Cleanliness in the refrigerator is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a guarantee of the safety of the products that you and your loved ones eat. Many owners of household appliances make the mistake of believing that low temperature itself kills all bacteria, but this is not the case. Cold only slows down the proliferation of microorganisms, but does not destroy them completely, and spilled juices, crumbs and packaging residues become an ideal environment for the development of mold and unpleasant odors.
Regular wet cleaning helps extend the life of the unit, since contaminated seals retain heat less well, forcing the compressor to work harder. In this article, we will look in detail at the best way to wash internal surfaces, how to eliminate persistent odors, and what products should absolutely not be used so as not to damage the plastic.
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare all the tools and choose the right time. The process takes from 30 minutes to several hours if complete defrosting is required, so it is better to plan cleaning on a weekend or a time when you will not be at home for a long time.
Preparing for washing: defrosting and removing shelves
The first and most important step is to completely empty the refrigerator compartment of food. You need to remove all the contents, sorting them: it is better to temporarily place perishable foods in a thermal bag or on the balcony (in the cold season), and cereals and canned food can be left at room temperature.
After emptying the chamber of food, you should disconnect the device. Unplug the cord from the outlet to avoid the risk of short circuiting if water comes into contact with electrical components. If you have a model with a No Frostsystem, complete defrosting may not be required, but for older single-compressor units this is a mandatory procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. You could accidentally puncture the evaporator, causing the refrigerant to instantly escape, leading to costly repairs.
While the ice is melting naturally, work on the removable parts. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders should be removed and taken to the bathroom. Plastic and glass are easier to wash under running water using a sponge and detergent.
☑️ Preparing for washing
It is important to let the ice melt on its own by laying old towels or rags on the bottom of the chamber to absorb water. You can speed up the process with a hairdryer or hot water, but be careful not to cause a sharp temperature change that is dangerous for the plastic.
How to wash the inside of the refrigerator: choosing safe products
The choice of cleaning agent is a critical moment, since the internal surfaces come into direct contact with food. Aggressive chemistry can be absorbed into plastic and subsequently transfer a chemical taste to products, as well as cause allergic reactions.
The safest and most effective remedy remains a regular laundry soap or baking soda solution. Soda not only perfectly removes grease and dirt, but also works as a soft abrasive, without scratching surfaces, and neutralizes unpleasant odors.
For more complex stains, you can use a weak solution of acetic acid (9%). It disinfects surfaces and removes scale if it has formed on the elements of the cooling system. However, after using vinegar, the chamber must be wiped with clean water to eliminate the specific odor.
There are a number of products that are strictly prohibited from using to care for the inner chamber. This group includes:
- 🧼 Chlorine-containing bleaches (corrode plastic and rubber seals).
- 🧽 Abrasive powders for cleaning stoves (leave micro-scratches where bacteria accumulate).
- 🔥 Hot water above 50 degrees (can deform plastic parts).
- 🧪 Solvents and acetone (destroy the polymer structure).
If you prefer ready-made store-bought sprays, make sure that the packaging is marked “for food surfaces” or “for children.” Such products usually do not require thorough rinsing, although wiping with a clean damp cloth is still worth it.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash internal surfaces
The washing process should start from the top, gradually moving down. This rule is universal for any cleaning: dirty water from the upper shelves should not stain the already cleaned lower levels. Take a soft sponge or microfiber soaked in the selected solution and work the ceiling of the chamber in a circular motion.
Then move to side walls and the back panel. Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold and dirt often accumulate. If the dirt is old, apply a soap solution and leave for 5-10 minutes to soften the plaque, then remove it with a soft brush.
| Cleaning area | Recommended product | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling and walls | Soda solution | Soft sponge | Do not rub too hard |
| Shelves (glass) | Window cleaner | Microfiber | Wipe on both sides |
| Drawers (plastic) | Warm water soap | Brush with soft bristles | Dry thoroughly |
| Seals | Vinegar solution | Cotton swab | Check for cracks |
The bottom of the refrigerator is washed last. This is where most of the debris, crumbs and liquid accumulate. After washing, be sure to wipe the surface dry. A humid environment inside a closed space is the main enemy that promotes the growth of bacteria.
Elimination of unpleasant odors and disinfection
Even after thorough washing, an unpleasant “smell” may remain in the refrigerator, especially if a spoiled product has been lying there for a long time. To guarantee to kill bacteria and mold spores, final disinfection is necessary.
The best natural antiseptic is table vinegar. Wipe all surfaces with a cloth soaked in a solution of vinegar and water (1:1). After drying, the smell of vinegar will completely disappear, taking with it extraneous aromas. For difficult cases, you can use activated carbon: crush 10-15 tablets and scatter on shelves overnight.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix vinegar and chlorine-containing products. This reaction releases a toxic gas that is hazardous to the respiratory tract.
There are also special odor absorbers for refrigerators that are sold in hardware stores. They contain activated carbon or zeolite and effectively adsorb odorant molecules. They need to be changed according to the instructions on the package, usually once every 2-3 months.
Folk methods of fighting odor
If you don’t have chemicals on hand, use brown bread, cut in half, or an open pack of soda. Rice poured into a saucer or a cotton pad soaked in vanilla extract also perfectly absorbs odors.
Drying and assembly: important nuances
The most common mistake is hastily assembling the refrigerator when there is still moisture left inside. This leads to the rapid formation of new plaque and the appearance of dampness. Make sure that all surfaces, including hard-to-reach corners and grooves, are completely dry.
Removable elements (shelves, drawers) washed in the bathroom should dry completely at room temperature. Do not immediately place cold glass or plastic into warm air if you have just turned on the refrigerator - a temperature difference can lead to cracks.
After assembling all components, turn on the device. Let it idle for 2-3 hours to reach the desired temperature before loading food. This is especially important for products that require strict temperature conditions.
How often should you wash the refrigerator
The regularity of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the device and the amount of food stored. Ideally, a general wash with defrosting should be carried out at least once every 3-4 months. However, this does not exempt you from the need for a weekly audit.
Once a week it is recommended:
- 🗑️ Throw away expired products.
- 💧 Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth to remove fresh stains.
- 👀 Check vegetable boxes for rot.
If you notice that the refrigerator has begun to keep the cold worse or that a “fur coat” (ice crust) has appeared on the walls, this is a signal that unscheduled defrosting and cleaning of the drainage hole is required. A blockage in the drainage is a common cause of puddles appearing at the bottom of the chamber.
What to do if the smell remains after washing?
If the smell does not go away, check the drainage hole. Often the cause of “amber” lies precisely where stagnant water and organic matter have accumulated. Clean it with a special brush or soft wire, then rinse with a syringe with warm water.
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with a steam cleaner?
You can use a steam cleaner, but with great care. The steam should not be too hot so as not to deform the plastic. In addition, after steam treatment, you need to dry the chamber very carefully, since the humidity will be extremely high.
How to remove yellowness from the plastic inside?
Yellowness on plastic is often the result of aging of the material or exposure to nicotine/fats. Try making a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply for 30 minutes and rinse. Special wipes for caring for plastic also work well.
Do you need to wash the outside of the refrigerator?
Yes, external surfaces also require care. It is better to wipe metal doors (stainless steel) with special antistatic agents so that there are no fingerprints left. The ventilation grilles at the back also need to be vacuumed periodically for better operation of the compressor.