You have just purchased a new refrigerator - be it a compact model for a kitchen-studio or a spacious one Side-by-Side with the system No Frost. But before you load it with food, you need to thoroughly wash all surfaces. Why is this so important? Even in the original packaging, particles of technical oils, dust from production or preservatives that are used to protect the metal during transportation may remain on the walls, shelves and seals. Incorrect processing not only leaves an unpleasant chemical odor, but can also lead to spoilage of products. For example, residues of industrial lubricants on plastic parts oxidize over time, causing yellowing or a sticky coating to appear. And in models with a system
Improper processing not only leaves an unpleasant chemical odor, but can also lead to allergic reactions or food spoilage. For example, residues of industrial lubricants on plastic parts oxidize over time, causing yellowing or a sticky coating to appear. And in models with the system Low Frost or Frost Free unwashed ventilation ducts can become a source of mold after just a month of operation.
In this article you will find step-by-step washing algorithma list of permitted and prohibited detergents, as well as tips for caring for different types of refrigerators - from classic drip to inverter systems with ion air purification. We will pay special attention hidden areas (drainage hole, back wall, sealing rubber), which 90% of users miss during the first wash.
Why can’t you just wipe the refrigerator with a damp cloth?
Many people believe that it is enough to wipe the shelves and walls with a wet sponge - and you can load the products. This is a dangerous misconception! This is what remains inside an unwashed refrigerator:
- 🔧 Technical oils and silicones — used in production to protect metal parts from corrosion. Upon contact with products, they may give them a “plastic” or “burnt” taste.
- 🏭 Dust and microparticles - settle on surfaces during assembly, packaging and transportation. In models with the system Air Flow dust can clog the ventilation ducts.
- 🧪 Preservatives and anti-corrosion coatings are applied to the internal walls to prevent rust. Some of them (for example, nitrites) are prohibited for contact with food.
- 🦠 Bacteria and mold spores —may be present on the sealing gum, especially if the refrigerator has been stored in a warehouse for a long time in humid conditions.
According to a study German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (2023), in 68% of new refrigerators that were not pre-washed, pathogenic microorganisms were found after 2 weeks of operation - E. coli and Listeria. Cause? Remains of factory substances created a favorable environment for their reproduction.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a function Antibacteria (for example, Samsung BioFresh or LG DoorCooling+), the factory coating can react with household chemicals. Use only products with a neutral pH (6–8), otherwise the antibacterial layer will lose its properties.
How to wash a new refrigerator: safe products
Not all detergents are suitable for the first wash. The main selection criteria:
- 🧼 Neutral pH —aggressive alkalis or acids destroy the anti-corrosion coating and seals.
- 🚫 Without abrasives —even small particles scratch plastic and stainless steel, creating microcracks for bacteria.
- 🌿 Without chlorine and ammonia —these substances react with metal parts, causing darkening and corrosion.
- 🍋 Without strong fragrances —fragrances can be absorbed into the plastic and transferred to products.
Here are proven options:
| Type of product | Examples | For which surfaces | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized cleaners | Topperr 3101, Sano Refrigerator Cleaner, Dr. Beckmann | All types (plastic, stainless steel, glass) | Contain antibacterial additives, do not require rinsing |
| Baking soda | Solution: 2 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water | Plastic, rubber, enamel | Removes odors, but may leave a white coating on stainless steel |
| Vinegar (9%) | Solution: 1:1 with water | Glass shelves, drainage hole | Disinfects, but not suitable for aluminum parts |
| Laundry soap (72%) | Foam from shavings | Sealing rubber, plastic boxes | Requires thorough rinsing (soap residue spoils food) |
| Alcohol (70%) | Solution with water 1:1 | External surfaces, handles, display | Do not use inside - it dries out the plastic |
For models with ionic silver (for example, Panasonic NutriFresh) or charcoal filters (Hitachi Inverter) you cannot use products with bleaches - they neutralize the antibacterial effect. In this case, a soda solution or specialized cleaners marked “for systems with silver ions” are optimal.
What NOT to wash a new refrigerator: black list
Some substances seem harmless, but cause irreparable harm. Here's what is strictly prohibited:
- 🧴 Dishwashing detergents (Fairy, AOS>) - they contain surfactants that penetrate the micropores of the plastic and leave a sticky film. Over time, it begins to attract dirt.
- 🧽 Powder cleaners (Comet, Pemolux>) - scratch surfaces, and powder particles clog the drainage hole.
- 💊 Bleaches (Whiteness, Domestos>) - destroy the sealing gum and cause corrosion of metal parts.
- 🧴 Glass liquids - contain ammonia, which reacts with plastic, making it brittle.
- 🔥 Hot water (>40°C) — deforms plastic shelves and can damage the thermostat in models with electronic control.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with vacuum insulation (for example, Beko ProSmart Inverter) you cannot use products based on acetone or solvents - they destroy the sealed layer of foam, which leads to loss of cooling performance.
You need to handle the rear wall of the refrigerator with particular care. In models with an open capacitor (for example refrigerator. In models with an open capacitor (for example, Indesit DF 4180), moisture or detergents may cause a short circuit. To clean the back panel, use only a dry soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time
The washing process takes about 1–1.5 hours and includes 5 key stages. Prepare in advance:
- 🧽 Soft sponges (2 pcs.: one for detergent, the other for rinsing)
- 🧻 Microfiber cloths (at least 3-4 pieces)
- 🧴 Selected detergent
- 💦 Warm water (not higher than 30°C)
- 🧲 Magnet or paper clip (to clean the drainage hole)
Action algorithm:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays. In models with freshness zones (for example, Liebherr BioFresh) carefully remove the glass partitions.
- Wash the removable parts in the sink with a warm soda solution (2 tablespoons per 5 liters of water). For glass, you can use a vinegar solution (1:1). Do not rub metal grilles with abrasives!
- Clean the internal walls:
- Apply detergent to the sponge and wipe all surfaces, including the ceiling and bottom of the chamber.
- Spare attention sealing rubber —it needs to be washed on both sides (dirt accumulates in the grooves).
- For the drainage hole, use a cotton swab soaked in an alcohol solution.
All factory stickers and labels have been removed|All removable elements have been washed and dried|The drainage hole has been cleaned|The sealing rubber has been processed on both sides|The refrigerator has been ventilated for at least 30 minutes-->
For refrigerators with Total No system Frost (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R) after washing, turn on the mode Super Cooling for 1 hour - this will help remove residual moisture from the ventilation ducts.
Features of washing refrigerators of different types
The design and materials of the refrigerator dictate the nuances of care. Let's look at the most common types:
1. Drip refrigerators (for example, ATLANT XM 4021-000)
In these models, condensation forms on the back wall, which flows into the drainage hole. During the first wash:
- 🔍 Clean thoroughly drainage hole —use a thin wire or a special brush.
- 🚫 Do not wash the back wall with the evaporator - just wipe it with a dry cloth.
- 💧 After washing, turn on the refrigerator mode
Max Coolfor 2 hours to check the operation of the drainage.
2. No Frost and Low Frost systems (Samsung RB37A52N0SA, LG GA-B489 YDQZ)
The main feature is hidden ventilation channels. When washing:
- 🌀 Do not direct the water stream at the ventilation grilles - this may damage fan.
- 🧴 Use a spray cleaner with a long spout to treat hard-to-reach areas.
- ❄️ After turning on, check the operation of the fan - it should start in 10-15 minutes.
3. Refrigerators with a freshness zone (Liebherr CBNes 5066)
In cells with zero zone (0°C) you cannot use aggressive detergents - they disturb the microclimate. The best option:
- 🌿 Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) + a few drops of lemon. juice.
- 🧊 After washing, turn on the mode
SuperCoolto restore the temperature.
4. Built-in models (Electrolux EBB 2600)
They often have decorative panels that cannot be wet. When washing:
- 🔧 Remove the front panel (if it is removable) and clean it separately with a dry cloth.
- 💡 To clean the internal walls, use only microfiber cloths - they do not leave lint.
How to get rid of the factory smell in a new refrigerator
Even after thorough washing, a chemical smell may remain:
- 🏭 Remains of factory lubricant in the compressor (especially in models with a linear inverter, for example, Hitachi R-WB530PUC6).
- 🧤 Plastic parts (shelves, drawers) “give off” the smell for the first 1-2 weeks.
- 🔊 The rubber seal may smell like rubber if the refrigerator is long was stored in the package.
Effective methods of elimination:
| Method | How to use | Action time |
|---|---|---|
| Activated carbon | Place 5-6 tablets on shelves | 24-48 hours |
| Lemon peels | Place in a bowl on the middle shelf | 12-24 hours |
| Soda | Put the open pack on the bottom | 3–5 days |
| Coffee beans | Place in a saucer on the top shelf | 48 hours |
| Vinegar solution | Wipe the walls with a solution (1:1), then ventilate | 2-3 hours |
For refrigerators with air purification system (Toshiba GR-RF500WE-PM) do not use flavorings - they can damage the filter. turn on the mode Air Purify for 6-8 hours.
⚠️ Attention: If the smell does not disappear for more than a week, check drainage hole - perhaps dirt has accumulated there. In models with No Frost this may be the reason. clogged ventilation duct (service required).
Common mistakes when washing the refrigerator for the first time
Even experienced housewives make mistakes that later lead to breakdowns or spoilage of products. Here are the most common:
- 🚿 Use of hot water — deforms plastic shelves and can damage the thermostat. In electronically controlled refrigerators (Samsung Family Hub) this often leads to sensor failure.
- 🧽 Washing the refrigerator when it is turned on —risk of shortening short circuits, especially in models with a display (LG InstaView). Always disconnect from the power supply!
- 🔌 Missing the drainage holes - if you do not clean it, mold and an unpleasant odor will appear within a month.
- 🧴 Leaving detergent on surfaces —even harmless soda can give products a soapy taste.
- ☀️ Drying in the sun —ultraviolet radiation destroys the antibacterial coating in models with silver ions.
It is especially dangerous to ignore sealing gum. In refrigerators with a magnetic seal (Beko GNE V330X), dirt in the grooves leads to a violation of the seal and an increase in energy consumption by 15–20%.
What will happen if you do not wash the refrigerator before first use?
In the first days of operation, you may notice:
- Chemical aftertaste in products (especially dairy and liquids).
- Mold on the seal after 2-3 weeks.
- Corrosion of metal parts (in models with an open evaporator).
- No Frost malfunction due to clogged ventilation ducts.
In the long term, this reduces the life of the refrigerator by 20-30% and increases the risk of food poisoning.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to wash a new refrigerator with a detergent? washing windows?
No! These products contain ammonia, which destroys plastic and sealing rubber. For glass inside the refrigerator, use a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) or specialized glass cleaners (for example, Topperr 3101).
Is it necessary to wash a refrigerator if it has factory antibacterial treatment?
Yes, even if the passport indicates “antibacterial coating” (Samsung BioFresh, LG Hygiene Fresh+Factory treatment protects against bacteria, but does not remove technical oils, dust and preservatives. Use neutral detergents (pH 6–8) to avoid damaging the coating.
How to wash a refrigerator with a display and touch buttons?
For electronic panels (Samsung Family Hub, LG InstaView):
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Wipe the display with a dry microfiber cloth.
- For severe contamination, use a cloth soaked in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (no more than 30% concentration).
- Do not spray liquids directly on the panel!
How long should you ventilate the refrigerator after washing?
Minimum 30-40 minutes with the door open For models with No Frost or Low Frost recommended. turn on the mode Vacation (if available) for 1 hour to dry the ventilation ducts. In refrigerators with a drip system, natural ventilation is sufficient.
Can a steam generator be used to wash the refrigerator?
Hot steam:
- Deforms plastic shelves.
- Can damage the thermostat and electronic sensors.
- In models with No Frost leads to corrosion of ventilation ducts.
Exception - external washing of stainless steel (for example, y Liebherr SBSes 7256), but only if the instructions allow the use of steam.