Buying new household appliances is always accompanied by pleasant excitement and the expectation of comfort, but haste in this matter can play a cruel joke. Many owners make the mistake of believing that a unit purchased in a store is completely ready for use and does not require any preliminary preparation other than installation in place.
In fact, the inner surface of the chamber and external elements are often coated with a layer of technical preservative lubricant, which protects the metal during transportation, but is not at all intended for contact with food products.
Ignoring the primary cleaning stage can lead to not only to the appearance of an unpleasant chemical odor that is absorbed into the products, but also to the risk of violating sanitary standards, which is especially critical for families with small children.
Why is it necessary to wash new equipment
The primary task is to remove factory contaminationwhich inevitably appear during the production process and storage in the warehouse. Metal surfaces are treated with special compounds to prevent corrosion during long-term storage in containers or on store shelves.
In addition, inside the chamber there may be traces of dust, microparticles of plastic from packaging and even small insects that accidentally got inside during assembly. Thorough washing allows you to identify and eliminate these hidden defects before you place food there.
⚠️ Attention: Technical lubricants left on shelves can oxidize and become sticky over time, which will complicate further cleaning and become an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
It is also important to wash off the specific smell of new plastic, which is typical for all polymer materials used in the production of drawers and shelves. This aroma can be transferred to products with a high degree of absorption, such as butter, milk or cheese.
Required products and tools
For high-quality preparation of the unit, you will need a minimum set of tools, which, as a rule, are already in the kitchen. The main rule is to use only safe household chemicalsthat does not contain aggressive acids or abrasive particles.
The optimal solution would be a regular solution of baking soda or a mild dishwashing detergent. These substances effectively break down grease films and do not leave toxic marks on surfaces.
You will also need clean cotton rags that absorb moisture well and do not fluff up. It is not recommended to use low-quality paper towels, as they may leave small lint in the corners of the chamber.
- 🧼 Mild liquid soap or fragrance-free dishwashing detergent.
- 🥤 Baking soda to remove odors and disinfect.
- 🧽 Two sponges: one for soaping, the other for rinsing.
- 👕 Clean, dry microfiber or cotton towels.
Preparation for washing and defrosting
Before starting water procedures, it is necessary to properly prepare the equipment. Even if the refrigerator is new, it needs to be installed on a level place and allowed to stand for several hours after transportation so that the compressor oil flows into the crankcase.
The next step is to remove all removable elements. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and door containers should be removed and washed separately. This will allow you to thoroughly process hard-to-reach places inside the case.
☑️ Preparing for washing
If the model is equipped with a system No Frostit does not require defrosting, but it is still necessary to wipe the insides. For drip systems or older models, complete defrosting may be required if the equipment is not new, but in the case of a new unit, this stage comes down to removing factory dust.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects to remove stickers or dirt, as you can damage the cooling circuit or scratch the plastic.
Internal washing process cameras
You should start cleaning from the top shelves, gradually going down. Wet the sponge in the prepared warm solution and thoroughly wipe all surfaces, paying special attention to the corners and joints of the panels.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the door. Industrial dust often accumulates in the folds of the cuff, which must be carefully cleaned to ensure a tight fit of the door.
After cleaning with detergent, be sure to wipe all surfaces with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining foam. Then wipe the camera dry with a dry towel, without leaving any drops of moisture.
How to remove traces of glue from labels?
Remnants of glue from price tags or instructions are best removed with vegetable oil or a special spray for removing stickers. Apply the product to a cotton pad, apply to the stain for a minute, then carefully wipe off.
For disinfection, you can additionally wipe the walls with a weak solution of vinegar, but after this you will need very careful ventilation to get rid of the specific smell of acid.
Care of external surfaces and parts
The appearance of the refrigerator also requires care, especially if it is a coated model anti-fingerprint or stainless steel. For such surfaces, there are special spray polishes that create a protective layer.
The rear grille and condenser (if it is open) should be carefully vacuumed or wiped with a dry brush. The accumulation of dust on the heat exchanger reduces the efficiency of the compressor and increases energy consumption.
| Surface type | Recommended agent | Prohibited actions |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Special agent for steel, water | Rub along the grain, chlorine |
| Glossy plastic | Soap solution, microfiber | Use abrasives, alcohol |
| Matte finish | Water, soft sponge | Strong rubbing with a brush |
Door handles are the place where the most germs accumulate, so they need to be washed especially carefully using a disinfectant. After washing, polish them with a dry cloth until they shine.
Odor elimination and final drying
After completing wet cleaning, the most important thing is to let the unit dry completely. Leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours, providing a draft in the room to quickly remove moisture and odors.
If after drying there remains a slight smell of new plastic, you can use natural absorbents. Place activated carbon, soda in an open container or fresh citrus zest inside the chamber.
Only after you are convinced that it is completely dry and free of foreign odors, you can connect the refrigerator to the network. It is strictly not recommended to start a compressor with wet insides.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on a wet refrigerator can lead to a short circuit in the control system or the formation of mold in hard-to-reach places.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can Is it possible to wash a new refrigerator with chlorine-containing products?
It is highly undesirable to use bleach, since its vapors are toxic, and the remaining substances can react with food. In addition, chlorine can damage plastic elements and rubber seals, making them brittle.
Is it necessary to remove the protective film from the outer walls?
Yes, all shipping films and stickers must be removed before first use. If you leave them, condensation may collect under the film, which will lead to mold or discoloration of the case.
How long after washing can you load food?
You can load food only after the refrigerator has been empty for 1-2 hours and has reached the required temperature. This applies only to the initial start-up; after washing, loading is possible immediately after the chambers have cooled.
How often should you wash the refrigerator during operation?
It is recommended to carry out general cleaning with defrosting once every 3-6 months, depending on the model. You should wipe down shelves and remove spilled liquids weekly to avoid lingering odors.
What to do if the smell of plastic does not disappear after washing?
If the smell persists for a long time, try leaving a container of ground coffee or charcoal inside for a few days. In rare cases, a persistent chemical odor may indicate defective materials, and then you should contact the service.