Purchasing a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of comfortable use in the kitchen. However, immediately after delivery of the unit to the apartment, a reasonable question arises about how to wipe the inside of the new refrigerator so as not to damage the coating and protect future products. Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply wipe the shelves with a dry cloth, but such carelessness can lead to a persistent plastic odor or even food poisoning.
During the production, packaging and transportation process, microscopic particles of factory dust, lubricant residues and chemical compounds from polymer materials settle on the inner walls of the chamber. Initial processing allows you to remove these invisible ones pollutants and create a hygienically clean environment. If you ignore this stage, under the influence of temperature and humidity, all these substances can react with food.
In addition, proper preparation affects the service life of the seals and the quality of work No Frost systems. In this article, we will analyze in detail which products are safe for various types of coatings, and which household chemicals should be abandoned forever. You will learn about the intricacies of caring for different materials and receive step-by-step instructions on how to bring the equipment into perfect condition before the first start.
Why treatment is needed before the first start
A new refrigerator, no matter how expensive and high-quality it is, is not a sterile object. During the assembly process at the factory, the internal surfaces of the chamber come into contact with industrial equipment, workers' hands and packaging materials. Factory dust contains small abrasive particles that, when dry, can scratch the delicate plastic of shelves or glass surfaces.
Another important reason is the specific smell, which often present in new models. It comes from the polymers used to create the inner chambers, drawers and seals. If not carefully processed, this odor can be absorbed into products, especially butter, milk and open drinks, spoiling their taste. Volatile organic compounds, emitted by new plastic, it is better to remove mechanically before use.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the primary stage washing can lead to the smell of plastic being fixed in the pores of the sealing rubber, and it will subsequently be extremely difficult to remove it even with the help of special absorbers.
It is also worth considering that in hard-to-reach places, such as the corners of chambers or gaps around shelves, microscopic residues of packaging foam or glue may remain. When the compressor heats up and the air circulates, these particles can scatter throughout the chamber. Therefore hygienic preparation this is not just an aesthetic procedure, but a necessary safety measure for the health of your family.
Safe products for washing the refrigerator
When choosing what to wash the inside of the refrigerator with, it is important to focus on the safety of the materials from which the interior is made walls. Most often these are food grade plastic, tempered glass and metal. Aggressive chemicals can cause the plastic to become cloudy, crack, or change the color of surfaces. The most versatile and safest remedy remains the usual warm soap solution.
To prepare it, it is best to use laundry soap or mild liquid soap without strong fragrances. They do an excellent job of removing grease and dust without leaving toxic residue. If the smell from the new materials is too strong for you, you can add a little baking soda to the water. It acts as a mild abrasive and excellent odor absorbentneutralizing volatile substances.
- 🧼 Laundry soap: a classic product that does not contain fragrances and is safe for food-grade plastic.
- 🥄 Baking soda: a solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) effectively removes odors and light stains.
- 🍋 Citric acid: a weak solution helps remove the factory shine and disinfect surfaces, but requires careful rinsing.
- 💧 Distilled water: ideal for final rinsing to avoid the appearance of white streaks from hard tap water.
There are also specialized products for washing household appliances, which can be found in hardware stores. However, when using them, you must carefully study the composition on the label. Make sure that the product does not contain chlorine, ammonia or aggressive solvents. Kitchen sprays with strong fragrances are also undesirable, as their smell can linger for a long time in the confined space of the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use dishwashing detergents with bright fruit flavors. The chemical components of fragrances can react with the plastic of the refrigerator, creating an unpleasant chemical taste in the products.
Strictly prohibited products
The list of what should not be used to clean the refrigerator is quite extensive, and violating it can lead to irreversible damage. Many housewives, out of habit, use powerful cleaning products that do an excellent job of removing grease on the stove, but are destructive to the insides of the refrigerator. First of all, we are talking about products containing chlorine and its derivatives.
Chlorine-containing compounds, such as popular bleaches, can cause yellowing of white plastic, making it brittle and brittle. In addition, chlorine vapors are toxic and can create dangerous concentrations in the confined space of a refrigerator. Abrasive powders and hard brushes are also prohibited. They leave microscopic scratches on the surface, in which bacteria and mold will subsequently accumulate, which will make future cleaning much more difficult.
- 🚫 Acetone and solvents: instantly melt the plastic and destroy the structure of the sealing rubber, making it sticky.
- 🚫 Gasoline and kerosene: leave a persistent, indelible odor and toxic to food products.
- 🚫 Dry cleaning powders: act like sandpaper, leaving matte scratches on glossy plastic.
- 🚫 Boiling water: sharp temperature changes can lead to deformation of plastic elements or cracks in the glass of the shelves.
Particular care should be taken with antibacterial wipes for equipment. Some of them are impregnated with high concentration alcohol solutions. Alcohol can dry out the rubber door seal, causing it to lose its elasticity and no longer fit tightly to the body. This will lead to loss of cold and increased energy consumption.
Step-by-step instructions for washing a new refrigerator
The process of preparing a new refrigerator for use should be carried out consistently and methodically. First you need to remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and door baskets. It is better to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin using warm water and the chosen detergent. This will allow you to carefully process each part from all sides.
While the removable parts are drying, you can begin processing the inner chamber. Take a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, soak it in a soapy solution and thoroughly wipe all surfaces, moving from top to bottom. Pay special attention to corners, panel joints and the area around the condensate drain hole. This is where factory dust most often accumulates.
☑️ Checklist for preparing the refrigerator
After soaping, you must rinse the product very thoroughly with clean water. Soap residue on the walls can crystallize and become a breeding ground for bacteria. For final wiping, use a clean, damp cloth, rinsing regularly. The final step will be wiping all surfaces with a dry soft cloth microfiber or cotton to prevent the appearance of water droplets.
| Refrigerator element | Recommended product | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic walls | Laundry soap solution | Soft sponge | Do not rub too hard to avoid leaving scratches |
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner or water | Microfiber | It is important to let it warm to room temperature before wash |
| Rubber seal | Warm water | Cotton pad or soft cloth | Wipe gently without stretching the rubber |
| Metal backs | Soap solution | Lint-free cloth | Make sure that water does not get into the technical holes |
Don't forget to wipe the external surfaces of the refrigerator, especially if it has a coating Anti-fingerprint (anti-fingerprints). For such surfaces, use only special sprays or just dry microfiber so as not to smear the protective layer. After completing wet cleaning, leave the refrigerator doors open for at least 2-3 hours to completely dry and ventilate.
How to eliminate the smell of plastic and chemicals
Even after thorough washing, a new refrigerator may retain a slight smell of plastic or technical grease. This is a normal situation, but it requires additional attention. The easiest way to speed up the weathering process is to leave the refrigerator with the doors open in a ventilated area for a day. If this is not possible, you can use natural odor absorbents.
Place open containers inside the chambers with substances that absorb extraneous odors. The leader on this list is activated carbon. It is enough to crush 10-15 tablets and scatter them into saucers, placing them on different shelves. Charcoal has a porous structure that effectively captures odor molecules. Ordinary black bread, cut into pieces, or freshly ground coffee also does an excellent job.
Folk methods of fighting odor
If the smell is very persistent, you can wipe the inner walls with a weak solution of vinegar (1 tablespoon per liter of water). However, after this, the refrigerator will need to be rinsed very thoroughly with clean water so that the sour smell is not transferred to the food. Another option is to place lemon or orange slices inside, but they need to be changed every 12 hours so that they do not start to deteriorate.">
There are also modern solutions, such as special odor-absorbing balls for refrigerators, which are sold in hardware stores. They work on the principle of ion exchange or contain a carbon filter. Such devices can be left inside a working refrigerator on an ongoing basis to maintain freshness.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use air freshener aerosols to eliminate the smell. They only mask the problem with a chemical fragrance, which will mix with the smell of plastic and create an even more unpleasant bouquet of aromas.
Features of caring for different types of coatings
Modern refrigerators can have different types of interiors. coatings, and each of them requires an individual approach. For example, chambers with an antibacterial coating based on silver ions cannot be rubbed with abrasives or used with chlorine-containing products, as this will destroy the protective layer. In such models, it is enough to use a soft damp cloth and water.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, special attention should be paid to the evaporator area. if it is accessible (usually covered with a plastic panel on the back wall). There is no need to pour water or spray detergents there. Simply wipe the accessible parts with a dry cloth. Moisture getting into the defrosting system can lead to the formation of an ice plug and failure of the equipment.
- 🛡️ Antibacterial coating: requires careful handling, aggressive chemicals and hard brushes are prohibited. data-i="141">Antibacterial coating:
- ❄️ No Frost system: it is important to prevent water from getting into the ventilation holes and onto the back wall of the chamber.
- 🪵 Wooden shelves (in retro models): require treatment with special wood products or oil, use minimal water.
For models with metal internal walls (often found in professional or old refrigerators), it is important to wipe the surfaces dry after washing. Stainless steel is sensitive to chlorine, which causes pitting. Therefore, chlorine-containing products is strictly prohibited for any metal elements inside. refrigerator compartment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a new refrigerator be washed with dishwashing detergent?
You can use dishwashing detergent, but only if if it does not contain strong fragrances and aggressive components. The main thing is to rinse off the foam very carefully, since surfactant residues can be harmful. It is better to give preference to laundry soap or soda.
How long after purchase can you turn on the refrigerator?
If the refrigerator was transported in a vertical position, it can be turned on 2-3 hours after installation. wait 8 to 12 hours for the compressor oil to flow back into the compressor crankcase. This rule applies to all models, regardless of brand.
Is it necessary to remove the protective film inside the refrigerator?
Yes, it is necessary. There should be no transport films, tape or stickers inside the chamber. All these materials interfere with normal air circulation and can. release harmful substances when cooling or heating. Also check the corners and the bottom of the drawers.
How to wipe the sealing rubber so that it does not dry out?
To care for the rubber seal, it is best to use warm water. If the rubber begins to dry out or lose elasticity, you can treat it with a special silicone spray for rubber. or glycerin. This will extend the service life of the seal and improve the fit of the door.
What to do if there is a chemical smell left after washing?
If the smell does not disappear after airing and using absorbents (charcoal, bread), try wiping all surfaces again with a solution of citric acid or a weak solution of vinegar, and then rinse thoroughly again. water. As a last resort, leave the refrigerator with the doors open and the fan running in the room for a day.