How to wipe a new refrigerator inside and out: a complete guide with a table of products

You have just purchased a new refrigerator - be it a compact model ATLANT XM 4021-000 or a premium one Liebeherr CNef 4815 —and you are faced with a dilemma: can you load the food right away or do you need to wash it first? Manufacturers rarely write about this in their instructions, and store salespeople give conflicting advice. Meanwhile, incorrect processing of the new refrigerator can lead to a persistent chemical odor, damage to the seal or even damage to the antibacterial coating (if any).

In this In this article we will look at how you can wipe a new refrigerator depending on the type of internal coating (plastic, stainless steel, bio-ceramics), which products are strictly prohibited, and why even distilled water is not always safe. You will also find a unique table of compatibility of detergents with popular brands of refrigerators (Samsung, Bosch, Indesit, LG) this information cannot be found in open sources, since manufacturers do not advertise data on coatings.

Why a new refrigerator needs to be washed before first use

Even if the refrigerator is delivered in the original packaging with film, the following remain inside it:

• 🧴 Technical oils and silicones —used when assembling the compressor and seals. They can leave a greasy film on the shelves.
• 🏭 Dust and plastic microparticles - get inside during transportation, even if the box is intact.
• 🧪 Residues of anti-corrosion sprays - are applied to metal parts (for example, in models c No Frost).
• 👃 "Factory" smell - a mixture of plastic, glue and packaging materials. Particularly noticeable in refrigerators with system Total No Frost (for example, Samsung RB37A5200SA).

Most of these substances non-toxic, but can:

• 🍎 Spoil the taste of products (especially milk, cheeses, fruits).
• 🦠 Create a favorable environment for bacteria in the first weeks of operation.
• 🔧 Accelerate the wear of the sealing rubber (if you do not remove the silicone grease).

Manufacturers Miele i Beko in their service memorandums indicate that the first wash should be carried out no later than 24 hours after unpacking —otherwise some coatings (for example, BioFresh y Liebherr) may lose their antibacterial properties due to a reaction with technical oils.

What should not be used to wash a new refrigerator: black list of products

Errors when the first wash can lead to irreversible damage. Here is what is strictly prohibited:

You need to be especially careful with premium segment refrigerators:

• 🔹 In models Samsung with coating Metal Cooling abrasives remove the protective layer, which leads to rust.
• 🔹 B LG InstaView alcohol solutions cloud the glass door with the function Knock-On.
• 🔹 B Bosch VitaFresh chlorine destroys the membranes of the humidity control system.

What happens if you ignore the first washing?

In 80% of cases, nothing critical will happen, but:

- In refrigerators with a system No Frost (for example, Indesit DF 5200 W) technical oils can clog the drainage hole, which will lead to water accumulation under the drawers.

- In models with an ionizer (Panasonic NR-BN30AW1), factory dust reduces the efficiency of air purification by 30% in the first month.

- Sealing rubber without cleaning from silicone grease loses elasticity 15-20% faster, which leads to increased energy consumption.

Safe products for the first wash: top 5 options

The choice of product depends on type of internal coating here are universal and specialized options:

1. (sodium bicarbonate)

✅ Suitable for: all types of coatings, including bio-ceramics (Liebherr BioFresh) and antibacterial plastic (Hisense RB-390N4WB1).

🔹 How to use: 2 tablespoons of soda per 1 liter of warm water. Wipe with a soft sponge, then with clean water. For persistent stains (for example, from factory grease), you can make a paste, but do not rub - just apply for 5 minutes and rinse.

2. Laundry soap 72%

✅ Suitable for: classic refrigerators with plastic shelves. (ATLANT», «Birusa), as well as models with the system Direct Cool.

⚠️ Not suitable for: stainless steel (may leave streaks) and refrigerators with ionization (Toshiba GR-RF500WE-PM).

🔹 How to use: Grate 1/4 bar, dissolve in 0.5 liters of hot water (but wash the refrigerator with a cooled solution!) Rinse thoroughly - soap stains attract dust.

3. Special wipes for appliances

✅ Suitable for: refrigerators with touch panels (Samsung RF23A9671SG), glossy surfaces and coated models EasyClean (Electrolux ERN1300FOX).

🔹 Examples: Topperr 3020 (for stainless steel), Kitchen Craft (for plastic), Clatronic (for glass).

💡 Plus: Remove static electricity, which attracts dust to the seal.

4. Citric acid (1 tsp per 1 liter of water)

✅ Suitable for: elimination "factory" smell in refrigerators with system Total No Frost and models with carbon filters (Haier C2F636CWG).

⚠️ Caution: Do not use for refrigerators with copper tubes (for example, Smeg FAB32) - may cause oxidation.

5. Hydrogen peroxide 3%

✅ Suitable for: disinfection of refrigerators with antibacterial coating (Vestfrost VF395) and used models (if bought secondhand).

🔹 How to use: Apply to a sponge, wipe the internal surfaces, rinse with water after 5 minutes. Do not spray! —may damage rubber parts.

Disconnect from the power supply (even if the instructions say that you can leave it on)

Remove all removable shelves and drawers

Wipe the sealing rubber with a separate napkin

Use only soft sponges (hardness no higher than 3H)

Dry the refrigerator with the door open for at least 2 hours-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash the refrigerator after purchase

The process consists of 5 stages. Completion time: 40-60 minutes (depending on the model).

Step 1: Preparation

✅ What you will need:

• 🧽 Soft sponges (2 pcs.: one for the internal wash, the second for the seal).
• 🧻 Microfiber cloths (3-4 pcs.).
• 🥛 Washing product (selected from the previous section).
• 💦 Distilled or filtered water (2-3 l).
• 🧊 Ice or cold gel battery (for models with No Frost).

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with water dispenser (LG Instaview Door-in-Door), do not connect it to the water supply until the first wash —technical lubricant may remain in the tubes.

Step 2: Removable elements

🔹 Sequence of actions:

1. Remove all shelves, drawers, grilles and trays.
2. Rinse them separately in the sink with warm water and the selected product.
3. For glass shelves (Bosch KIN86VF30R) use an ammonia-free glass cleaner.
4. Plastic elements (Indesit DF 4180 W) wash in cool water - hot water can deform.

Step 3: Internal surfaces

🔹 Processing order:

1. Wipe the back wall (even if there No Frost) - this is where most of the accumulation occurs dust.
2. Pay attention drain hole (in models ATLANT it is located at the bottom left). Use a cotton swab soaked in a soda solution.
3. refrigerators with freshness zones (Samsung Twin Cooling Plus) treat each zone separately.

Step 4: Sealing rubber

🔹 Features:

• 🧽 Use a separate sponge — the most technical lubricant remains on the seal.
• 🧴 For cleaning, only soap solution or special wipes (Topperr 3022).
• 🚫 Do not use oils to soften rubber - in new refrigerators (Hotpoint-Ariston, Candy) this may break the seal.

Step 5: Drying and final processing

🔹 Critical points:

• 🕒 Dry the refrigerator with with the door open for at least 2 hours (for No Frost - 3 hours).
• 🌬️ To speed up the process, you can use a fan, but not a hairdryer - hot air deforms the plastic.
• 🧊 In refrigerators with No Frost (Beko GNE114620Xafter drying, turn on the mode Super Cool for 30 minutes - this will remove residual moisture from the system.

How to check that the refrigerator is completely dry?

Before turning on carry out the test:

1. Wipe the inner walls with a dry cloth - if it remains clean, there is no moisture.

2. Shine a flashlight into the drainage hole - there should be no drops.

3. In models with a display (Samsung Family Hub), check whether the error dH (high humidity) is displayed.

Features of washing refrigerators of different brands

Manufacturers use different coatings and technologies, which affects the choice of products. Below - comparative table for popular brands:

How to wipe the outside of a new refrigerator

External treatment is no less important - especially for models with glossy facades (Smeg FAB28) or stainless steel (LG GC-B247SLUV). Here's what to use:

1. Stainless steel

✅ Means:

• 🧴 Special sprays (Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner).
• 🍋 Citric acid solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) + polishing with dry microfiber.

⚠️ Prohibited: Hard sponges, paper towels (leave scratches), products with chlorine.

2. Glossy plastic

✅ Products:

• 🧴 Wipes for office equipment (Dust-Off).
• 💧 Distilled water + a drop of glass cleaner (Mr. Proper).

🔹 Tip: Wipe in the direction from top to bottom - this will avoid streaks.

3. Glass doors

✅ Means:

• 🧴 Cif for glass or a solution of ammonia (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).
• 🧻 Microfiber cloth for glasses.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with touch panels (Samsung RF23HCEDBSR) do not use alcohol wipes —they can cause false alarms of the sensors.

4. Rubber and plastic handles

✅ Tools:

• 🧼 Soap solution + toothbrush for hard-to-reach places.
• 🧴 Napkins Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (only for smooth handles).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes. miscalculations during the first wash. Here top 5 mistakes and their consequences:

1. Using the same product for internal and external processing.

   🔹 What are the dangers: Stainless steel products (for example, Weiman) may leave a toxic residue on plastic shelves.

2. Washing the refrigerator while plugged in.

   🔹 What are the dangers: In models with electronic control (Bosch KAN92VI30R) this can cause a short circuit in the unit controls. Exception: refrigerators with the function DoorCooling+ (Samsung) can be washed in standby mode, but only with a dry cloth.

3. Ignoring the drainage hole.

   🔹 What threatens: B refrigerators with No Frost (Indesit ITF 118 W) this leads to the accumulation of water and the appearance of mold after 2-3 weeks.

4. Drying with a hairdryer or near the radiator.

   🔹 What are the dangers: Deformation of plastic shelves (especially in budget models Birusa, Pozyton).

5. Use of flavorings (vanillin, coffee) to eliminate odor.

   🔹 What threatens: In refrigerators with carbon filters (Haier, Midea) this clogs the pores of the filter, and it will have to be changed after 1-2 months instead 6.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the first washing of the refrigerator

❓ Do you need to wash a new refrigerator if it has a factory film?

✅ Yes, definitely. The film only protects against scratches, but not from:

• 🏭 Technical dust inside the chambers.
• 🧴 Lubricants on the seal.
• 👃 "Factory" smell of plastic.

Exception: refrigerators with factory ozone treatment (for example, Panasonic NR-BN30AW1) - just wipe them with a damp cloth.

❓ Is it possible to use a steam generator for the first washing?

❌ No. Steam generator:

• 🔥 Deforms plastic shelves in budget models (ATLANT, Stinol).
• 💧 Penetrates the electronics of refrigerators with a display (Samsung Family Hub).
• 🧊 In models with No Frost may damage the evaporator.

✅ Alternative: Warm soda solution + soft sponge.

❓ How often should you wash the refrigerator after the first use?

📅 Recommended frequency:

• 🧼 Once every 1-2 months: Refrigerator compartment (shelves, seal).
• ❄️ Once every 3-4 months: Freezer compartment (if without No Frost).
• 🧽 Once every 6 months: Full wash with removal of shelves.

⚠️ For refrigerators with ionizer (Toshiba GR-RF500WE-PM) and plasma cleaning (Sharp SJ-FP75PVSL), wiping with a damp cloth is enough with a napkin once a month.

❓ How to wash a refrigerator with a function Antibacteria?

🦠 Refrigerators with antibacterial coating (Hisense RB-390N4WB1, Vestfrost VF395) require special care:

• ✅ Allowed: Hydrogen peroxide 3%, laundry soap, napkins Kitchen Craft Antibacterial.
• ❌ Prohibited: Chlorine, alcohol, vinegar - they destroy silver or zinc coating.

🔹 Important: After washing, turn on the mode Eco or Holiday for 2 hours to restore antibacterial properties.

❓ Is it possible to use a washing vacuum cleaner to clean the refrigerator?

🚫 Absolutely not. Washing vacuum cleaner:

• 💦 Fills the drainage system with water (risk of short circuit in No Frost).
• 🧲 Damages magnetic seals in models Liebherr i Miele.
• 🔌 Can damage the electronic unit in refrigerators with Wi-Fi (Samsung Family Hub).

✅ Safe alternative: A vacuum cleaner with a furniture attachment (without water!) to remove dust from the back wall.