Plastic parts inside the refrigerator over time lose their original white color, acquiring an unpleasant yellowish tint. This problem is familiar to many equipment owners, especially if the refrigerator has served for 5-10 years. Yellowness not only spoils the appearance, but can also signal improper care or the accumulation of harmful microorganisms.
In this article we will analyze reasons for yellowing of plastic, consider 7 proven ways its whitening - from home recipes to professional products, and also give recommendations on how prevent the reappearance of yellowness. We will separately dwell on the mistakes that are often made when cleaning and explain why some popular methods can harm plastic.
Why plastic the refrigerator turns yellow: the main reasons
Yellowing of plastic surfaces is not just an aesthetic defect, but the result of chemical and physical processes. The main reasons:
- 🧪 Oxidation of polymers —under the influence of oxygen and ultraviolet radiation (even from a refrigerator lamp), plastic gradually breaks down, changing structure and color.
- 🍳 Fats and food contamination —particles of oil, sauces and products penetrate into the micropores of the plastic, oxidize and form yellow spots.
- 🧴 Poor quality detergents —aggressive chemicals (chlorine, ammonia) destroy the top layer of plastic, making it porous and susceptible to contamination.
- 🌡️ Temperature changes —in the freezer the plastic becomes brittle, and when defrosting it may deform, which accelerates its aging.
- 🦠 Mold and bacteria - some microorganisms release pigments that penetrate the plastic and change its color.
In refrigerators No Frost yellowness is often appears on sealing rubber i door shelvesas condensation and fat accumulate there. In models with a drip system (Direct Cool) suffer rear wall and water collection pan - due to constant humidity.
⚠️ Attention: If yellowness appears suddenly and is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, this may be a sign plastic decomposition due to contact with aggressive substances (for example, spilled vinegar or bleach). In this case, ordinary cleaning will not help - you will need to replace the part.
Preparing the refrigerator for cleaning: step by step
Before you start bleaching, the refrigerator must be properly prepared. This will protect the equipment from breakdowns and increase the efficiency of the procedure.
Unplug the refrigerator and wait until it is completely defrosted (if there is ice)
Take out all products and removable elements (shelves, containers, racks)
Wash the removable parts with warm water and a mild detergent means
Wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth to remove moisture
Check the integrity of the plastic - cracks and chips can increase yellowing-->
Pay special attention sealing gum - it needs to be cleaned of dirt and grease, since this is where most often bacteria accumulate. To do this, use toothpick or soft brushmoistened in a soap solution.
If there is No Frost systemin the refrigerator, before cleaning, check that it is not Is it clogged hole for condensate drainage (usually located on the back wall). Clogging can lead to excess moisture and accelerated yellowing of the plastic.
Once a month
Once every 3-6 months
Once every year
Only when the smell appears
Never washed -->
7 ways to remove yellowness from plastic in the refrigerator
The choice of method depends on the degree of yellowing and the type of plastic. Let's start with the most gentle methods and move on to more aggressive ones.
1. Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide (for light yellowing)
This is the safest method and is suitable for regular care. Soda removes grease and deodorizes, and peroxide brightens the surface.
- 🧂 Mix 3 tbsp. l. soda with 1 tbsp. l.
3% hydrogen peroxideand 100 ml of warm water. - 🧽 Apply the pulp to the yellowed areas with a soft sponge, leave for 15-20 minutes.
- 💦 Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
2. Citric acid (for medium yellowness)
Acid dissolves fatty deposits and brightens plastic, but is not suitable for ABS plastic (can make it brittle).
- 🍋 Dilute 2 Art. l. citric acid in 1 liter of warm water.
- 🧽 Wipe the plastic with the solution, paying special attention to joints and grooves.
- ⏳ After 10 minutes, rinse and dry.
3. Toothpaste (for local stains)
Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and peroxides that gently lighten the plastic. Suitable for: and small areas. wash away. sealing gum and small areas.
- 🪥 Apply the paste to the stain, rub lightly with an old toothbrush.
- ⏳ Leave for 5-7 minutes, then wash off.
4. Special products for plastic (for strong yellowness)
If traditional methods do not help, use professional chemistry:
- 🧴 Retrobright - a product for restoring yellowed plastic (popular among collectors of retro equipment).
- 🧴 Plastic Renew - restores color and protects against UV radiation.
- 🧴 Cif Cream —a gentle cream for kitchen surfaces, suitable for regular care.
Before use, test the product on a small area! Some compounds can make the plastic matte.
5. Steam cleaner (for deep cleaning)
Hot steam removes grease and bacteria, but does not lighten the plastic on its own. It is better to combine it with other methods (for example, first steam, then citric acid).
6. Ultraviolet lamp (for disinfection and brightening)
The UV lamp kills mold and bacteria that can cause yellowing. Use lamp with a wavelength of 254 nm for 15-30 minutes, then wipe the surfaces with a soda solution.
7. Polishing (to restore shine)
After bleaching, the plastic may become dull. The following will help restore shine:
- 🧴 Plastic polish (for example, Sonax Plastic Polish).
- 🥥 Coconut oil - apply to a dry surface, polish with microfiber.
| Method | Suitable for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda + peroxide | Slight yellowness, regular care | Safe, cheap, removes odors | Weak effect with strong yellowing |
| Citric acid | Medium yellowness, grease stains | Well brightens, disinfects | Not suitable for ABS plastic |
| Toothpaste | Local stains, rubber seal | Fast, without risk for plastic | Ineffective for large surfaces |
| Professional products | Strong yellowness, retro technique | Instant result, long-lasting effect | Expensive, may contain aggressive components |
⚠️ Attention: Never use for bleaching plastic chlorine-containing products (for example, White), acetone or solvents. They destroy the structure of the plastic, making it porous and brittle. Also avoid hard brushes -they leave microcracks in which dirt then accumulates.
What not to do when cleaning plastic in the refrigerator
Some "folk" tips can irreversibly damage the plastic:
- 🔥 Boiling water - deforms plastic, especially in the freezer.
- ⚗️ Vinegar essence (70%) —corrodes the surface, leaving cloudy stains.
- 🧼 Washing powder —contains abrasives that scratch plastic.
- ☀️ Drying in the sun —ultraviolet light accelerates yellowing.
- 🔪 Knives or metal sponges —leave scratches.
If the plastic has become brittle, crumbles or cracks have appeared on it, bleaching will no longer help. In this case, the part must be replaced, as it can break and damage the products.
What to do if the plastic has turned yellow after cleaning with vinegar?
If you have already used vinegar and the plastic has become cloudy or porous, try to restore it Retrobright or Plastic Renew. These products penetrate the top layer of plastic and partially restore its structure. However, in advanced cases, you may need to replace the part.
How to prevent re-yellowing: prevention
To keep the plastic white longer, follow these steps. rules:
- 🧊 Regular cleaning - wash the refrigerator
every 1-2 monthssoda solution. - 🥘 Food storage - use containers with lids so that fat and sauces do not get on plastic.
- 💡 Lighting —if there is an incandescent lamp in the refrigerator, replace it with LED (it does not heat the plastic).
- 🌿 Natural odor absorbers —put it in the refrigerator
bag of activated carbonorlemon peelto reduce oxidation. - 🛡️ Protective coatings —after cleaning Apply a thin layer vaseline oil (food grade) to the plastic - this will slow down oxidation.
In refrigerators with No Frost system keep an eye on condition ventilation holes —their blockage leads to increased humidity and accelerated aging of the plastic. Clean the holes every six months with a cotton swab.
When it is worth replacing the plastic rather than bleaching
In some cases, restoration plastic is impractical:
- 🔧 Part cracked or deformed - even after bleaching it will be impractical.
- 🦠 Plastic covered with mold from the inside (black dots are visible even after cleaning).
- 💨 The part emits chemical smell a sign of decomposition of the material.
- 🔍 Yellowness penetrated deeply and cannot be removed even with professional means.
Cost of replacing plastic parts in the refrigerator:
| Part | Average price (RUB) | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Door shelf | 800–2 500 | Easy (by yourself) |
| Sealing rubber band | 1 500–4 000 | Medium (needs glue or fastenings) |
| Back wall (for No Frost) | 3 000–7 000 | Difficult (requires disassembly) |
| Vegetable drawer | 1 200–3 500 | Easy |
For models Samsung, LG and Indesit spare parts can be ordered from official dealers or on websites like 220-volt.ru and All-Zapchastibefore purchasing, check part number (usually indicated on the back side). plastic).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the yellowness of plastic in the refrigerator
Can I use bleach for plastic?
No! data-i="255">) destroy the structure of the plastic, making it porous and fragile. To lighten, useWhiteness, Domestos) destroy the structure of plastic, making it porous and brittle. To lighten, use hydrogen peroxide or special products for plastic.
Why did the plastic become dull after cleaning with citric acid?
This means that you kept the acid on the surface for too long or used it in high concentration. To restore the shine, polish the plastic Sonax Plastic Polish or apply a thin layer of coconut oil.
How often should you clean your refrigerator to avoid yellowing?
Optimal frequency - once every 1-2 monthsIf fatty foods (for example, sausages, cheeses) are often stored in the refrigerator, it is better to clean it every 3-4 weeksAfter each cleaning, wipe the plastic with a dry cloth to remove it. moisture.
Is it possible to paint yellowed plastic?
Technically yes, but this is a temporary solution. Use acrylic paint on plastic (for example Kudo or BosnyHowever, the paint will peel off over time, especially in the freezer. It is better to bleach or replace the part.
Why in the freezer. does plastic turn yellow faster in the freezer?
In the freezer, plastic is exposed to extreme temperatures And humidity changes, which accelerates its aging. In addition, fatty foods (meat, fish) are often stored here, particles of which penetrate into the micropores of the material. To slow down the process, use cling film for packaging products.