How and with what to wipe a new refrigerator inside before turning it on for the first time

Have you just purchased a new refrigerator and are ready to load it with groceries? Please wait—the interior surfaces must be properly prepared first. Even from the factory, equipment may contain dust, technical oils or preservatives that are used during transportation. Failure to comply with the rules for the first cleaning not only shortens the service life of the device, but can also lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor or deterioration of products.

In this article we will examine, how to wipe the inside of a new refrigerator without the risk of damaging the coating, what means are strictly prohibited for different types of surfaces (plastic, stainless steel, antibacterial coating), and we will give step-by-step instructions taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant etc.). You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes that 80% of users make when starting up their appliances for the first time.

Why you can’t just wipe the refrigerator with a damp cloth

Many people think that it is enough to moisten a rag with water and walk on the shelves - but this is a gross mistake. The internal surfaces of the new refrigerator are covered with:

• 🧴 Preservative lubricant (to protect the metal from corrosion during storage and transportation).
• 🔍 Dust and microparticles from packaging materials (foam plastic, cardboard).
• 🦠 Traces of production processes (for example, glue residues from stickers or markers).

If these contaminants are not removed, they:

• 🚫 Will be absorbed into products, giving them a chemical taste (especially noticeable in dairy products and fruits).
• 🤢 May cause allergic reactions irritation of the respiratory tract in sensitive people.
• 🔥 Reduce service life sealing rubber and plastic parts due to chemical reactions.

Moreover, some modern models (for example, Samsung RB30A3200SA or LG GB-B459SLQZ) have antibacterial coatingwhich can be damaged by aggressive detergents. Manufacturers directly indicate in the instructions that the use of alcohol, vinegar or abrasives will void the warranty on the coating.

What can be used to wipe: safe products for different coatings

The choice of product depends from material of internal surfaces your refrigerator. The table below shows proven options for the most common types of coatings:

For models with air ionizer (for example, Sharp SJ-FP75PVSL) or carbon filter (Hisense RB-438N4WB1) after washing it is necessary restart the cleaning system through the settings menu (usually section Air Care or Fresh Zone).

Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged for at least 2 hours|Remove all removable elements (shelves, containers, grilles)|Prepare 2-3 clean rags (one for washing, one for rinsing, one for drying)|Check the instructions for special recommendations for your model-->

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

Follow this algorithm so as not to miss important steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and let it sit 1-2 hours at room temperature. This is necessary for the condensation to evaporate and the plastic to become less fragile.
2. Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, grills, egg trays are washed separately in the sink.
3. Prepare a washing solution according to the table above. For universal cleaning, a mixture is suitable:

   1 liter of warm water (40°C)
   1 tbsp. baking soda
   5 drops of liquid soap. (without fragrances)

4. Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft sponge, moving from top to bottom. Pay attention to:
   • 🔹 Sealing rubber (wash only with water!).
   • 🔹 Drainage hole (clean with a cotton swab).
   • 🔹 The back wall (dust from the factory packaging accumulates there).

Rinse. surface with clean water, then wipe dry with microfiber. The humidity inside the camera before turning on should not exceed 10-15%.

Put the removable elements in place and turn on the refrigerator. Let it run empty for 2-3 hours so that the temperature stabilizes.

For models with the system No Frost (Samsung RL38T6000SA, Indesit ITF 118 W) after washing, it is recommended to start the function Fast Freeze for 1 hour - this will help remove residual moisture from the air ducts.

What to do if there is a chemical smell left after washing?

If you smell a persistent detergent smell, follow these steps:

1. (1 tbsp per 1 liter).

2. Place an open pack of soda or activated carbon inside (5-6 tablets in a saucer) for 12 hours.

3. Turn on the refrigerator mode Vacation (if available) or set the temperature to +5°C day.

If the smell does not disappear, contact the service center, the antibacterial coating may be damaged.

What you should not wash the refrigerator with: 5 dangerous mistakes

Some “folk” methods can cause irreparable harm to the equipment. strictly prohibited:

⚠️ Attention! If you use a product containing chlorine (for example, Whiteness), even in diluted form, this will lead to oxidation of metal parts destruction of the sealing gum. Chlorine also reacts with antibacterial coatings, forming toxic ones. connections.

• 🧪 Vinegar essence (even diluted) - corrodes plastic and leaves a persistent odor that is absorbed into products.
• 🔥 Hot water (>50°C) - deforms plastic shelves and can damage the thermostat.
• 🧴 Abrasive powders (type Pemolux) - scratch surfaces, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.
• 🧹 Metal brushes or hard sponges - violate the integrity of the coating, which leads to corrosion.
• 🍋 Undiluted lemon juice —its acid destroys the antibacterial layer and leaves stains on stainless steel.

You need to be especially careful handle with built-in water dispensers (available in models Samsung Family Hub or LG Instaview Door-in-Door). They can only be cleaned special wipes for equipment (for example, Clatronic WS 5748), since ordinary detergents clog the filters.

How to care for the refrigerator after the first wash

To maintain cleanliness and avoid the reappearance of odors, follow these rules:

• 📅 Monthly cleaning: wipe the shelves with a solution of soda (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water) and wipe dry. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria.
• 🧊 Defrosting (for models without No Frost): Carry out every 3-4 months, even if the ice is not visible. Use defrost modeif it is on the menu.
• 🍎 Food storage: pack all products in containers or bags. This is especially true for cheeses, fish and citrus fruits - they quickly absorb foreign odors.
• 🔄 Ventilation: once a week, leave the refrigerator door open for 5-10 minutes (turning off the power) to refresh the air.

For models with freshness zones (Liebherr BioFresh, Beko EverFresh+), it is recommended to wipe these compartments special napkins with silver ions every 2 weeks (for example, Silver Care). This extends the shelf life of products by 20–30%.

⚠️ Attention! If your refrigerator is equipped with UV lamp (for example, Haier HRF-628IG7), never touch it with your hands - grease marks reduce the effectiveness of disinfection. For cleaning, use alcohol wipe (no more than 30% alcohol!).

Specifics of cleaning refrigerators with different systems

Modern refrigerators are equipped with different cooling technologies, and each requires a special approach:

For refrigerators with inverter compressor (Panasonic NR-B, Hitachi R-VG430PUC6) after washing, you need to reset the temperature settings to factory settings (usually the button Reset or hold Super Cool 5 seconds). This is due to the fact that the compressor remembers the last parameters and may not work correctly after turning off the power.

Frequent questions about washing a new refrigerator

❓ Do you need to wash the refrigerator if it smells like plastic, but is visually clean?

Yes, definitely! The smell of plastic indicates the presence preservative lubricant or residues of production materials. They can migrate into foods, especially fats (butter, cheese, sausage). Use a soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and rinse thoroughly.

❓ Can a steam generator be used for cleaning?

Depends on the model. For refrigerators with antibacterial coating a steam generator is prohibited - high temperatures destroy the protective layer. For the rest, you can use only in cold steam mode (up to 60°C) and at a distance of 20 cm from the surface.

❓ How often should you wash a new refrigerator in the first month?

In the first month it is enough one general cleaning before the first use and two supporting ones (after 2 and 4 weeks). This is due to the fact that new coatings are not yet saturated with odors, and frequent wet cleaning can disrupt their structure.

❓ What to do if after washing the refrigerator does not turn on?

Probable causes:

1. Moisture in electronic unit (need to dry for 12–24 hours).
2. Tripping voltage surge protection (try turning it off for 30 minutes).
3. Damage thermostat when washing the back wall (diagnostics required).

Do not try to disassemble the refrigerator yourself - contact the service center.

❓ Is it possible to use flavors (vanillin, coffee) to eliminate the smell?

No! Fragrances mask the smell, but do not remove its cause. Moreover, they can react with detergent residue and increase the chemical smell. To neutralize, use only activated carbon or baking soda.

If you still have doubts about a specific model, you can always contact official instructions or call the manufacturer’s support. For example, Samsung has a hotline for equipment care: 8-800-555-55-55 (free call).