Buying a new refrigerator always brings joy, but the question immediately arises about the correct commissioning of the equipment. Many users make the mistake of starting loading products immediately after unpacking, forgetting about hygienic treatment of the internal surfaces. Factory dust, lubricant residues, and plastic chemical odors all need to be eliminated before work begins.
The preparation process does not take much time, but it is critical to maintaining food freshness in the future. If you ignore the initial washing step, foreign odors can be absorbed into seals and plastic parts, then transferred to food. In this article, we will look in detail at what is the best way to treat cameras and how to avoid common mistakes.
It is important to understand that even visually clean surfaces require disinfection. Manufacturers use various anti-corrosion compounds and preservatives to protect metal during transportation. Removing them is not just a matter of cleanliness, but a matter of keeping your family safe.
Where to start: Unpacking and Exterior Cleaning
The first step is always to remove shipping materials. It is necessary to remove all the tape, remove the mounting foam and remove the cardboard spacers. After this, the equipment should be thoroughly wiped from the outside with a damp cloth, since a lot of dust settles on the body during delivery.
A warm soapy solution is ideal for external treatment. You should not use aggressive household chemicals with abrasive particles, as they can scratch the glossy finish or leave dull spots on stainless steel. Pay special attention to the ventilation grilles at the back, where industrial debris often accumulates.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe the body dry with a soft flannel cloth. This will help avoid water stains, which are especially noticeable on dark surfaces. Also check the integrity of the doors and the absence of dents on the body until the equipment is installed in a permanent place.
Choice of detergent: what is safe to wash with
The internal chambers of the refrigerator come into direct contact with food, so the choice of cleaning agent plays a key role here. Unlike external washing, you cannot use chlorine-containing preparations or products with strong fragrances, the smell of which will be difficult to remove.
The best choice would be a solution of baking soda or a weak vinegar solution. These substances do an excellent job of degreasing and eliminating odors, while they are absolutely safe for food. If you prefer ready-made chemicals, choose those labeled “for food surfaces.”
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to use solvents, gasoline, acetone or hard brushes. These substances can damage the structure of the plastic, make it cloudy or cause the appearance of microcracks, in which bacteria can then multiply.
For those who trust modern chemistry, there are special sprays for cleaning refrigerators. They often contain antibacterial components, but require careful rinsing with water. After treating with any product, you need to wipe the surfaces several times with a clean, damp cloth.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the refrigerator compartment
The bulk of the work falls on refrigeration compartment. There are most shelves and drawers here that require an individual approach. Start by removing all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers and bottle holders.
It is better to wash removable parts separately in the sink under running water. This will allow you to properly process them on all sides and avoid getting a large amount of water inside the refrigerator body. Glass shelves should be washed with warm water, gradually increasing the temperature to avoid thermal shock.
☑️ Algorithm for washing the refrigerator compartment
The internal walls of the chamber are wiped from top to bottom. Movements should be smooth, without strong pressure. Pay special attention to the corners and joints of the panels where dust could accumulate. After applying the detergent, let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Do not forget about the ventilation system inside the chamber. Air circulation holes sometimes become clogged with factory shavings or dust. They can be carefully cleaned with a dry soft brush or cotton swab, without using water, so that moisture does not get into the channels.
Cleaning the freezer and ice maker
The freezer often has a specific smell of new plastic, which is more difficult to remove due to the low temperature. The washing principle here is similar to the refrigerator compartment, but there are some nuances. Plastic in the freezer is more sensitive to temperature changes and chemicals.
If your model has an ice maker, it must be rinsed especially thoroughly. Even if it is new, process water or dust could remain in the tubes. Flushing the ice maker system should be carried out according to the instructions Menu → Settings → Ice Maker → Cleanif such a function is provided by the electronics.
| Processing area | Recommended product | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp per liter) | Soft sponge | Do not rub too hard |
| Rubber seal | Warm water | Cotton pad | Rinse folds |
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner | Microfiber cloth | Keep an eye on temperature |
| Plastic boxes | Soap solution | Brush with soft bristles | Rinse well |
After washing the freezer, be sure to leave the door fully open drying. The moisture remaining in the corners will turn into an ice crust when you first turn it on, which will then have to be defrosted. Make sure that all hard-to-reach places are absolutely dry.
Care of seals and magnetic tapes
The rubber door seal is one of the most important elements that ensure tightness. This is where mold and dirt most often accumulate if proper primary cleaning is not carried out. Factory grease on the rubber should also be removed.
Wipe the seal carefully, pulling it off with your fingers to get to the internal folds. Use only warm water or a weak vinegar solution. Aggressive substances can dry out the rubber, making it brittle, which will lead to loss of seal in the future.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal has a factory coating or sticky film, be sure to remove it completely. Glue residue can turn black over time and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
After the rubber has dried, you can lubricate it with a special silicone grease for seals, if recommended by the manufacturer. This will extend the service life of the material and ensure a better fit of the door to the body. However, for the first time, just clean water is usually enough.
What to do if the seal is deformed?
If after unpacking you notice creases in the rubber, try gently warming them with a hair dryer at a minimum temperature or closing the door tightly for several hours. In some cases, massaging the seal with your fingers helps.
Removing the smell of plastic and final drying
The smell of new plastic is a common problem that can be solved with time and proper ventilation. After wet cleaning, the refrigerator should stand with the doors open for at least 4-6 hours, and preferably a day. This will allow volatile compounds to erode.
To speed up the process, you can use natural absorbents. Place activated carbon, an open pack of soda, or fresh citrus zest inside the chambers. These substances effectively absorb extraneous odors without creating new ones.
The final stage is to check the dryness of all surfaces. Run your hand along the walls and corners. If you feel the slightest dampness, wipe the areas again with a dry cloth. Only after this can the equipment be connected to the network.
First turn on and loading with food
After the refrigerator has been washed and dried, it can be turned on. Don't rush to load products right away. Let the equipment run idle for 2-3 hours so that it reaches the desired temperature and stabilizes the operating mode.
It is better to load products gradually. Sudden filling with warm food will cause the compressor to work overload. Arrange food so that it does not block the vents, allowing air to circulate freely.
Following these simple preparation rules will ensure that your new refrigerator will last a long time and your food will always remain fresh and safe. Regular maintenance in the future will require less effort if the base is laid correctly.
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with water from a hose?
No, this is absolutely not allowed. If a large amount of water gets inside the case, especially in the area of electrical components and thermal insulation, it will lead to equipment failure. Washing is only possible by hand using a damp cloth.
Do I need to remove the protective film from the internal shelves?
Yes, definitely. All protective film, stickers and tape must be removed before first use. They are intended only for protection during transportation and are not part of the structure.
How often should you wash the refrigerator after the first time?
It is recommended to thoroughly clean the refrigerator every 3-4 months. However, spilled liquids and crumbs should be removed immediately to avoid the appearance of odor and the growth of bacteria.