How to wipe a new refrigerator to remove the smell: step-by-step instructions

Have you just purchased a new refrigerator, unpacked it, turned it on - and instead of the expected freshness, you felt a sharp chemical smell? This is a normal situation: any new household appliance, especially with plastic parts, can emit a specific “factory” aroma. But you can’t leave it unattended: over time, the smell can be absorbed into the products, and some chemical compounds can cause allergies.

In this article we will analyze why a new refrigerator smells (even if it is from a premium brand like Liebherr or Samsung) than its to properly wipe the inside and outsideto eliminate the smell forever, and what mistakes lead to the opposite effect. We’ll also share life hacks on how to prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors in the future.

Why a new refrigerator smells plastic or chemicals?

There are several reasons for the appearance of smell in a new refrigerator, and all of them are related to the production process:

• 🏭 Residues of technical oils and greases - used in assembling the compressor, seals and other mechanical parts. Even after washing at the factory, microparticles can remain on surfaces.
• 🧴 Plastic parts —baskets, shelves, egg trays and other elements are made of polymers, which when heated (for example, during transportation) emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• 📦 Packaging materials —foam, film, cardboard absorb moisture and can “give off” it along with post-production odors.
• 🔥 “Burnout” of new parts —in the first hours of operation, the refrigerator heats up, and this accelerates the evaporation of chemical compounds from the internal surfaces.

The intensity of the odor depends on materialsused by the manufacturer. For example, budget models may smell stronger than refrigerators with an antibacterial coating (for example, with a system). But even expensive equipment is not immune from post-production aromas. Atlant or Birusa may smell stronger than refrigerators with antibacterial coating (e.g. LG InstaView with the system Fresh Air Filter). But even expensive equipment is not immune to post-production odors.

What should you not wipe a new refrigerator with?

Before moving on to safe ones methods, let's look at which products are absolutely not suitable for the first care of the refrigerator:

• 🧼 Abrasive powders and pastes - they scratch the surface, leaving microcracks in which bacteria later accumulate.
• 🧴 Chlorine-containing bleaches (for example, Whiteness) - corrode plastic and rubber seals, and chlorine vapors are toxic.
• 🔥 Vinegar essence (70% and above) - can damage the anti-corrosion coating of metal details.
• 🧪 Solvents (acetone, gasoline, high concentration alcohol) - destroy the structure of the plastic, making it fragile.

⚠️ Attention: If the instructions for the refrigerator indicate that the internal surfaces have antibacterial coating (for example, Ag+ or BioFresh), aggressive detergents can damage it. In this case, use only products marked “for antibacterial coatings.”

Also avoid hot water - it deforms the plastic and can lead to peeling of the labels. Optimal water temperature for cleaning: 30–40°C.

Top 5 safe odor removers

Now let's move on to effective and safe ways to eliminate odor in a new refrigerator. All of these methods have been tested on models with different types of coatings (including No Frost and Low Frost).

Important: If the refrigerator is equipped with a Air Flow or Multi-Air Flow (for example, model Samsung RB or Haier), after treatment, turn on the ventilation mode for 1-2 hours - this will speed up the weathering of residual odors.

Remove all packaging materials (foam, film, staples)

Wipe the internal surfaces with the selected product

Treat the rubber door seal

Rinse the removable elements (shelves, drawers) separately

Leave the refrigerator open for 4-6 hours to ventilate-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash the refrigerator before first use

To ensure that the smell is removed and not damage the equipment, follow this algorithm:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and let it stand for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. This is necessary for the condensation (if any) to evaporate.
2. Remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, trays, racks. Wash them separately in warm water with a mild detergent (for example, Fairy or Ecover).
3. Prepare a solution of to wipe the internal surfaces (see table above). To enhance the effect, you can add 1-2 drops of essential oil tea tree -it has antibacterial properties.
4. Wipe all surfaces soft sponge or microfiber, paying attention to:
   • 🔄 Door seal —this is where the most technical oils accumulate.
   • ❄️ Back wall (if a model with a drip defrosting system).
   • 📦 Ventilation holes (in models No Frost).

Rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Humidity is the main cause of future unpleasant odors.

Ventilate the refrigerator 4-6 hours with the door open. If the smell remains, repeat the treatment or use absorbents (charcoal, coffee).

How to wipe the outside of the refrigerator?

External surfaces also require care, especially if the refrigerator built-in or with a decorative coating (for example, metallic or mirror finish). Here's what's suitable:

• 🧴 Stainless steel care products (for example, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner) - for models with a metal body (Smeg, Gorenje).
• 🧼 Soap solution (1 tsp liquid soap per 1 liter of water) - a universal option for plastic and enamel surfaces.
• 🍋 Citric acid solution (1 tsp per 0.5 liter of water) - removes traces of stickers and transport film.

For displays and touch panels (for example, on models LG Instaview Door-in-Door) use special wipes for electronics or a solution of isopropyl alcohol (not higher than 70%).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is equipped with ice maker or water dispenser (for example, Samsung Family Hub), before processing, turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the system according to the instructions. Getting detergents into the water pipes can spoil the taste of the ice.

How to avoid smell in the refrigerator in the future?

To ensure that your new refrigerator continues to delight you with freshness, follow these rules:

• 📅 Regular cleaning —wipe the shelves and seal once every 2 weeks with a solution of soda or vinegar (1:1 with water).
• 🍎 Proper storage products —use containers with lids, especially for cheeses, sausages and seafood.
• ☁️ Ventilation —do not fill the refrigerator to capacity with products: there should be space between them for air circulation.
• 🧊 Defrosting —even in models No Frost turn off the refrigerator 1-2 times a year to completely dry it.

For additional protection you can use:

• 🧂 Sorbents - bags of silica gel (they are placed in boxes with shoes) or special odor absorbers (for example, Bork Z100).
• 🌿 Natural fresheners —lemon slices, rosemary sprigs or lavender sachets.

What to do if the smell returns after a week?

If after treatment the smell appears again, the probable reasons:

1. Removable elements are poorly washed —re-wash the shelves and drawers in a soda solution.

2. Remnants of packaging —check hard-to-reach places (for example, under the egg tray) for pieces of foam.

3. Poor ventilation —in models without No Frost check that the drain hole is not clogged (it is located on the back wall).

4. Manufacturing defects —if the smell resembles burn or rubber, this may be a defect in the compressor. In this case, contact your service representative. service center (the warranty covers such cases).

Features of caring for refrigerators of different brands

Manufacturers often use unique coatings and technologieswhich require special approach:

• 🔹 Liebherr (Premium and BioFresh series) —internal surfaces are coated with BioFresh-composition suitable only for them. data-i="228">(for example, alcohol-free products (For example, Liebherr Fridge Cleaner).
• 🔹 Samsung (with Twin Cooling Plus system) - abrasives cannot be used, as they damage the micropores in the plastic that are responsible for air circulation.
• 🔹 Atlant (models with antibacterial coating) —chlorine-containing and acidic products are prohibited.
• 🔹 Bosch (VitaFresh series) —monthly treatment with a vinegar solution (1:3) is recommended to maintain the operation of the coal filter.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with air ionizer (for example, Panasonic NR-B), before the first treatment, turn off this function in the menu (Settings → Air Care → OffYou can turn it on only after the odors have completely disappeared.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell in a new refrigerator

How long does it take to ventilate the refrigerator after processing?

Minimum 4–6 hours If the smell is strong, leave it overnight (10-12 hours). use a fan, pointing it towards the refrigerator.

Is it possible to use fragrances for the refrigerator immediately after purchase?

No. You need to first completely eliminate the factory smell, otherwise the fragrance will mix with it, creating an even more unpleasant aroma. Wait. until the refrigerator is ventilated, and only then use fresheners.

Why is there a white residue left after washing with soda?

This means that the soda was not completely washed off. Wipe the surfaces with clean water, then wipe dry. In the future, reduce the concentration of the solution (1 tsp. l per 1 liter of water instead of a tablespoon).

Does it need to be washed if it has a No Frost system?

Yes, required. No Frost prevents the formation of ice, but does not remove factory odors or technical oils. Moreover, in such models it is important to clean ventilation holes, as they may become clogged with dust during transportation.

What is dangerous about the smell of plastic in the refrigerator?

In most cases, it is not harmful, but it can cause data-i="264">in sensitive people. In addition, volatile compounds are absorbed into products over time, spoiling their taste. It is especially dangerous if the smell is similar to headache or allergies in sensitive people. In addition, volatile compounds are absorbed into foods over time, spoiling their taste. It is especially dangerous if the smell is similar to fumes or chemicals. solvents this may indicate a defect in the seal or compressor.