An unpleasant odor or sticky residue on the shelves of the refrigerator is familiar to every home cook, but these signs cannot be ignored, as they indicate the growth of bacteria. General cleaning It is required not only for aesthetics, but also to preserve food freshness and extend the life of equipment. If you are looking for a way to quickly clean the inside of the refrigerator, you will need a clear action plan and the right cleaning products that will not damage plastic and rubber.
Many people mistakenly believe that simply wiping the shelves with a damp cloth is enough, but this is not enough to remove old stains of grease and bacteria. It is important to understand that capillary tube and the evaporator, located inside the housing, require special attention when defrosting, but do not tolerate aggressive chemicals. In this article, we will look at proven cleaning methods that will help you get your equipment into perfect condition in a short time.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space around the unit in order to have access to the side walls and top. Open all the doors and assess the scale of the “disaster”: where is the most contamination, are there traces of mold in the seals. Careful preparation will reduce the time of basic cleaning and avoid accidental damage to fragile elements.
⚠️ Attention: Before you start washing the refrigerator, be sure to unplug it from the electrical outlet. This is a basic safety rule that prevents the risk of a short circuit when moisture gets into the electrical contacts.
Modern models, such as LG or Boschare often equipped with complex ventilation systems No Frostthat require careful handling. Do not try to scrape off ice or dirt with sharp objects, as this may lead to depressurization of the cooling system.
Preparation for cleaning: defrosting and removing shelves
The first stage of cleaning is the complete emptying of the internal space from food and removable elements. Remove all shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders. It is best to wash glass and plastic parts separately in a sink or bathtub under warm water using regular dishwashing detergent. Temperature mode when washing should be gentle: do not use boiling water so that the glass does not crack due to a sudden change.
If in your Ice has formed in the refrigerator, let it melt naturally. Speeding up the process with a hairdryer or hot water is dangerous for plastic evaporator. Line the bottom of the refrigerator with old towels to absorb melting water, or use a shallow tray. Defrosting time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the thickness of the ice.
While the unit is defrosting, take care of the removable parts. Soak heavily soiled items in warm water with baking soda or vinegar. This will help soften dried-on food debris and grease. Mechanical cleaning A sponge with an abrasive side is only permissible for glass; it is better to rub plastic with the soft side so as not to leave scratches in which bacteria will accumulate.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for wash
How to clean a refrigerator: choosing safe products
Choosing a cleaning product is a critically important point, since food is stored inside the refrigerator. Aggressive chemicals with chlorine or strong fragrances can be absorbed into plastic and rubber seals, transmitting the smell to food. Safe solutions Based on natural ingredients, they cope with contaminants no worse than store-bought chemicals.
One of the most effective and affordable means is baking soda. It perfectly absorbs odors and gently cleans surfaces. To prepare the solution, dilute 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in a liter of warm water. Table vinegar has also proven itself to be effective in disinfecting and removing greasy deposits. A solution of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio is ideal for final processing.
To remove difficult stains, you can use laundry soap, grated and dissolved in water. Never use gasoline, acetone or abrasive powders to clean the internal surfaces of the refrigeratoras they can dissolve plastic or leave deep scratches. Specialized sprays for household appliances are acceptable, but require careful rinsing with clean water.
Why can’t you use chlorine-containing products?
Chlorine can react with plastic parts, causing them to yellowing and destruction of the structure. In addition, chlorine vapors are toxic and can settle on products, making them unsafe for consumption.
When choosing sponges, give preference to microfiber or soft foam rubber. Hard brushes can damage the glossy finish of the inner chamber. If you use ready-made sprays, make sure they are labeled “food safe” or require careful rinsing.
Step-by-step instructions: how to clean walls and floors
The process of washing the interior walls should start at the top and gradually work your way down. This rule allows you to avoid re-contamination of already cleaned areas with flowing dirt. Apply your chosen cleaning solution to a sponge or spray bottle and treat the ceiling of the refrigerator, then the side walls and back panel. Back wall This is often the coldest place, so condensation can accumulate there, requiring careful drying.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints where mold most often forms. If you find blackheads, treat them with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a soft toothbrush. After treating all surfaces with clean water, rinse off any remaining detergent.
The final step is to wipe all surfaces dry. Humidity is the main enemy of a clean refrigerator, as it promotes the proliferation of microorganisms. Use a dry cotton towel or paper towels for final polishing. Make sure that there are no blockages in the drainage hole (if your model has one) and the water flows freely.
Don't forget to check the condition of the light bulb. It can also be wiped with a dry cloth, but only after it has completely cooled down and been unplugged. Clean light will help you find the products you need faster in the future.
Cleaning the door and rubber seals
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is a high-risk area where mold and mildew most often settle due to constant humidity and contact with food. Dirt in the folds of the seal prevents the door from closing tightly, which leads to increased energy consumption and the formation of ice. Tightness of the chamber directly depends on the condition of this part.
To clean the seal, use a cotton swab dipped in a solution of vinegar or soda. Carefully go through all the folds, removing any accumulated dirt. If you find mold, treat the affected area with hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning, wipe the rubber with a dry cloth.
The outside of the door also needs to be washed, removing fingerprints and splashes. For glossy stainless steel surfaces, use special polishes or a mixture of water and olive oil to avoid streaks. Matte plastic can be cleaned with a damp cloth for office equipment.
| Type of contamination | Best product | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy coating | Solution of laundry soap | Apply, wait 5 minutes, rinse |
| Mold | Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide | Treat with a cotton swab |
| Yellowness of plastic | Soda or toothpaste | Rub gently with a sponge |
| Smell | Activated carbon | Leave in an open container |
Elimination of unpleasant odors
Sometimes, even after thorough washing, an unpleasant odor remains in the refrigerator. This may be due to bacteria entering the pores of the plastic or the ventilation system. To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to use adsorbents - substances that absorb odors. Natural absorbents safe and effective.
The easiest way is to place open containers with soda, ground coffee or activated carbon on the shelves. Pieces of black bread, lemon peels, or cotton pads soaked in vanilla extract also work great. Such “flavors” need to be changed every 2-3 weeks.
If the smell is very persistent, for example, from spilled milk or spoiled meat, you can wipe all surfaces with a solution of ammonia (1 teaspoon per liter of water), but after this the refrigerator should be ventilated for several hours with the doors open. Ozonizers can also help in difficult cases, but require careful handling.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store unpackaged food in the refrigerator. This will not only prevent odors from mixing, but will also protect equipment from bacteria getting inside the cooling system.
Check the condensate drain pan, which is often located at the bottom of the refrigerator. This is where water and food particles can accumulate, causing a stench. You can get to it by moving the unit away from the wall.
What not to do: typical mistakes
The desire to wash the refrigerator quickly and perfectly clean sometimes leads to mistakes that can damage the equipment. It is strictly forbidden to use a knife, screwdriver or other sharp objects for defrosting. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs. System integrity More important than cleaning speed.
It is not recommended to wash the refrigerator while it is plugged in. Water that gets onto the contacts or into the control unit can cause a short circuit. Also, do not fill the insides with water from a hose or ladle - moisture should not get into the technical holes and onto the electrics.
Avoid using hot steam or steam cleaners to clean plastic parts. High temperatures can deform the thin plastic of the shelves and cabinets. Use only warm water at a comfortable temperature.
Can you clean a refrigerator with window cleaner?
Window cleaners often contain ammonia, which can be dangerous for some types of plastic and rubber. It is better to use specialized or folk remedies.
How often should you wash the refrigerator
The regularity of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the equipment and the amount of stored products. Ideally, you should wipe the shelves and check expiration dates once a week. General cleaning with defrosting it is required on average once every 3-4 months, but for models with the system No Frost this interval can be increased to 6 months.
If you If you notice the appearance of stains, stickiness or odor, do not wait until the scheduled date - wash the refrigerator immediately. A timely reaction will prevent dirt from being eaten and bacteria from multiplying. In summer, in hot weather, cleaning should be done more often due to the active proliferation of microorganisms.
Keeping order in the refrigerator is not only a matter of hygiene, but also saving time and money. In a clean refrigerator, food lasts longer and appliances work more efficiently. Give this a little time, and your refrigerator will serve you for many years.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with soapy water?
Yes, laundry soap is one of the best means for cleaning a refrigerator. It degreases well, is safe for products and is easy to wash off. The main thing is to thoroughly wipe the surfaces with clean water so that no soap residue remains.
How to remove yellowness from the plastic inside the refrigerator?
You can try to remove yellowness using a paste of soda and water or toothpaste. Apply the product to the sponge and gently rub the problem areas. Special wipes for caring for plastic are also effective.
Do you need to wash the rear grille of the refrigerator?
Yes, dust on the rear grille (condenser) worsens heat transfer, causing the compressor to work harder. Vacuum or dust off the grille once every six months to save energy.
What does a new refrigerator smell like and how to remove the smell?
The smell of new plastic is normal. You can remove it by washing the refrigerator with a solution of soda or vinegar and leaving the doors open for a day. Odor absorbers will also help.