An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator can ruin your mood and appetite, turning the cooking process into an ordeal. This is often the result of spilled milk, a forgotten piece of meat, or simply a long history of using equipment without a thorough cleaning. Many housewives are looking for a way how to clean a refrigeratorto get rid of odors once and for all, but not damage the internal coating of the chambers.
Modern units, whether reliable Indesit or high-tech LG s system No Frostrequire a delicate approach. Abrasive powders can leave microscopic scratches in plastic, allowing bacteria to multiply at double the rate. Therefore, it is important to choose the right product that will not only mask the aroma, but also destroy its source.
In this article we will examine in detail chemical and folk methods that are guaranteed to help restore freshness. You will learn how to properly prepare equipment for washing, what tools to use and how to prevent odors in the future.
Preparing for general cleaning
Before you grab a rag and detergent, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step may result in the dirt simply spreading over the surface, but the smell will remain.
First of all, completely empty the chambers of products. If it's winter outside, you can take perishable foods to the balcony, otherwise use cooler bags or thermal bags with ice. Be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply.
Next, you should remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and door baskets. It is more convenient to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin in order to gain access to all corners of the inner chamber. While they are soaking, you can work on the body.
- 🧊 Wait for complete defrosting if you have a drip system so that the water does not flow in a stream during washing.
- 🧹 Prepare soft sponges, microfiber and a spray bottle for the cleaning solution.
- 🧤 Wear rubber gloves, as even safe products can dry out the skin of your hands with prolonged contact.
After the equipment has defrosted, collect all the water and wipe the inner walls with a dry rag. Only now can you start choosing a cleaning composition.
☑️ Preparing for washing
Folk remedies: effectiveness and safety
The most popular request in search engines is how to clean a refrigerator using improvised means. And this is justified: they are cheap, safe for children and animals, and are often more effective than aggressive chemicals. The leader here is ordinary baking soda.
Soda is a mild abrasive and an excellent adsorbent. A solution of two tablespoons of powder per liter of warm water copes well with greasy deposits and old stains. The main thing is to thoroughly rinse off the remaining soda, otherwise whitish stains may remain on the white plastic.
Another powerful remedy is table vinegar. Acid perfectly neutralizes alkaline odors (for example, the aroma of sour milk) and kills bacteria. However, acetic acid can damage rubber seals with frequent use, therefore the solution should be weak (1 part vinegar to 2-3 parts water), and it should be used rarely.
Ammonia is often used to polish external stainless steel surfaces. It adds shine and removes fingerprints, but you need to work with it only in a well-ventilated area because of the caustic steam.
Household chemicals: what to choose in the store
If traditional methods do not seem effective enough to you or you prefer ready-made solutions, the market offers a wide range of specialized products. When purchasing, pay attention to the label “for food surfaces” or “environmentally friendly.”
Sprays based on surfactants (surfactants) break down fat well. However, they require very careful rinsing multiple times. Chemical residues may react with products, which is unacceptable.
Wet wipes for household appliances are a convenient option for express cleaning. They do not require rinsing and often contain antibacterial components. But for general cleaning with a strong odor, their power may not be enough.
| Type of product | Pros | Cons | What is it suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprays with chlorine | Powerful disinfection | Toxic, pungent odor | Mold, severe contamination |
| Kitchen gels | Remove grease well | Difficult washed off | Greasy deposits on the shelves |
| Eco-sprays | Safe, odorless | High price | Daily cleaning |
| Wipes | Convenient, no need to rinse | Small volume, not economical | Quick cleaning of the door |
When using any “chemicals”, strictly follow the instructions on the bottle. Do not mix different products, for example, chlorine-containing and acidic, as this can lead to the release of dangerous gases.
Removing odors from spoiled food
The situation when a spoiled product (meat, fish) has been lying in the refrigerator for a long time is stressful. The smell is absorbed into the plastic so deeply that ordinary washing does not help.
In this case, “heavy artillery” is needed. After washing thoroughly with baking soda or vinegar, use activated carbon. Crush 10-15 tablets, scatter on plates and leave inside a closed refrigerator for a day. Coal is a powerful sorbent that will draw out odor molecules from the pores of the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: If the odor comes from milk or meat juice spilled inside the case, which could have flowed into the technical holes or drainage, ordinary cleaning will not be enough. You may need to disassemble the inner panel and have the evaporator professionally cleaned.
Natural absorbers also help a lot: a bowl of rice, coffee beans, or an open pack of soda. Leave them in the cells for 2-3 days. If the smell does not go away, check the drainage hole on the back wall - often the source of the “amber” lies precisely there, in stagnant water.
How to clean the drainage hole
To do this, you will need a special cable brush or soft wire with cotton wool at the end. Carefully insert the tool into the hole (usually located at the bottom of the back wall) and make a few rotational movements. Then rinse the drain with warm water from a syringe.
Cleaning seals and hard-to-reach places
The rubber seal on the door is a magnet for dirt, crumbs and mold. It is in the folds of rubber that the source of an unpleasant odor is most often hidden, which no air freshener can remove.
Wipe the seal with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water or lemon juice. Citric acid will not only clean, but also whiten yellowed rubber. After cleaning, be sure to wipe the seal dry.
Do not forget about the outer surfaces. Oily deposits and handprints on doors, especially around the handles, oxidize over time and begin to smell. For glossy surfaces, use window cleaning products, and for matte surfaces, use special sprays for household appliances.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the corners of the chambers and plastic joints - the most dirt accumulates there.
- 🧼 Use a toothbrush to clean the corrugated parts of the seal.
- 🌬️ After washing, leave the doors open for at least 4-6 hours for complete drying and ventilation.
Regular care of the seal extends its service life and ensures a tight fit of the door, which saves energy.
Prevention: how to preserve freshness
To prevent the question how to clean the refrigeratorfrom arising too often, it is important to follow the rules for storing food. All liquids should be covered, and it is better to store meat and fish in airtight containers or tight bags.
Once a week, inspect the shelves and throw away products with expiration dates. Do not place hot food inside - this creates condensation, an ideal environment for bacteria. Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth immediately after accidental spills.
Use natural flavors: a slice of lemon, vanillin on cotton wool or a bag of zest will help maintain a pleasant aroma. But remember, they do not replace cleaning, but only mask light odors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator soap?
Yes, laundry soap is an excellent remedy. Grate the block, dissolve the shavings in warm water and wash the chambers. The main thing is to rinse off the soap solution very thoroughly, as it can leave a sticky layer and its own specific smell.
How to remove the smell of fish from the refrigerator?
The fish smell is very persistent. A vinegar solution (1:3) will help to wash all surfaces. After this, place Activated charcoal (activated carbon) or ground coffee inside. Ventilation during the day is mandatory.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a good antiseptic. You can wipe the shelves and walls with it after the main wash. It is odorless, safe for food and kills germs.
Why does the refrigerator smell like sewage?
Most often this indicates a clogged drainage hole, where water has stagnated and has begun to rot. It is necessary to clean the drainage with a brush and rinse it with warm water and soda.