The refrigerator is the only household appliance that works around the clock without interruptions. Not only food, but also bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors accumulate inside it. Even if you wipe the shelves regularly, Deep cleaning is required at least 2 times a year. But how to do it correctly so as not to damage the equipment and not spend the whole day cleaning?
This article contains step-by-step instructions from professional cleaning services, proven cleaning products (including natural ones), as well as hidden nuancesthat are not written about in standard manuals. For example, why you can’t wash the rubber seal with hot water, how to remove yellowness from plastic, and what to do if after cleaning the refrigerator begins to make more noise.
We’ll warn you right away: the process will take from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the degree of contamination. But the result is worth it - your products will last longer, and your equipment will last without breakdowns.
Preparing for cleaning: what you need to do before washing
Start with planning. The optimal time for cleaning is when the refrigerator is almost empty (for example, before going to the supermarket). If this is not possible, prepare in advance:
- 🧊 Thermal bag or box with ice for perishable foods (meat, milk, cheeses).
- 🧴 Cleaning products (detailed list in the next section).
- 🧽 Soft sponges, microfiber rags, a toothbrush for hard-to-reach places.
- 🔌 Extension cord if the outlet is far away (so as not to pull the refrigerator).
Important point: some modern models (for example, Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView) have electronic displays - they cannot be wet. Check the instructions for your model to find out how to properly clean the control panel.
If the refrigerator has a system No Frost, you do not need to defrost it. For drip models (Direct Cool), you will have to wait 2-4 hours until the ice melts naturally. You can speed up the process by placing a pan of hot water inside (but not boiling water!).
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to the system SmartThings or similar services, resynchronization may be required after cleaning. Save the settings in the application in advance.
What products can be used for washing
Refrigerator manufacturers (Bosch, Liebherr, Indesit) recommend avoiding abrasive powders and products with chlorine. They damage the coating and can cause corrosion of metal parts. Here's what really works:
| Type of product | For what surfaces | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food soda (2 tbsp per 1 liter of water) | Plastic, glass, rubber | Kills bacteria, removes odors, safe for products | Does not cope with greasy stains |
| Vinegar 9% (1:1 with water) | Shelves, drawers, seal | Disinfects, removes mold, plaque | Pungent odor, can damage aluminum parts |
| Citric acid (1 tsp per 200 ml) | White plastic, enamel | Whites, removes yellowness, gives a fresh aroma | Not suitable for black glossy surfaces |
| Special sprays (for example, Top House, Unicum) | All types of surfaces | Fast-acting, often with an antibacterial effect | May contain fragrances that are absorbed into plastic |
For glass. shelves a window cleaner is suitable (for example, Mr. Proper), and for rubber seal a soap solution with the addition of hydrogen peroxide (3%). Do not use solvents (acetone, gasoline) in any case - they destroy plastic and rubber.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash the inside of the refrigerator
Now let's move on to the process itself. Follow this algorithm so as not to miss important details:
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove all the food. If there is ice in the freezer, wait until it melts, or carefully remove it with a plastic scraper.
- Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, racks, egg trays. They need to be washed separately in the sink.
- Wipe the inside. walls Start from the ceiling of the chamber, then move to the back wall and door.
- Treat the sealing rubber with a toothbrush dipped in a soapy solution. This is the dirtiest place - crumbs and bacteria accumulate there.
- Wash the removable parts under running water with detergent. For stubborn stains, use soda water. solution.
- Dry all surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Moisture is the main cause of mold.
- Turn on the refrigerator and let it run empty for 30 minutes to stabilize temperature.
☑️ What must be washed inside the refrigerator
For drainage hole (small hole on the back wall) use a cotton swab or a special brush. If it is clogged, water will accumulate inside, which will lead to an unpleasant odor. In some models (Atlant, Biryusa), the drainage system requires regular cleaning - this is indicated in the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the refrigerator becomes louder, check whether the shelves or drawers have moved. They may touch the fan in models with No Frost, causing vibration.
How to clean the freezer: features and life hacks
The freezer requires a special approach. ice, which is formed even in models with No Frostif the door does not close well. Here's how to deal with it:
- ❄️ To manual defrosting put a bowl of hot water inside (not boiling water!) and close the door for 20 minutes. The steam will speed up the melting of the ice.
- 🧊 If the ice is thick (more than 5 mm), use silicone scraper —it does not scratch plastic. Metal objects are prohibited! data-i="149">silicone scraper
- 🧽 After the ice melts, rinse the chamber with a solution of vinegar (1:1) to remove the smell of fish or meat.
- 🔄 In models with
Total No Frost(for example, Liebherr Premium) there is no ice forms, but condensation can accumulate in hidden areas. Wipe them with a dry cloth.
Pay special attention tray for collecting water (found in most refrigerators). Remove it, wash it with soda and dry it. floor
What to do if the freezer smells rotten?
This means that organic residues have accumulated in the drainage system. Rinse the system with a solution of citric acid (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) using a syringe. After processing, turn on the refrigerator at maximum mode for 1 hour.
If foods with a strong odor (for example, fish) are stored in the freezer, after washing, put inside adsorbent: a bag of activated carbon, a piece of charcoal or a special odor absorber (for example, FreshBox).
Cleaning the external surfaces and back wall
External care is no less important. Dust on the radiator (rear grill) impairs heat transfer, which makes the refrigerator louder and consumes more electricity:
- 🔌 Turn off the refrigerator and move it away from the wall (at least 30 cm). Be careful not to damage the floor covering.
- 🧹 Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove dust from the radiator and compressor!
- 🧼 Wipe the top and side panels with a soft cloth and detergent. For stainless steel, it is suitable polishing spray (for example, Weiman).
- 🔍 Check refrigerator legs - they should be level. If one leg is sagging, adjust it height.
For displays and touch panels use equipment wipes (without alcohol!). Do not press hard - sensors may be damaged. In models with camera inside (for example, Samsung Family Hub) dry cloth.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a water supply (models with water dispenser), after cleaning the back wall, check the hose connections. Even a small leak can lead to a short. short circuit.
How to get rid of unpleasant odor for a long time
Even after thorough washing, the smell may return after a few days. This is due to bacteria that remain in the microcracks of the plastic. effective ways fight:
- ☕ Place an open jar of natural coffee (beans or ground) inside. It will absorb foreign aromas in 1-2 days.
- 🍋 Cut the lemon in half and put it on the shelf. Citrus will not only freshen the air, but also disinfect.
- 🧂 Place on a saucer salt or soda - they will absorb moisture and odors.
- 🌿 Use air ionizer for refrigerators (for example, Soehnle FreshAIRIt destroys bacteria with ultraviolet light.
If the smell has become embedded in the plastic, wipe the shelves with a solution of vinegar and water (1:1) and leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse with clean water. For persistent odors, it breaks down organic compounds. fish, onions or garlic. data-i="200">hydrogen peroxide 3% has become embedded in the plastic, wipe the shelves with a solution of vinegar and water (1:1) and leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with clean water. Suitable for persistent odors hydrogen peroxide 3% — it breaks down organic compounds.
Avoid air fresheners with a strong aroma - they mix with food odors, creating "chemical cocktail". It is better to use neutral absorbers.
Common mistakes when washing the refrigerator
Even experienced housewives sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or rapid re-contamination. data-i="207">cannot be done can't do:
- 🔥 Wash the refrigerator hot water - this will deform the seal and can damage the electronic components.
- 🧴 Use dishwashing detergents (type Fairy) in undiluted form - they leave a sticky residue.
- ❄️ Putting hot food in a freshly washed refrigerator - this will lead to the formation of condensation.
- 🔌 Turn on the refrigerator immediately after washing - let it stand for 30 minutes with the door open so that the moisture evaporates.
- 🧽 Wash ventilation holes in models
No Frostwith sharp objects - this disrupts circulation air.
Another common mistake is to ignore drainage hole. If it is clogged, water will accumulate at the bottom of the chamber, creating ideal conditions for mold. Clean it with a cotton swab every time. cleaning.
If after cleaning the refrigerator begins to cool worse, check:
- If something is blocking the ventilation grilles (in models
No Frost). - Are the shelves installed correctly - they should not block the flow of cold air.
- Is the seal damaged (if the door does not close tightly, the temperature inside rises).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator without unplugging it? network?
No, it is dangerous! Even if you are careful, water can get on electronic components or in the socket. Always unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. The exception is external cleaning (wiping the door from the outside), but here it is better to be safe.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
Depends on the intensity of use:
- 🏠 At home - once every 3 months (or more often if you store a lot of fresh food).
- 🏢 In offices, shops - once a month.
- 🚨 If there is a smell or mold is visible - urgent cleaning!
It is enough to clean the freezer compartment every 6 monthsif it is not full.
How to wash yellow stains on plastic?
Yellowness appears due to oxidation of plastic or exposure to fat. Effective methods:
- Citric acid (2. tbsp per 200 ml of water) - wipe the stain and leave for 15 minutes.
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% - apply to a cotton pad and rub the stain.
- Melamine sponge - removes even old stains, but use it carefully (it may scratch the gloss).
After treatment, rinse off the product with clean water and wipe dry.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before use?
Yes! At the factory and during transportation, dust, oils and chemicals accumulate inside. It is enough to wipe all surfaces soft cloth with soapy water (1 teaspoon of liquid soap per 1 liter of water), then dry. solution
How to clean a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
In models No Frost ice does not form, but cleaning is still needed Features:
- ❄️ Defrosting is not required, but unplug necessary.
- 🌀 Pay attention ventilation holes wipe them with a cotton swab.
- 🔄 After washing, let the refrigerator work empty for 1-2 hoursso that the system restores air circulation.
Do not use sharp objects to clean the back wall - there are air ducts there.