Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, promising freshness of food and technological comfort. However, immediately after unpacking and installing the unit in the kitchen, many users are faced with an obsessive odor emitted by internal surfaces.
This specific aroma comes from factory grease, industrial dust, remnants of packaging materials and the plastic itself from which the shelves and drawers are made.
Ignoring the pre-treatment step can lead to the products absorbing foreign chemicals odors, and the service life of the seals will be shortened due to the aggressive environment.
In this article we will look at how to wash a new refrigerator before turning it onto eliminate any health risks and ensure perfect cleanliness from the first day of operation.
Why is treatment necessary before the first startup
Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply wipe the dust from the outside of the case, but the inside requires a more careful approach.
During the production and packaging process, microparticles of plastic, oil and even bacteria that got there during the assembly or transportation stage settle in the chamber.
In addition, new materials often emit volatile organic compounds compounds that give a characteristic “technical” smell.
⚠️ Attention: If the factory grease is not removed from the evaporator or internal walls, it may harden during cooling, which will reduce the efficiency of heat transfer.
Correct disinfection and cleaning allows you to create a hygienic environment in which microorganisms will not multiply.
Washing also helps check the integrity of all removable elements and detect possible defects that are not noticeable during a quick inspection.
Preparation for washing: what you need to know before you start
Before you start washing procedures, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and the unit itself.
The refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply if it has already been connected to check operation in the store.
It is better to remove all removable parts, such as glass shelves, plastic containers for vegetables and tiers for eggs separately.
This will allow for proper rinsing hard-to-reach corners and ends of shelves, where dust often accumulates.
For work you will need:
- 🧽 Soft sponges without an abrasive surface, so as not to scratch the glossy plastic.
- 🧴 A container with warm water for rinsing rags.
- 🧻 Cotton napkins or microfiber for final drying.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands from detergents.
It is important to make sure that the ones you choose cleaning products do not contain aggressive solvents that can damage the polymer coatings.
Choosing a safe detergent
The question of what is the best way to washis especially acute, since the market offers a lot of chemicals, but not all of them are suitable for food chambers.
The ideal option is to use specialized sprays for household appliances, which do not leave an odor and are safe when in contact with products.
However, you can also use proven folk methods, which are often more effective than expensive chemicals.
An excellent choice would be a baking soda solution, which not only cleanses, but also neutralizes foreign substances aromas.
Table vinegar diluted with water, which has a slight disinfectant effect, has also proven itself well.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use chlorine-containing products, acetone, gasoline or abrasive powders - they destroy the structure of the plastic and rubber seals.
If you choose household chemicalsgive preference to gel formulations with a neutral pH.
Liquid laundry soap is also a safe alternative, but requires very careful rinsing to avoid soap deposits.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash properly
The cleaning process should be carried out sequentially, moving from top to bottom, so that dirty water does not stain washed areas.
First, wipe the internal walls with a damp cloth soaked in the selected solution, paying special attention to corners and joints.
Then thoroughly rinse all removable elements under running water using a sponge.
Do not forget to treat door handles and external panels, as they leave the most fingerprints during transportation.
☑️ Checklist for washing the refrigerator
Pay special attention rubber seal on the door: it is in its folds that factory dust is often hidden.
Carefully push the folds apart with your fingers and wipe them with a cotton swab or a narrow cloth soaked in a soap solution.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with clean microfiber.
Residual moisture can lead to the formation of mold or ice crust when the compressor is first started.
How to get rid of plastic smell
Even after thorough washing new refrigerator can retain a slight odor of plastic, which does not disappear immediately.
To speed up this process, you can use natural odor absorbers.
Place open containers with activated carbon, ground coffee or soda.
These substances have a high adsorption capacity and will quickly draw out foreign odors from the pores of the plastic.
Ventilation is also effective: leave the door open for 12-24 hours in a well-ventilated area.
If the odor persists for more than two days, the problem may be due to poor quality materials, and you should contact a service center.
Folk methods of fighting odor
There is an opinion that the smell can be eliminated by wiping the walls with a cut lemon or apple. However, be careful: fruit acids can leave a sticky layer that can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not washed off well. It is better to use dry absorbents.
Table: Comparison of cleaning products
For the convenience of choosing a suitable product, we suggest comparing their main characteristics and scope of application.
| Means | Efficiency | Safety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized spray | High | High | Dries quickly, does not require rinsing (depending on the brand) |
| Soda solution | Medium | Absolute | Ideally removes odors, hypoallergenic |
| Vinegar water | Average | High | Disinfects, but requires good ventilation |
| Laundry soap | High | Average | Requires repeated rinsing, may leave a film |
When choosing a product, focus on the material of the internal surfaces of your unit.
For models with antibacterial coating do not use alcohol-containing liquids, as they destroy the protective layer.
Common mistakes when preparing a refrigerator
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment.
One of the most common is turning on the refrigerator immediately after washing, without waiting for it to dry completely.
Moisture that has gotten into electrical contacts or ventilation holes, can cause a short circuit.
Another mistake is using hot water for defrosting or washing, which leads to deformation of plastic parts.
⚠️ Attention: The technical characteristics of modern refrigerants and insulating materials require compliance with the temperature regime when washing - the water should not be hotter 40°C.
Also, do not use hard brushes or scrapers to remove stickers or dirt.
Scratches on plastic will be an ideal place for dirt and bacteria to accumulate in the future.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with tap water?
Yes, you can, but the water must be warm and the cloth must be wrung out well. The main thing is to avoid water jets getting into the ventilation openings and electrical components.
How long after washing can you turn on the refrigerator?
It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 hours after wet cleaning so that all surfaces are completely dry. If a lot of water was used, it is better to increase the waiting time to 5–6 hours.
How to remove the adhesive from a sticker on a new refrigerator?
Use vegetable oil or a special sticker remover. Apply the product to a cotton pad, apply to the sticker for a few minutes, then rub gently. Do not use a knife or blade.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator if it has been sealed in the store?
Yes, definitely. Even when sealed, dust from the packaging can accumulate inside, as well as substances from the new plastic. Hygienic treatment is necessary in any case.
Why did the water in the refrigerator have a strange taste after washing?
You probably didn’t rinse off the detergent well or used a solution that was too concentrated. Wipe the chambers with clean water several times and leave the refrigerator open to air out.