Regular Cleaning the refrigerator is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a critical procedure for the health of all family members. Ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria are created inside the device if spilled liquids and crumbs are not promptly removed. Many owners do not even suspect that an unpleasant odor or quickly deteriorating products are often the result of poor-quality hygiene internal space.
Modern models, whether classic Indesit or high-tech LG Door-in-Doorrequire delicate approach to cleaning. The use of harsh chemicals can damage plastic surfaces or interfere with the operation of sensors. In this article, we will look at proven methods that will allow you to put your equipment in order without the risk of damaging materials.
The process of putting things in order does not take much time if you do it systematically. However, general cleaning is necessary at least once every few months for deep disinfection. The correct approach guarantees a long service life of the unit and the absence of foreign aromas in the prepared food.
Preparation for washing: safety and defrosting
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to completely empty the internal space of food. This seems obvious, but often people try to wash shelves in a hurry, which ends up smearing dirt. Remove all containers, jars and bags, sorting them: set aside what can be washed along with the shelves.
The next critical step is to turn off the power. Unplug the cord from the outlet to reduce the risk of short circuiting if water comes into contact with electrical components. If you have a model with a system No Frost, defrosting may not be required in the classical sense, but turning off the device is still necessary for safety.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a knife or other sharp objects to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator will lead to a freon leak and costly compressor repairs.
Allow the ice to melt naturally or use a hair dryer on the lowest setting, keeping it at a safe distance. Place rags at the bottom of the chamber and in front of the door to catch any draining water. While the process is going on, you can prepare detergents and tools.
Choice of safe detergents
The household chemicals market offers many specialized sprays, but not all of them are equally useful. Some contain abrasive particles or chlorine, which can discolor the plastic or leave microcracks. For the inside of the chambers, soft, natural-based compositions are best suited. non-aggressive natural based compositions.
An excellent alternative to store-bought chemicals are folk remedies, which are found in every kitchen. A baking soda solution does a great job of removing grease and neutralizing odors. Acetic acid diluted in water disinfects surfaces and adds shine to glass without leaving streaks.
For external surfaces, especially if it is stainless steel Bosch or Siemens, special polishes are required. They create a protective film that repels dust and fingerprints. The use of universal dishwashing detergents is acceptable, but requires very careful rinsing to avoid chemicals getting into the food.
How to wash the inside of the refrigerator: step-by-step instructions
You should start cleaning from the top shelves, gradually going down. This will prevent re-contamination of already washed areas. Remove all removable items: glass shelves, plastic vegetable containers, bottle holders and drawers. It is more convenient to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin.
To wash the inner walls, use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, generously soaked in the selected solution. Wipe down every corner thoroughly, paying special attention to joints and shelves where mold often accumulates. After treatment with a damp cloth, be sure to wipe the surfaces dry.
☑️ Algorithm for washing the internal chambers
Pay special attention to glass shelves. Sudden changes in temperature can cause them to crack, so do not place cold glass directly under hot water. Let it warm to room temperature before washing. After drying, reassemble the structure in the reverse order.
Removing complex dirt and yellowness
Over time, the white plastic inside the chamber may turn yellow, especially near the door where light enters. Also, there are often traces of berry juice or fat on the shelves that cannot be wiped off with plain water. For such cases, there are proven methods whitening without damaging the structure of the material.
An effective remedy against yellowness is a mixture of soda and tooth powder. Apply the paste to the problem area, leave for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush. For old grease stains, laundry soap, grated and dissolved in hot water, is excellent.
A mixture of soda and peroxide
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Exposure time |
|---|---|---|
| Fat deposits | Solution of laundry soap | 10-15 minutes |
| Berry stains | Citric acid or juice | 5-10 minutes |
| Yellowness of plastic | 30-60 minutes | |
| Stickers and glue | Vegetable oil or alcohol | 5 minutes |
⚠️ Attention: Do not use acetone or solvents to remove stickers from plastic, as they can melt the surface or make it dull and rough.
How to wash the outside and care for seals
The appearance of the refrigerator often suffers from constant touching with hands, which leads to greasy marks and stains. For glossy surfaces, window cleaners that evaporate quickly are ideal. It is better to wipe matte surfaces with a slightly damp cloth with a drop of dish soap added.
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is an element that is most often ignored, but it is responsible for the tightness. Dirt accumulates in the folds of rubber and black mold can form. Wipe the seal with a cotton swab dipped in a vinegar solution or a special rubber conditioner.
If the seal has lost its elasticity and began to let in cold, you can try to restore it. There are special silicone-based lubricants that restore softness to the rubber. Regular care of this part prolongs the life of the compressor, since it does not have to work in intensive mode.
What to do if the seal is deformed?
If the rubber band has moved away from the body, you can try to straighten it with a hairdryer. Heat the deformed area with warm air (not hot!), gently straighten it with your fingers and press until it cools. This is a temporary measure, but it can help until you buy a new tape.
Elimination of unpleasant odors
Even after thorough washing, a specific aroma may remain inside. This often happens if spoiled food has been in the refrigerator for a long time. To neutralize the smell, it is not enough to simply wash the walls with water; you need absorbents.
The most affordable product is activated carbon. Grind 10-15 tablets into powder, scatter into saucers and leave inside a closed refrigerator for a day. Ground coffee, soda in an open container, or fresh citrus zest also work great.
Modern models are often equipped with built-in deodorization filters. If your Samsung or Whirlpool has such a block, check its service life. Perhaps the cartridge has simply exhausted its resource and requires replacement, which will restore freshness instantly.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Can you clean the inside of the refrigerator with dish soap?
Yes, you can, but only if you are sure that You can wash off the foam very thoroughly. Detergent residue can get on food and cause food poisoning. It is better to use baking soda or specialized sprays.
How often should you defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system does not require regular defrosting to remove ice, but it must be washed at least once a year. A complete shutdown is necessary for high-quality cleaning of hard-to-reach places and checking the operation of the fans.
What should you absolutely not wash the refrigerator with?
It is prohibited to use chlorine-containing bleaches (such as "Whiteness"), abrasive powders, hard metal brushes and solvents. They destroy the protective layer of plastic and can damage the metal coating.
Why does the refrigerator hum more after washing?
If the humming increases, check whether the unit is level. You may have touched the adjustable feet while cleaning. Also make sure that nothing touches the rear radiator grille.