Modern household appliances require not only proper installation, but also regular maintenance to maintain warranty obligations. The owner of the equipment LG Electronics must understand that the accumulation of dirt, dust and condensation in hidden areas can lead to overheating of the compressor or the appearance of foreign odors. General cleaning is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary preventive measure that extends the life of the unit.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply wipe the shelves when soup spills. However, Total No Frost system or Multi Air Flow, installed in models LG, has a complex system of air ducts and fans, which are also susceptible to contamination. Dust on the heat exchanger and clogged drainage holes are the main reasons why the device stops freezing effectively.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely and efficiently put your refrigerator in order. You will learn which detergents are safe for plastic and seals, how to get to hard-to-reach places and what to do if an unpleasant odor has settled in the chamber. Regular care It will take no more than an hour to work on the equipment, but you will feel the result immediately.
Preparation for the cleaning procedure and defrosting
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to completely empty the internal space of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. All products should be removed, sorted and, if necessary, transferred to a thermal bag or other cold place to avoid spoilage during the procedure. Defrosting is a mandatory step, even if your model is equipped with a system No Frost, since ice jams could form in the drainage channels.
Disconnect the device from the electrical network, pulling out the plug from the socket. This is a critical security step that cannot be ignored. While the unit is turned off, remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, vegetable drawers and bottle holders. It is better to wash them separately in the bathroom under running water using a mild detergent.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for washing
Leave the refrigerator doors open for 30–60 minutes. This will allow any remaining ice to melt naturally and allow any condensation to dry out. Do not use a hair dryer or other heating devices to speed up the process, as a sudden change in temperature can damage the internal plastic or tubular heat exchanger evaporator.
Cleaning the internal chambers and removable elements
After the removable parts have been washed and dried, you can start processing the inner walls. To wash plastic and glass inside the refrigerator LG it is best to use a warm soapy solution or special household appliance products that do not contain abrasive particles. Aggressive chemicals can make the plastic cloudy or cause microcracks.
Wipe each shelf and partition thoroughly, paying attention to corners where crumbs or spilled liquids may have accumulated. Pay special attention to the shelf guides - sticky residue often accumulates there, which prevents the drawers from moving out normally. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
- 🧼 Use a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) to remove stubborn dirt and grease.
- 🍋 Citric acid or vinegar solution will help not only wash, but also deodorize interior space.
- 💧 Be sure to wipe all surfaces dry before putting shelves back in order to avoid ice build-up.
⚠️ Attention: Never use chlorine-containing bleaches or solvents to clean interior chambers. These substances can react with plastic, changing its color and structure, and also leave toxic traces that are dangerous for food.
How to remove yellowness on plastic?
If the white plastic inside the refrigerator has turned yellow over time, you can try using hydrogen peroxide or special wipes for office equipment. However, if yellowness appears due to thermal effects or aging of the material, it may not be possible to completely return whiteness without the risk of damaging the surface.
Care for the ventilation and drainage system
One of the most important and often ignored procedures is cleaning the ventilation system. In models LG with technology Multi Air Flow cold air circulates through many holes on the back wall. If these vents become clogged with crumbs or crushed ice, circulation will be affected and food will not cool evenly.
Use a Q-tip or a thin, soft brush to carefully clean each vent on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. Be careful not to pierce the wall or damage the temperature sensors that may be located near the holes. Air circulation is the key to proper operation of the system No Frost.
| Element | Cleaning frequency | Tool | Risk of contamination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventilation holes | Once every 3 months | Cotton swab | Cooling failure |
| Drainage hole | Once every 6 months | Special brush | The appearance of water at the bottom |
| Deodorization filter | Once a year (replacement) | Hands | Foreign odors |
| Door seal | Monthly | Soft fabric | Depressurization |
Also check the drainage hole, which is usually located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. It drains condensate to the evaporator. If it is clogged, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can clean it using a special plastic brush or soft wire wrapped in fabric.
Cleaning door seals and outer surfaces
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is the first barrier that keeps the cold inside the chamber. Over time, dirt, grease and mold accumulate in the folds of rubber, which leads to loss of elasticity and tightness. A dirty seal can cause the refrigerator to run continuously, trying to maintain the set temperature.
Wipe the seal with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water or a weak vinegar solution. After cleaning, be sure to treat the rubber with mineral oil or a special rubber conditioner to prevent drying and cracking. Door tightness directly affects the energy consumption of your LG.
The external surface of refrigerators LG is often made of stainless steel or has a special coating Anti-Fingerprintthat repels fingerprints. There are special sprays and wipes to care for such surfaces. If you have a model with a regular coating, avoid using abrasive sponges, which can leave micro-scratches.
- 🧽 For glossy surfaces, use glass cleaners without ammonia.
- 🖐️ When wiping stainless steel, movements should be along the texture of the metal to avoid stains.
- ✨ Polishing the outer panel gives the device a marketable appearance and protects against corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: If persistent dirt or traces of glue from labels appear on the outer panel of the refrigerator, do not use a knife or blade to remove them. You may damage the paintwork. Use special glue solvents or vegetable oil.
Maintenance of the rear panel and capacitor
The back of the refrigerator is the “lungs” of your device. This is where the condenser (grid with tubes) and the compressor are located. Over time, a layer of dust, pet hair and lint settles on these parts, which acts as a heat insulator. This forces the compressor to work harder, which leads to increased noise and energy consumption.
To clean the back panel, move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access to the rear. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust from the condenser grille and around the compressor. If the dust is compressed, you can carefully use a brush with long bristles. Heat transfer Must be loose for effective work.
Also check the condition of the water collection tray, which is located above the compressor (in some models). There should be no hard deposits or mold in it. If the tray is removable, it can be removed, washed and dried. The cleanliness of this unit prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which can be drawn into the chambers through the ventilation system.
Elimination of unpleasant odors and disinfection
Even after thorough washing, an unpleasant odor may persist in the refrigerator, especially if spoiled food has been lying there for a long time. Bacteria may have entered micropores in the plastic or the air duct system. To combat this, it is necessary to carry out high-quality deodorization.
There are several proven ways to eliminate odors. You can use activated carbon, which is an excellent adsorbent. Crush a few tablets and scatter them into saucers and place them on the shelves. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice, which is used to wipe the inner walls, also helps effectively.
- 🍞 Brown bread: cut the loaf and place the slices in the chambers overnight.
- ☕ Ground coffee: perfectly absorbs odors, but make sure that it does not wake up.
- 🍚 Rice: a glass of raw rice in an open container also works as an odor absorber.
Some modern models LG install a system Hygiene Fresh+ or similar filters with silver ions. Check the status of such a filter in the instructions. If it is provided by the design, it must be replaced at the end of its service life (usually once a year), since a saturated filter stops working and can itself become a source of odor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with dishwashing detergent?
Yes, you can use regular dishwashing detergent, but it must be rinsed off very thoroughly. Chemical residues can give food an unpleasant taste. It is better to use a weak solution of soda or vinegar, which are safer and easier to wash off.
How often do you need to defrost an LG refrigerator with No Frost?
The system No Frost does not require regular defrosting to remove ice, as this happens automatically. However, once a year (or if a smell appears), it is recommended to turn off the refrigerator for a day for general cleaning and disinfection.
Why does the refrigerator work loudly after cleaning?
If after cleaning, especially the rear panel, the noise increases, check whether the tube or wiring is pressed against the body. It is also possible that water has entered the drainage tray and is now boiling on a hot compressor - this is normal and will go away in a few hours.
How to wipe the seal to prevent it from drying?
After washing with a soapy solution, wipe the rubber seal with glycerin, silicone grease or a special rubber conditioner. This will restore its elasticity and prevent cracks from appearing.
What to do if the water does not go into the drainage hole?
Take a soft brush or cotton wool twisted into a bundle, carefully insert it into the hole and clean the channel. You can also use a medical bulb to pour warm water into it under low pressure to break through the blockage.