Have you ever wondered why some refrigerators have neat rugs on the shelves, while others do not? At first glance, this is a small thing, but in fact properly laid mat it can extend the life of your equipment, protect food from spoilage and even save energy. In this article, we will understand why do we need mats in the refrigerator compartment?what materials are safe for food, and how to place them so as not to disturb air circulation.
Many users make critical mistakes: they place rugs on back wall (where the ventilation holes are located), use materials with toxic dyes, or forget about regular cleaning. We have collected current recommendations of refrigerator manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Atlant, Indesit) for 2026as well as advice from service technicians - so that your refrigerator works like a clock and food stays fresh longer.
Why do you need rugs in the refrigerator: 5 real reasons
If you think that rugs are just decoration, you are missing their main purpose. Here practical justification for each type of refrigerator:
- 🧊 Prevention of icing. In models with the system No Frost mats made of special materials (for example EVA foams) reduce the formation of frost on the lower shelves, where the temperature is highest unstable.
- 🍳 Protection against leaks. When defrosting meat or storing liquid products (yogurt, juices), the mat absorbs random drops, preventing moisture from getting on plastic and metal.
- 🔊 Noise absorption. In refrigerators with a compressor on the bottom shelf (for example, Bosch KGN39XL30), the mat dampens vibration, reducing the hum.
- 🧼 Hygiene. Antibacterial mats (with silver ions) suppress the growth of mold at the bottom of the chamber where condensation accumulates.
- 💡 Space organization. Rubber mats with sides (for example, from Simplehuman) help group small products (spices, sauces), preventing them from falling.
However, not all rugs are equally useful. For example, fabric or fleecy materials are contraindicated for refrigerators with the Total No Frost system - they block air flow and can cause overheating of the compressor. And mats with an adhesive base (like those) over time leave sticky marks on the plastic that are almost impossible to wash. 3M Scotch-Brite) over time leave sticky marks on the plastic that are almost impossible to wash off.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2018, check the “Ventilation of the chamber” section in the instructions. In older models (for example, Stinol 102), the mats could block the only hole for air circulation at the back wall.
What mats can be put in the refrigerator: safe materials
Not every mat is suitable for the food chamber. Here certified materialsrecommended by manufacturers:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVA foam (ethyl vinyl acetate) | Waterproof, does not absorb odors, easy to clean | Can be deformed at +70°C (not for the freezer!) | Refrigerator compartment, shelves for vegetables |
| Food grade silicone | Hypoallergenic, withstands -40°C..+200°C, non-slip | Expensive, may smell like rubber for the first 2-3 days | Freezer compartment, bottom shelves |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Cheap, lightweight, resistant to fat | Cracks over time, accumulates bacteria in microcracks | Temporary use (up to 6 months) |
| Bamboo fiber (with impregnation) | Eco-friendly, antibacterial (natural bamboo) | Absorbs moisture, requires weekly drying | Shelves for fruits/vegetables (not for meat!) |
Avoid mats made from PVC (can release chlorine at low temperatures) and natural rubber (spoils from fats and acids) It is also dangerous to use mats with flock coating its adhesive. The base peels off over time and gets into the products.
Where to put mats: safe and dangerous zones of the refrigerator
Even the highest quality rug will cause harm if you put it in the wrong place. Here safe placement map for a typical refrigerator model:
- ✅ Bottom shelf (above the vegetable drawers). An ideal place for a rug with sides - this is where condensation accumulates. defrosting products.
- ✅ Shelf for meat/fish. A silicone or EVA mat will prevent the spread of juice throughout the chamber.
- ✅ Door shelves (for bottles). Rubber mats with notches secure glass containers.
- ❌ Rear wall. Blocks ventilation holes (in models No Frost this leads to overheating!).
- ❌ Freezer compartment (if the mat is not designed for -18°C). Regular EVA foam will become brittle and crumble.
- ❌ Under the food tray eggs. The mat interferes with air circulation around fragile products, accelerating their spoilage.
In refrigerators with a system Twin Cooling (for example, Samsung RB37J5240SA) mats can only be placed on middle and lower shelves - the top ones are used for intense airflow. If in doubt, look at the instructions: look for the section Air Flow Diagram (air flow diagram).
Make sure that the mat does not block the ventilation holes
Check the compatibility of the material with the temperature of the chamber
Treat the mat with vinegar solution (1:1) before first use
Cut the mat to the size of the shelf (leave a 5 mm gap at the edges)
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Step-by-step instructions: how to properly put the mat in the refrigerator
To ensure that the mat performs its function and does not harm the equipment, follow this algorithm:
- Preparing the mat.
Rinse the new mat in warm water with soda (1 tbsp per 1 liter) and air dry. This will remove the factory smell and residual chemical impregnations. For silicone mats, use citric acid (2 tsp per 1 liter). water).
- Marking.
Put the mat on the shelf and trace with a marker (not on the mat itself, but on Cling filmattached to the shelf!) Cut along the contour, leaving an allowance of 3-5 mm - this is. will prevent curling of the edges.
- Fixation.
If the mat slips, use double-sided tape for refrigerators (for example, Tesa PowerstripsApply it only to the corners! across the entire surface blocks air circulation under the mat.
- Leak test.
Pour 50 ml of water onto the mat and tilt the shelf at an angle of 15°. If the liquid does not leak, it can be used. For the freezer, carry out a test at -18°C: the mat should not crack when bent.
For refrigerators with inverter compressor (for example LG GA-B489YDQZ) after laying the mat, check the noise level. If the hum intensifies, it means the mat is vibrating - place a thin layer under it cork substrate.
What not to do: 7 mistakes when using mats
Even experienced housewives sometimes make these mistakes that shorten the life of the refrigerator:
- 🚫 Use mats with a metallized coating. They disrupt the operation temperature sensors (in models with electronic control this may cause false shutdown of the compressor).
- 🚫 Place the mat on
drip defrosting system. Water will accumulate under the mat, creating an ideal environment for mold. - 🚫 Wash the mats in the washing machine car. The centrifuge deforms the EVA foam, and bleach powders destroy the silicone.
- 🚫 Buy mats of a “universal” size. They rarely fit perfectly, which is why the edges bend and interfere with closing the door.
- 🚫 Ignore the replacement period. Even the highest quality mat needs to be changed every 1–1.5 years: microcracks accumulate in them Listeria i Salmonella.
It is especially dangerous to use mats with flavors. In the refrigerator, they mix with food odors, creating toxic compounds. For example, lavender-scented mats can lead to a bitter taste in milk and butter.
⚠️ Attention: If, after installing the mat, the refrigerator begins to turn on more often (compressor cycles have been reduced to 10-15 minutes), remove the mat immediately! This is a sign that it is blocking the temperature sensor.
How to care for rugs: cleaning and disinfection
Regular care of rugs is no less important than the refrigerator itself. Here processing schedule depending on the material:
| Material | Cleaning | Disinfection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVA foam | Washing with a soft sponge in a soapy solution | Rinse in vinegar (1:3) or chlorhexidine (0.05%) | Every 2 weeks |
| Silicone | Steam treatment or dishwasher (40°C mode) | Ammonia (1 tsp per 1 liter of water) | 1 time per month |
| Polypropylene | Hard bristle brush + soda | Soaking in a solution with Miramistin | Each week |
To remove persistent odors (fish, onions, spices), use baking soda: sprinkle it on the mat, leave for 12 hours, then rinse. Do not use abrasive cleaners - they damage the surface, and bacteria settle in microcracks.
What is dangerous about a moldy mat?
Mold on the mat (for example, black spots Aspergillus niger) releases mycotoxins that penetrate into products. Even after visible cleaning, spores remain in the pores of the material and can cause allergies or food poisoning. If the mat is moldy, you need to throw it away and rinse the refrigerator with a solution of sodium hypochlorite (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water).
Alternatives to mats: when they are not needed
In some cases, mats are not only useless, but also harmful. Let's consider situations when it is better to refuse them:
- 🔄 Refrigerators with a system Air Multi-Flow. In models like Panasonic NR-B57V1 air flows are distributed so that any obstacle on the shelf disrupts climate control.
- ❄️ Freezers with the function Super Freeze. Sharp cooling to -30°C can make a plastic mat fragile.
- 🧪 Storage of chemically active products. For example, pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut in glass jars - even silicone corrodes their juice.
- 🛠️ After repair refrigerator. If the evaporator or sensors were replaced, the mats may interfere with the test operation of the system in the first 2-3 days.
Instead of mats in these cases, use:
- Silicone substrates for specific products (for example, under a meat tray).
- Food containers with lids —they isolate odors and prevent leaks.
- Removable plastic grilles (included with some models Liebherr).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about mats in the refrigerator
Is it possible to put mats in the refrigerator No Frost?
Yes, but only on lower shelves and when provided that the mat does not block the ventilation holes. In models with dual cooling system (for example, Samsung RB34J3420SA), mats can be used on all shelves except the top - this is where the main air duct is located.
How thick should the mat be?
The optimal thickness is 2–4 mm. Thinner ones (1–1.5 mm) do not absorb moisture, and thick ones (>5 mm) interfere with air circulation. For the freezer, choose mats up to 3 mm thick - they will not freeze through.
Can microwave mats be used in the refrigerator?
No! Microwave mats are made from materials that not designed for low temperatures (for example, contain melamine). At -5°C they become brittle and can crumble into food.
What to do if the mat is stuck to the shelf?
Do not tear it off by force - this can damage the plastic. Water the edge of the mat warm water with liquid soap (1:1), wait 5 minutes and carefully pry it off plastic scraper. Remove any remaining glue vegetable oil (apply for 10 minutes, then wipe with alcohol).
Do you need to remove the mats when defrosting the refrigerator?
Be sure! During defrosting, the mats absorb melt water and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. After defrosting, rinse them separately in hot water (60–70°C) with hot water. (60–70°C) vinegar or citric acid.