Modern refrigerators LG famous for their reliability and advanced cooling technologies, however, even the most advanced equipment requires regular and careful care to maintain hygiene and durability. Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to just wipe the shelves when there is no food in the refrigerator, but complete disinfection and removal of old contaminants require a more systematic approach.
Improper cleaning can lead not only to the appearance of unpleasant odors, but also to damage to internal coatings or failure temperature sensors. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly wash the refrigerator LG inside, what products to use for different types of surfaces, and how to avoid common mistakes that inexperienced users often make.
Preparing refrigeration equipment for washing
Before starting any water procedures, you must completely empty the interior space of food. This will not only make it easier to access all corners of the chamber, but will also protect food from contact with cleaning agents or bacteria washed off the walls. It is advisable to prepare capacious cooler bags or bowls of ice in advance so that perishable foods do not have time to spoil during the procedure.
The next critical step is to disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug from the socket and let the equipment stand for a while to allow the (compressor) to cool completely and the refrigerant to be redistributed in the system. If you have a model with a system No Frost, the waiting time may be less than with drip systems, but complete de-energization is a mandatory safety requirement.
Prepare all the necessary tools in advance: soft sponges, microfiber, a spray bottle and selected detergents. The use of abrasive sponges or hard brushes is strictly prohibited, as they can leave micro-scratches on the plastic, in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up defrosting by using a hair dryer, hot water or heating devices. A sudden change in temperature can lead to cracking of plastic panels and damage to the evaporator.
Choosing safe detergents
The household chemicals market offers many specialized sprays, but for the inner chamber LG simple and time-tested solutions are best suited. The main requirement for the product is the absence of aggressive acids, alkalis and abrasive particles that can react with food-grade plastic or rubber seals.
The best option is a warm soap solution prepared from laundry soap or mild dishwashing detergent. For disinfection and removal of persistent odors, a solution of baking soda (one tablespoon per liter of water) or a weak solution of acetic acid is excellent, which also effectively fights mold in hard-to-reach places.
If you prefer to use industrial household chemicals, carefully read the label: it should indicate that the product is safe for contact with food and is suitable for plastic. Avoid chlorine-containing bleaches, as their vapors can settle on products, and the remaining product is difficult to completely wash off from porous surfaces.
The process of defrosting and removing elements
After the refrigerator is turned off and empty, it is necessary to remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic vegetable boxes, egg containers and bottle holders. Glass shelves of models LG often have a protective coating, so they should be washed under warm but not hot water to avoid thermal shock and cracks.
Plastic parts such as drawers Crisperare best soaked in a basin with soapy water for 15-20 minutes. This will soften dried-on dirt and make it easier to wash the bottom and corners where juice from vegetables or fruits usually gets trapped. To wash, use the soft side of the sponge, thoroughly rinsing the parts with clean water.
While the removable elements are drying, start defrosting the main chamber. Leave the doors open to allow warm air to circulate inside. Place towels or flat containers on the bottom of the bottom shelf to catch melting water. In models with Total No Frost there will be little ice, but in drip systems water can flow in a stream, so control is required.
☑️ Preparing for washing
Cleaning the interior and walls
When the ice has melted and the water has been collected, you can begin washing the interior walls. Move from top to bottom: first wipe the ceiling of the chamber, then the side walls and finally the bottom. This sequence will prevent re-contamination of already washed areas with flowing dirty water.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints of the panels, where mold and bacteria most often accumulate. Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs soaked in a disinfectant solution to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas. For models LG with antibacterial coating Hygiene Fresh+ it is important not to use aggressive chemicals so as not to disturb the protective layer.
After treating all surfaces with clean water, go through with a damp microfiber again to remove any remaining detergent. Cleanliness at this stage is critical, since chemical residues can give the product an off-flavor or cause an allergic reaction.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Exposure time |
|---|---|---|
| Grease stains | Dishing detergent solution | 5-10 minutes |
| Dried juice/berries | Warm water + soda | 10-15 minutes |
| Mold in corners | Vinegar solution (1:3) | No rinsing |
| Scaling (in the drainage area) | Citric acid | 5 minutes |
Care for the ventilation and drainage system
In refrigerators LG with technology No Frost it is critical to keep the ventilation holes located on the back wall clean. It is through them that cold air circulates, and their blockage with food debris or ice chips can lead to uneven cooling and increased load on the compressor.
Gently wipe the ventilation grille with a damp, well-wrung out cloth. Do not use cotton swabs as the lint may get stuck inside and cause a blockage over time. If you notice a layer of ice on the evaporator (which can be seen through the grille on some models), this may indicate a malfunction rather than a need for cleaning.
Also check the drain hole, usually located at the bottom of the rear wall. It is designed to drain condensate. If it is clogged, water will accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or under the vegetable drawers. You can clean it using a special flexible brush or soft wire wrapped in fabric.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the back wall, be extremely careful with the evaporator tubes. Damage to them will lead to a leak of freon and expensive repairs that cannot be performed at home.
What to do if there is a damp smell after washing?
If after thorough cleaning the smell remains, moisture may have gotten into the thermal insulation layer or behind the plastic sheathing. In this case, leave the refrigerator with the doors open for 24 hours in a ventilated area. You can also place activated carbon or special odor absorbers inside.
Treatment of seals and external surfaces
The rubber door seal is the place where black mold most often forms, which is difficult to remove. Carefully wipe the folds of the seal with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution. After treatment, it is recommended to lubricate the rubber with a special rubber care compound or glycerin so that it does not dry out and maintain elasticity.
The external surfaces of the refrigerator LG, especially if it is a coating Matte Steel or glossy plastic, require delicate handling. Use special wipes for household appliances or a solution of water and a small amount of glass cleaner. Movements should be along the surface texture to avoid streaks.
Don't forget to wash the outer door handles and the top panel if the display area is located there. For screens, use only dry or slightly damp antistatic wipes, avoiding moisture getting into the joints of the buttons and the case.
Completing the process and starting refrigerator
After all internal and external surfaces have been washed and the removable elements have been dried, reassemble the refrigerator in reverse order. Make sure that the shelves and drawers snap into place correctly and until they click, especially for glass shelves with metal frames that must be securely fixed in the grooves.
Leave the refrigerator doors open for another 15-20 minutes so that the remaining moisture finally evaporates and a balance of temperature and humidity is established inside. Only after this can you connect the device to the network. It is better to start the first start without food, letting the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours until the set temperature is reached.
Loading food should be done gradually, without filling the chamber completely at once. This will allow the cooling system LG to adapt to the thermal load and reach operating mode without overloading the compressor. Regular washing, carried out once every 3-4 months, will ensure ideal hygiene and long service life of your equipment.
Is it possible to wash the back of an LG refrigerator?
You can wash the back wall from the outside, but this must be done with extreme caution. Use a dry soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the condenser and compressor grilles. It is prohibited to wet these elements with water, as moisture can cause a short circuit or corrosion of the contacts.
How to remove yellow deposits on plastic?
Yellow deposits on the internal plastic are often the result of contact with products or aging of the material. Try using a paste of baking soda and water, leaving it for 10 minutes, or special plastic cleaners. Avoid acetone and solvents, they can melt the surface.
How often should you clean the refrigerator?
General cleaning with defrosting is recommended every 3-4 months. However, local cleaning of spilled liquids and contaminants should be carried out immediately, without waiting for the scheduled date, to prevent the absorption of odors and the growth of bacteria.