Modern kitchen appliances require a delicate approach, especially when it comes to the hygiene of the internal chamber. Many owners are wondering what is the best way to clean the refrigerator so as not to damage the plastic and rubber seals with aggressive chemicals. Using available household ingredients is not only a budget saver, but also a guarantee of the safety of the food that will be stored inside.
Accumulated odors, greasy stains from sauces or traces of defrosted berries can become a serious problem if you do not know the correct proportions of cleaning solutions. In this article, we will analyze time-tested methods that will help restore the pristine cleanliness of your equipment.
Before starting the active cleaning phase, it is necessary to properly prepare the unit. Process safety depends on following simple rules of preliminary preparation, which are often ignored in a hurry.
Preparing for cleaning and defrosting
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This requirement is dictated not only by safety rules when working with water, but also by the need to allow the system to cool. While the compressor is running, the walls of the refrigerator compartment are cold, and the applied moisture can instantly turn into an ice crust, which makes it difficult to remove contaminants.
After turning off, it is necessary to empty the internal space of all products. Perishable goods it is better to temporarily transfer it to a basin with ice or to a cool place if cleaning takes longer. Shelves and drawers should be removed from the body, as it is more convenient to wash them in a sink or bathtub under running water.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up defrosting by using a hairdryer or hot water pouring onto the walls. A sharp temperature change can lead to microcracks in the evaporator, which will cause expensive repairs.
While the natural defrosting process is underway, start preparing cleaning solutions. For an effective result, it is important that the water is warm, but not hot. The optimal temperature is about 35-40 degrees Celsius, which is comfortable for the hands and effective for dissolving fat.
☑️ Preparing for washing
Cleaning with soda: universal abrasive
Baking soda is perhaps the most popular and safe means for combating dirt inside the refrigerator. Its small crystals work as a soft abrasive that does not scratch plastic, but effectively removes plaque. In addition, soda perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors by absorbing volatile compounds.
To prepare a cleaning paste, mix three tablespoons of powder with a small amount of warm water until the consistency of thick sour cream. The resulting mass is applied to a sponge and the contaminated areas are treated with circular movements. Pay special attention to the corners of the chamber and the joints where dirt most often accumulates.
After treating the surfaces, the paste must be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth. If a white coating remains on the walls, it can crystallize and eventually begin to crumble into the food.
- 🧼 Soda is ideal for removing fresh stains from berry juice.
- 🌿 Perfectly eliminates the smell of spoiled meat or fish.
- 🛡️ Does not cause allergies reactions upon contact with the skin of your hands.
Vinegar solution against fat and bacteria
Table vinegar is a powerful natural antiseptic that can destroy up to 99% of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. The acidic environment also perfectly breaks down fatty deposits that often remain after storing open containers with sauces or oil.
To prepare a working solution, mix water and 9% vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. If the smell of acid seems too strong to you, you can add a few drops of lemon or mint essential oil, but only after the surface has been completely washed with water so that the oil does not damage the plastic.
It is most convenient to apply the solution using a spray bottle. Spray the liquid onto the interior walls, doors and shelves, leave for 5-10 minutes, and then wipe with a damp cloth. This method is especially effective for disinfecting after storing raw meat.
Solution concentration importance: using pure vinegar may be too harsh for some types of plastic and rubber seals, causing them to dry out and crack.
⚠️ Attention: Acetic acid can change the color of some plastics if exposed for long periods of time. Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the chamber before complete treatment.
How to remove the smell of vinegar?
To finally get rid of the smell of vinegar after washing, wipe all surfaces with water adding a couple of drops of ammonia or simply leave the door open for ventilation for 30 minutes.
Ammonia to remove yellowness
Over time, white plastic in refrigerators may acquire a yellowish tint. This often happens due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation or oxidation of materials. Ammonia (ammonia) is one of the few available means that can return plastic to its original whiteness.
The solution is prepared at the rate of one tablespoon of ammonia per liter of warm water. You need to work with this substance with extreme caution and only in a well-ventilated area, as ammonia vapors are toxic and can cause dizziness.
Wipe all plastic parts, including shelves and doors, with the solution. A special effect is observed when treating door handles and control buttons, which often turn yellow from contact with sebum. After treatment, be sure to thoroughly rinse the surfaces with clean water.
| Product | Application | Efficacy | Smell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda | Paste for stains | High | Absent |
| Vinegar | Disinfection | Medium | Sharp |
| Ammonia | Whitening | High | Very sharp |
| Lemon | Refreshment | Low | Pleasant |
Citric acid and essential oils
If your goal is not only cleanliness, but also a pleasant aroma in the kitchen, use natural citrus fruits. Citric acid, contained in lemon juice or powder, has a slight bleaching effect and does an excellent job of removing limescale that can form from condensation.
Cut a fresh lemon in half and wipe the cut side of the inside walls of the refrigerator. Or prepare a solution: 2 tablespoons of citric acid per liter of water. After treatment with this product, the refrigerator will emit a subtle fresh smell, which is especially important when storing dairy products and baked goods.
Essential oils (mint, eucalyptus, tea tree) can be added to the water for the final rinse. Tea tree oil also has pronounced antibacterial properties, enhancing the cleaning effect. 3-5 drops in a bowl of water are enough.
This method is best suited for regular maintenance cleaning, when general cleaning has already been done and you only need to refresh the interior space.
Cleaning seals and hard-to-reach places
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is the place where mold and black dirt most often accumulate. Due to the folded structure of rubber, it is almost impossible to remove dirt from there with a regular sponge.
An old toothbrush would be the ideal tool here. Soak the bristles in a solution of soda or vinegar and carefully go through all the folds of the seal. Movements should be directed from the edge to the center so as not to damage the rubber.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove stubborn mold. Apply it to a cotton swab and treat the blackened areas. Peroxide will not only kill fungal spores, but also lighten the rubber.
- 🦷 The toothbrush penetrates into the deep folds of the rubber.
- 💧 Cotton swabs are needed for spot cleaning of corners.
- 🌬️ After cleaning, the sealant is needed lubricate with glycerin.
⚠️ Attention: After cleaning the rubber seals, be sure to lubricate them with glycerin or silicone grease. Acids and alkalis dry out the rubber, which can lead to loss of seal and condensation.
Don't forget to also clean the drainage hole, which is usually located on the back wall inside the chamber. A blockage in this channel causes water to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can clean it using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool.
Final drying and elimination of odors
The final stage of cleaning is thorough drying. Moisture is the main enemy of a clean refrigerator, as it promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. Wipe all surfaces with dry microfiber or paper towels.
Leave the door open for at least 2-3 hours to completely remove detergent odors and residual moisture. If the room is hot, you can direct the fan towards the open chamber to speed up the process.
To prevent the appearance of foreign odors in the future, place an open container with activated carbon, soda or citrus zest on the shelf. These natural adsorbents will work as an air freshener for several weeks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with soapy water?
Using ordinary laundry or toilet soap is not recommended. It leaves a slippery film that is difficult to wash off with water and can impart an off-flavor to food. In addition, the lye in the soap dries out the plastic. It is better to use soda or vinegar.
How often should you wash the inside of the refrigerator?
General cleaning with defrosting is recommended every 3-4 months. However, wiping shelves and removing spilled liquids should occur immediately or at least once a week to avoid stains and odors from being absorbed.
How to clean a refrigerator if there was rotten food there?
In this case, a double blow is necessary: first thoroughly wash the chamber with a solution of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect, then treat with soda to neutralize odor. After this, leave the refrigerator open for a day, putting a bag of activated carbon inside.
Is it safe to use a melamine sponge?
The melamine sponge acts as a micro-abrasive and can leave invisible scratches on glossy plastic, into which dirt will later become clogged. Use it with caution only on matte surfaces and without the use of additional chemicals.