chambers, made of plastic or enameled metal, come into contact with equipment during the production process, on which traces of oils and technical liquids may remain. These substances are not visible to the eye, but upon contact with warm products they can react.
In addition, factory smell comes from the polymers used in the manufacture of internal panels and seals. If volatile compounds are not neutralized immediately after unpacking, they may be absorbed into highly absorbent foods such as butter, cheese or open drinks. Removing these substances requires the use of specific solutions that can break down organic and inorganic contaminants.
Do not forget about the microbiological aspect. While the refrigerator is in the store's warehouse or in transit, mold spores or bacteria may have gotten inside. The warm and humid environment that forms in the first hours after switching on will become an ideal incubator for their reproduction, if disinfection is not carried out.
- 🧼 Removing industrial dust and lubricant microparticles from factory conveyors.
- 🌬️ Neutralization of volatile organic compounds that create the smell of “new” plastic. smell of plastic
- 🦠 Disinfection of surfaces to prevent the growth of bacteria in confined spaces.
- 🛡️ Creation of an initial protective barrier on the walls of the chamber to facilitate future maintenance.
Preparation for the cleaning process
Before proceeding with direct washing, it is necessary to properly prepare the unit and working space Removing removable elements is the first and most important step. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders should be removed from the chamber. This will allow you to efficiently process not only the accessories themselves, but also hard-to-reach places inside the case, where the most dirt usually accumulates.
Glass shelves require special attention: sudden temperature changes can lead to their destruction. If you plan to wash them with hot water for better degreasing, make sure that the glass has had time to warm up to room temperature after winter transportation. Tempered glassused in modern models is durable, but sensitive to local thermal shock.
For work you will need a set of tools: soft sponges that do not leave lint, microfiber for polishing and several containers for water. Hard brushes and abrasive scrapers are strictly prohibited, as they will leave micro-scratches on the plastic. Dirt will subsequently become clogged in these scratches, and it will be almost impossible to wash it.
☑️ Preparing for washing
How to clean the inside of the refrigerator: safe means
The choice of detergent is a key point that determines the safety of future operation. Aggressive chemistry can damage the structure of the plastic, making it cloudy or brittle. The most universal and safe option is regular laundry soap solution. It copes well with grease and does not contain fragrances that could kill the smell of food.
A baking soda solution is perfect for eliminating persistent industrial odors. The alkaline environment not only neutralizes odors, but also has a slight antiseptic effect. It is important to thoroughly dissolve the crystals in water so that large particles do not scratch the glossy surfaces of the cameras. The proportion is approximately one tablespoon per liter of warm water.
If the smell of plastic is very strong, you can use a weak solution of acetic acid or lemon juice. An acidic environment effectively breaks down some types of technical contaminants. However, after such treatment, it is necessary to very carefully wipe the surfaces with clean water so that acid residues do not get on the food and cause corrosion of metal elements.
| Medicant | Concentration | Efficacy against odor | Safety for plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laundry soap solution | Shavings per 1 liter of water | Medium | High |
| Baking soda | 1 tbsp. spoon for 1 l | High | High |
| Vinegar 9% | 1 tbsp. spoon for 1 liter | Very high | Medium (requires washing) |
| Specialized spray | According to instructions | High | Depends on the composition |
Can you use dishwashing detergents?
Yes, you can, but with caution. Dish gels create a lot of foam that is very difficult to rinse out completely. Residues of surfactants can give a chemical taste to products. If you use a gel, take a minimal amount and wipe the surfaces with clean water at least 3-4 times.
How to eliminate the factory smell of plastic
The smell of new plastic is a common problem faced by owners of modern equipment. It is caused by the release of volatile substances from polymers. If a simple washing with soda does not help to completely get rid of the aroma, you can use natural adsorbents. Place pieces of black bread, an open pack of soda or activated carbon inside the chambers.
The method of wiping surfaces with a solution of ammonia has proven itself well, but it should be used with extreme caution. Ammonia It effectively removes grease and odor, but its vapors are toxic, so you need to work in a ventilated area and with gloves. After treatment, the refrigerator should remain open for several hours.
For models with the system No Frost it is important to rinse not only the main chamber, but also the air supply channels, if there is access. Odor can linger in plastic air ducts. Use a spray bottle to spray a deodorizing solution (water with lemon) inside the grille on the back wall, after turning off the device.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use fragrances with strong fragrances (coffee, citrus oils) to mask the odor until it has completely disappeared. Mixing a technical smell with the aroma of coffee can give an unpredictable and unpleasant result.
Cleaning external surfaces and seals
The appearance of the refrigerator also requires attention. Modern models often have a coating Anti-Fingerprint (anti-prints), which is easily damaged by aggressive chemicals. For such surfaces, special stainless steel wipes or simply warm water with a drop of mild shampoo are ideal. Movements should be along the texture of the metal so as not to leave streaks.
Pay special attention to the rubber door seal. This is the place where dust and factory grease most often accumulate. Wipe the folds of the seal with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water or hydrogen peroxide. A clean seal ensures a tight fit of the door, which directly affects the energy efficiency of the device.
If there are traces of tape or stickers on the body, do not peel them off with your fingernails. Use vegetable oil or a special glue remover. Apply the substance to a rag, apply it to the stain for a couple of minutes, and then carefully remove the softened glue. After this, be sure to degrease the area with a soap solution.
- 🚿 Use only soft sponges for glossy and metal surfaces.
- 🧴 Avoid products containing chlorine or abrasive particles, they destroy the protective layer.
- 🌬️ Dry thoroughly sealant after washing to prevent the formation of mold.
- ✨ To make stainless steel shiny, you can use a special polishing milk.
What you should absolutely not use
There are a number of substances, the use of which can irreversibly damage a new refrigerator. First of all, these are solvents such as acetone, gasoline or white spirit. They can melt the plastic, make it sticky, or change the color of the panels. Even a single use of such products often leads to the need to replace the inner liners.
Chlorine bleaches are also on the prohibited list. Chlorine destroys the rubber structure, making the seal hard and brittle, which will lead to loss of tightness. In addition, chlorine vapor can oxidize metal parts inside the chamber, causing corrosion that cannot be eliminated.
It is not recommended to use hot water (above 40-45 degrees). The plastic from which the internal chambers are made can become deformed or lose its strength properties when suddenly heated. The optimal water temperature for washing a refrigerator is 30-35 degreeswhich corresponds to the temperature of comfortable hand washing.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using steam cleaners for cleaning internal plastic panels. The high temperature of the steam can cause deformation of the thin walls of the chamber and damage the thermal insulation layer.
Drying and first start-up
After thoroughly washing all surfaces, the drying stage begins. Do not allow humidity inside the refrigerator before first use, as this may lead to condensation on electronic components or mold growth in hidden cavities. Wipe all surfaces dry with clean microfiber or paper towels.
Leave the doors open for a few more hours in a ventilated area. This ensures the evaporation of residual moisture from microcracks and joints. Make sure that there are no lint left in the chambers from rags or drops of water in the recesses for the shelves.
Only after complete drying can you put the shelves and drawers in place. When you turn it on for the first time, do not immediately load the refrigerator with food. Let it run idle for 2-3 hours so that the temperature stabilizes and any residual odors from detergents disappear completely.
Can a new refrigerator be washed with window cleaner?
You can only use window cleaner to clean external glass or mirror surfaces, if the model has them. It is not recommended to use such products inside the chamber, as they often contain alcohol and ammonia, which can damage the plastic and leave a chemical odor that is absorbed into the products.
How long should you keep the refrigerator open after washing?
The optimal ventilation time after wet cleaning is from 2 to 4 hours. If strong-smelling substances were used or the smell of plastic was very strong, it is better to leave the device open overnight (8-10 hours) for a guaranteed result.
What to do if the smell of plastic does not disappear after the first wash?
If the smell persists, repeat the washing procedure using a solution of vinegar or citric acid. Then place a bowl of ground coffee or activated carbon inside and leave the refrigerator turned off with the door open for another day. In rare cases, the smell may disappear within 1-2 weeks of active use.