Buying new household appliances is always a joyful event that marks comfort and order in the home. However, having delivered the long-awaited unit to the kitchen, many owners are faced with the obsessive smell of new plastic and factory grease, which can spoil the aroma of fresh food. Primary processing The internal surface is a mandatory step, ignoring which is fraught with the appearance of foreign tastes in food and the development of bacteria in a seemingly sterile environment.
The question of how to wash the inside of a new refrigerator often causes controversy, because aggressive chemicals can damage the coating of the chambers, and simple water does not always cope with technical odors. Manufacturers recommend using mild, non-abrasive products that will not leave toxic marks on shelves and walls. It is important to understand that the inner surface of the refrigerator is an area of direct contact with food, so the requirements for cleaning compounds here are higher than when cleaning any other furniture.
In this article we will analyze in detail safe cleaning methods, help you choose effective products from those at hand, and explain why some popular “folk” methods can be dangerous for modern models. Indesit or LG. Proper preparation of equipment for operation will extend the life of the seals and preserve the aesthetics of the internal space for many years.
Why it is necessary to wash the refrigerator before starting
Many users mistakenly believe that the new device is sterile and ready for use immediately after unpacking. In fact, during the process of production, transportation and storage, microparticles of dust, factory lubrication of mechanisms and remnants of packaging materials settle on the internal walls. Technical smellwhich is felt when opening the door is the result of the evaporation of volatile compounds from plastic and rubber seals.
If these substances are not removed before the first use, they can be preserved at low temperatures and periodically released, imparting an unpleasant taste to products, especially dairy products and those with high fat content. In addition, dust can clog the system No Frostvents, preventing air circulation. Washing also allows you to visually inspect the chambers for manufacturing defects, chips or cracks, which during operation can lead to corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a new refrigerator to store food until the smell of detergent and plastic has completely disappeared, otherwise the food may absorb chemical aromas.
Modern antibacterial coatings, which are often used cover the inner walls and also require careful handling. Aggressive impact can destroy the protective layer Silver Nano or similar technologies, depriving the equipment of the properties declared by the manufacturer. Therefore, primary cleaning is not just hygiene, but also a necessary measure to preserve the functionality of the device.
Preparation for washing: what you will need
Before starting water procedures, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and tools. The refrigerator should be unplugged and defrosted unless the instructions indicate otherwise (although new models usually arrive defrosted). You will need access to warm water and a set of safe cleaning products.
For high-quality cleaning, you do not need to buy expensive household chemicals. In most cases, simple components that every home cook has in her kitchen are effective. The main thing is to avoid abrasive powders, metal sponges and solvents, which can scratch glossy plastic or make it matte and rough.
- 🧽 Soft sponges made of microfiber or foam rubber - they do not leave lint and scratches.
- 🧴 Spray bottle for uniform application of the solution on vertical surfaces.
- 🧻 Dry cotton towels for final wiping dry.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands from possible irritation.
Special attention should be paid to removable elements: shelves, drawers for vegetables and containers on door. It is better to wash them separately in the sink or bathtub, where it is more convenient to rinse large parts. Glass shelves should be removed carefully to avoid temperature changes, which can lead to cracks if the glass is cold and the water is hot.
The best way to wash: a review of safe products
The choice of cleaning agent is a key point in preparing equipment. The market offers many specialized sprays, but not all of them are equally useful. Some contain fragrances that can interrupt the smell of products, or chemical components that require careful rinsing.
The safest and most effective method remains the use of proven folk remedies that do not contain aggressive chemicals. They do an excellent job of degreasing and deodorizing without leaving a toxic film. Let's look at the main options that experts recommend for caring for household appliances.
| Medicum | Proportions | Effect | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | 1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water | Eliminates odors, soft abrasive | Requires thorough rinsing to avoid white deposits |
| Table vinegar (9%) | 1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water | Disinfection, fat removal | Pungent odor when applied, quickly dissipates |
| Laundry soap | Solution of shavings in water | Degreasing | May leave a film, you need to rinse well |
| Citric acid | 1 tsp. per 1 liter of water | Antibacterial effect, fresh aroma | Safe for all types of plastic |
The use of specialized sprays for refrigerators is justified if you want to save time. However, when choosing such a product, carefully read the composition: it should not contain chlorine, acetone or gasoline. Alcohol-containing liquids Can only be used for spot cleaning of heavily soiled areas, but not for wiping large areas, since alcohol dries out plastic and rubber seals.
Can Should I wash it with dishwashing detergent?
Yes, you can, but with caution. Dish gels create a lot of foam, which is very difficult to completely wash out of the pores of the plastic. If you use gel, take a minimal amount (literally a drop per liter of water) and wipe the surfaces very thoroughly with clean water 2-3 times. Surfactant residues can give an unpleasant chemical taste to products.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash properly
The process of washing a new refrigerator requires a systematic approach. Don't rush and try to wash everything at once; it is better to act sequentially, moving from the upper shelves to the lower ones, so that dirty water does not drip onto already washed areas.
☑️ Algorithm for washing the refrigerator
Start by removing all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg cups and bottles. Wash them in warm water with your chosen detergent. If the dirt is heavy, soak the parts for 10-15 minutes. For plastic boxes, use a soft sponge, avoiding the hard side, which can leave micro-scratches.
Wash the internal chambers using top-to-bottom movements. Generously soak the sponge in the solution and thoroughly wipe the ceiling, back wall and side surfaces. Pay special attention to corners and joints where production dust may have accumulated. The rubber seal on the door must be wiped very carefully, stretching its folds to wash out all the dust, but not damage the rubber structure.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, scrapers) to remove stickers or dirt inside the camera - this will damage the cooling system or internal coating.
After the main treatment, be sure to wipe all surfaces with clean water to remove any remaining detergent. Then dry the cameras and parts with a cotton towel. Moisture inside the refrigerator before turning it on is unacceptable, as it can freeze and disrupt the operation of the sensors or cause corrosion of metal elements.
How to eliminate the smell of plastic in a new one refrigerator
Even after thorough washing, the smell of new plastic may persist. This is a normal situation for many models, especially the budget segment, where simpler types of polymers are used. To speed up the weathering process and guarantee the freshness of products, you can use natural odor absorbers.
One of the most effective methods is the use of activated carbon. It is enough to crush 10-15 tablets and scatter the powder into saucers, placing them on the refrigerator shelves. Coal has excellent adhesive ability and quickly neutralizes foreign odors. An alternative could be brown bread, soda in an open container, or ground coffee.
- 🍋 Citrus zest - place orange or lemon peels on shelves for a pleasant aroma.
- 🍚 Rice or sugar - absorb moisture and odors when poured into a bowl.
- 🧴 Cotton pads with vanilla will create a light, unobtrusive aroma.
Some users try to mask the smell of plastic with home fragrances. This should not be done, as artificial fragrances may react with products or be toxic at low temperatures. It is better to let the equipment stand with the doors open in a ventilated room for 24 hours.
What not to do: common mistakes
The desire to wash a new refrigerator that is “squeaky clean” often leads to errors that can damage the equipment or shorten its service life. There are a number of actions that are strictly contraindicated when caring for the internal chambers of refrigeration equipment.
First, never wash the refrigerator with hot water. The plastic from which the inner walls are made can become deformed or crack if there is a sudden change in temperature. In addition, hot water can damage the adhesive base of the seals. The water temperature should not exceed 30-40 degrees.
Secondly, avoid using chlorine-containing products (for example, Belizna) and solvents (acetone, Galosh gasoline). Chlorine breaks down the structure of plastic, making it brittle, and can also corrode the metal parts of the evaporator if it gets into contact with them. Solvents will simply melt the surface.
⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers may change the care requirements for specific models. Always check the official user manual (Care and Maintenance section), as some modern coatings (for example, antibacterial nano-layers) require specific products.
The third common mistake is using steam cleaners. Although steam is an excellent disinfectant, it is death to the refrigerator. Hot steam under pressure can damage the insulating layer, cause internal plastic to peel off, and short-circuit electrical components even when the refrigerator is turned off (moisture can flood the sensors).
FAQ: frequently asked questions
Can a new refrigerator be washed with bleach?
No, it is strictly not recommended to use chlorine-containing products. Chlorine is aggressive towards plastic and rubber, it can cause their destruction and the appearance of microcracks. In addition, chlorine vapors are toxic and can remain in the pores of the plastic, passing into the products.
Do you need to remove the protective film from the internal shelves?
Yes, all protective films, stickers and tape must be completely removed before first use. They are intended for transport protection only. If you leave them, moisture may accumulate under them and mold may develop, and the plastic itself may become cloudy.
How long after washing can you turn on the refrigerator?
You can turn on the unit only after all internal surfaces and removable parts are completely dry. This usually takes 2-3 hours of ventilation with the doors open. It is also important to let the compressor settle after transportation (at least 2-4 hours) before connecting it to the network.
Will an ozonizer help remove the smell of a new refrigerator?
Yes, a household ozonizer can significantly speed up the process of eliminating odor. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and destroys odorant molecules. However, you need to use it carefully, following the instructions for the device, and not being in the room during processing.