Regular cleaning of the refrigerator compartment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary measure to preserve health and extend the life of household appliances. Plastic shelves and drawers made of polystyrene or ABS plastic have a porous structure that quickly absorbs odors from spilled juices, fats and spices. Ignoring this fact leads to the appearance of a persistent odor that cannot be eliminated by ordinary ventilation.
Owners often encounter a problem when transparent plastic becomes cloudy over time or acquires an unpleasant yellowish tint. This is the result of oxidation of the surface layer under the influence of greasy fumes and aggressive products. To return parts to their original appearance, you need to choose the right detergent that will not damage the structure of the material.
In this article we will analyze proven cleaning methods, from safe household chemicals to effective folk recipes. You will learn how to remove complex contaminants without the risk of damaging fragile plastic, and what actions are strictly contraindicated when servicing the internal chamber of the refrigerator.
Preparation for cleaning: important safety rules
Before starting any manipulations with the internal elements of the refrigerator, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This is a basic safety requirement that is often ignored due to the short duration of the procedure. However, even accidental contact with moisture on the electrical contacts or the compressor can lead to a short circuit.
Remove all products and put them in a cool place or in a thermal bag. After this, remove all removable parts: glass shelves, metal grilles and, of course, plastic drawers. It is containers for vegetables and fruits that require the most careful approach, since the bulk of organic residues accumulate in them.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash cold plastic boxes with hot water. A sudden temperature change causes thermal shock, as a result of which the plastic becomes brittle and can crack even with slight mechanical stress.Assess the degree of contamination of each part. If traces of mold or sticky residue are visible on the surface, pre-soaking will be required. For ordinary dust and light dirt, surface treatment with the selected cleaning solution will be sufficient.
Household chemicals: what is possible and what is not
The modern market offers many specialized products for care of kitchen appliances. When choosing a product, it is important to pay attention to its composition. Aggressive solvents, such as acetone, gasoline or high concentrations of chlorine bleach, can destroy the molecular bonds of plastic, making it dull and brittle.
The safest option is surfactant-based products (surfactants) with a neutral pH. They effectively break down the fatty film without leaving a chemical odor. Dishwashing gels are also suitable, but require very careful rinsing, since their foam can take a long time to be washed out of the micropores of the plastic.
There are a number of substances the use of which is strictly prohibited by refrigerator manufacturers. These include abrasive powders that leave microscopic scratches, and alcohol-containing liquids in their pure form, which can cause cracks in places where the material is stressed.
Type of product Efficiency Safety for plastic Recommendation Dishwashing detergents Average High Suitable for daily cleaning Specialized sprays High High Optimal choice for disinfection Chlorine bleaches Very high Low Use only in strong dilution Abrasive powders High Critical low Prohibited (scrapes the surface) When using chemistry, always follow the instructions on the packaging regarding exposure time. Do not leave active foam on the plastic for longer than the recommended time to avoid a chemical reaction with the container material.
Folk remedies for removing odors and stains
If you prefer to avoid aggressive chemicals or are looking for a budget solution, traditional methods are often no less effective. The leader here is baking soda. A solution of 2 tablespoons per liter of warm water copes well with acidic odors and greasy deposits.
Acetic acid has also proven itself as a powerful antiseptic. It kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. However vinegar essence it is necessary to dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:1 so as not to damage the rubber seals, which may accidentally touch the drawers when washing.
📊 How do you prefer to wash the refrigerator?Specialized chemistryBaking sodaVinegarLaundry soapOtherTo remove yellowness, you can use a paste of soda and water, applying it to problem areas on 15-20 minutes. After this, the surface is wiped with a soft sponge. This method works as a soft abrasive, leaving no scratches, but effectively removing the oxidized layer.
Another proven method is the use of ammonia (ammonia). It perfectly removes old fat. You need to work with it carefully, in a well-ventilated area and always wear rubber gloves, since ammonia vapors are toxic.
Step-by-step instructions for washing drawers
The cleaning process should be performed sequentially so as not to spread dirt across clean surfaces. First, the boxes are rinsed under running warm water, removing large food debris. Then the selected detergent is applied.
For washing, use only soft sponges or microfiber cloths. The hard side of a dish sponge can leave matte marks on glossy plastic, which will subsequently become clogged with dirt even faster.
☑️ Checklist for proper washing
Done: 0 / 5Pay special attention to corners and joints parts if the box is composite. These are the places where mold most often forms. Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach recesses and textured surfaces.
After rinsing thoroughly, wipe the drawers dry with a cotton towel. Remaining drops of water can cause a white coating (hardness salts) to appear after drying, especially if you have hard tap water.
How to wash drawers from yellowness
Yellowing of plastic is a common problem faced by owners of refrigerators that have been in use for more than 5-7 years. This process is often irreversible if the color change occurs at a deep level of the structure of the material due to ultraviolet radiation or aging.
However, if the yellowness is superficial, caused by the absorption of dyes (for example, from carrot juice or turmeric) or the oxidation of fats, the situation can be corrected. An effective remedy is hydrogen peroxide. A concentrated solution (3-6%) is applied to the surface and left in the sun or under a UV lamp for several hours.
The whitening method using toothpaste without colored granules also works well. Apply the paste in a thin layer, leave for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Abrasive particles in the paste polish the surface, restoring its whiteness.
⚠️ Attention: If the plastic has yellowed evenly throughout its entire volume and has become brittle (brittle), this is a sign of degradation of the material. Dry cleaning will not help here, and mechanical impact can lead to breakage of the box. In this case, it is easier to order a new part.To prevent the appearance of yellowness, try not to store products with bright pigments in open containers inside drawers. Use additional containers or cling film.
Secret remedy for yellowness
Some craftsmen use car polish for plastic (color restorer), but it can only be used inside the refrigerator after carefully checking the composition for the absence of toxic silicones.
Drying and assembly: the final stage
Proper drying is the key to the absence of mold and the unpleasant smell of “dampness” in the future. The plastic should not be wet when placed back into the refrigerator. Moisture on the cold walls of the chamber will create ideal conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms.
Leave the washed boxes at room temperature until the moisture has completely evaporated. Do not use a hairdryer or other heating devices to speed up the process, as the directed flow of hot air can deform the thin walls of the container.
Before installation, wipe the inside of the refrigerator where the drawers will be with a dry cloth. Make sure the runners are clean and free of any pieces of food that may have fallen during washing.
After assembly, allow the refrigerator to idle for 15-20 minutes before loading food. This will stabilize the temperature and ensure that there are no foreign odors from detergents.
Pollution prevention and care
To avoid having to frequently resort to general cleaning, follow simple operating rules. Spills should be wiped up immediately, without waiting for them to dry or soak into the plastic.
Use organizers or additional containers inside the main drawers. It is much easier to wash them in the sink than to clean out the entire large compartment of the refrigerator. Silicone mats on the bottom of the drawers also make cleaning easier and protect the plastic from scratches.
Regular product inspection will help avoid situations where a forgotten jar of sauce or a burst package of meat becomes a source of catastrophic contamination. Once a month, do a quick inspection of the contents of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: The design and materials of the drawers may vary depending on the refrigerator model (for example, Liebherr, Bosch or Indesit). Always check the manufacturer's instructions if you plan to use specialized chemicals.Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can refrigerator drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
In most In some cases, manufacturers do not recommend washing plastic parts of the refrigerator in the dishwasher. The water temperature in the washing mode (usually 50-70°C) may exceed the permissible temperature for food-grade polystyrene, which will lead to deformation of the box. In addition, aggressive dishwasher tablets can change the color of the plastic.
How to remove the smell of fish or onions from a plastic drawer?
The best solution for this is vinegar or citric acid. Wipe the box with the solution, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Additionally, you can put an open container with activated carbon or soda inside for a day, which absorb residual odors.
Why did the plastic become sticky after washing?
Stickiness can occur due to poorly rinsed detergent or the beginning of the process of plastic destruction under the influence of an inappropriate chemical (for example, a solvent). In the first case, repeated washing with clean water and vinegar will help. In the second case, it is better to replace the drawer, since chemically modified plastic may be unsafe for products.
How often should you wash refrigerator drawers?
The recommended frequency of general washing of removable elements is once every 3-4 months. However, if stains, mold or an unpleasant odor are detected, cleaning should be carried out immediately, regardless of the timing of scheduled maintenance.