Buying new household appliances always causes pleasant excitement, but immediately after delivering the unit to the kitchen, you should not rush to fill the shelves with products.
Manufacturers carefully pack the equipment using various synthetic materials materials that can leave a specific technical odor inside the chamber.
In addition, during transportation and storage, dust settles on the internal surfaces, and microscopic lubricant particles may remain on the parts of the cooling system.
Primary processing allows you not only to eliminate extraneous odors, but also to disinfect surfaces with which your products will come into contact.
Ignoring this stage can lead to fresh food quickly absorbing the smell of the “factory”, which is especially critical for dairy products and baked goods.
In this article we will analyze in detail which products are safe for plastic and metal, and also create an action algorithm that will take no more than an hour of your time time.
Why you can’t ignore washing new equipment
Many owners mistakenly believe that since the refrigerator is new, it cannot be dirty, but this is a misconception.
Internal plastic panels are often treated with special compounds to protect them from scratches during assembly, which can release volatile substances when heated.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not remove the factory grease from the evaporator (in No Frost models), an unpleasant burning smell may appear upon first start-up.
Also, industrial dust can accumulate in the cracks between the seals and shelves, which is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria as the temperature rises.
High-quality disinfection at the start of operation creates a hygienic base, preventing the appearance of mold in hard-to-reach corners in the future.
Some models have rubber elements, which, during long-term storage in a warehouse, could become covered with a thin layer of oxides or dust.
Washing a new refrigerator is not just an aesthetic procedure, but an important technical necessity for maintaining the quality of products.
Water with detergent will help wash away impurities invisible to the eye that could get inside during unpacking or trying on in the sales area.
Preparation for the procedure and choosing safe ones means
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to properly prepare the workspace and select the appropriate “chemistry”.
Aggressive solvents, chlorine-containing products or abrasive powders are strictly prohibited, as they can damage the plastic coating.
The best choice would be a warm, weak solution of baking soda vinegar solution or specialized dishwashing detergents without strong fragrances.
You will need soft sponges that do not leave lint, and several clean microfiber rags for final wiping.
Be sure to prepare a container with warm water, the temperature of which does not exceed 40 degrees, so as not to deform the thin plastic shelves.
To remove persistent stickers with price tags or instructions on the doors, prepare vegetable oil or a special adhesive remover (adhesive remover).
- 🧼 Mild dishwashing detergent or a solution of laundry soap.
- 🍋 Baking soda or citric acid for disinfection and removal of odors.
- 🧽 Soft sponges and lint-free microfiber cloths.
- 🧴 Vegetable oil or alcohol to remove traces of glue.
If you plan to use store-bought sprays, make sure that the packaging has a food safety mark surfaces.
Do not use hot water, as sudden temperature changes can cause microcracks in glass shelves or deformation of plastic elements.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use chlorine-containing bleaches (“Whiteness” and analogues) - they can react with the plastic and cause it to turn yellow.
Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash a refrigerator
The cleaning process should begin only after the unit has stood upright for the time specified in the instructions (usually from 2 to 24 hours).
This is necessary so that the compressor oil flows into the crankcase, otherwise the equipment may fail when turned on.
The first step will be to remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, trays and grates, which need to be washed separately in the bathtub or sink.
Wash the inner walls of the chamber using top-down movements, rinsing the sponge thoroughly so as not to smear dirt over clean areas.
Pay special attention to the area around sealing gum, where dust most often accumulates and where bacteria like to hide.
After wet cleaning, all surfaces must be wiped dry with a clean cloth, not leaving a drop of moisture.
☑️ Checklist for primary washing
External surfaces, especially if it is stainless steel (stainless steel)require delicate handling and movement strictly along the metal fibers.
For glossy surfaces, use special polishes that will create a protective layer and repel fingers.
Removing factory stickers and marks glue
New equipment is often decorated with many advertising stickers, energy efficiency logos and shipping tapes.
An attempt to peel them off “dry” or with a knife can lead to scratches on glossy plastic or metal.
The best way is to soak the sticker with warm soapy water water or apply a hot, damp towel to it for a few minutes.
If, after removing the paper base, a sticky layer remains, it can be removed using vegetable oil applied to a cotton pad.
Oil softens the adhesive base, allowing you to easily wipe off the residue without damaging the surface.
For difficult cases, you can use isopropyl alcohol, but first check its effect on an inconspicuous area.
What to do if the glue does not come off?
If oil and alcohol do not help, you can use a special cleaner for bitumen stains, but it must be washed off very quickly with water so as not to damage the plastic. A stationery eraser also helps, which can be used to gently “roll up” the remaining glue.
After removing the glue, be sure to wash this area with soap and water to degrease the surface.
Do not rub plastic doors with hard brushes, as matte plastic is very easy to scratch, and these scratches will become visible in the light.
Fighting the technical smell of plastic
Even after thorough washing, an obsessive smell of new plastic may remain inside, which is transferred to the products.
To neutralize it, you can use proven folk methods of odor absorption.
The most effective way is to leave the refrigerator with ventilate with open doors for 12–24 hours in a well-ventilated room.
| Medication | How to use | Action time |
|---|---|---|
| Activated carbon | Crush 10-15 tablets into a bowl | 24 hours |
| Baking soda | Open container with a pack of soda | 48 hours |
| Lemon | Cut into slices in a plate | 12 hours |
| Dry rice | Bowl with dry rice | 24 hours |
Coffee beans or ground coffee also perfectly absorbs extraneous aromas, giving the chamber a light coffee tint.
It is not recommended to use aggressive chemical air fresheners, as their smell can be absorbed into the plastic and mixed with the smell of food.
If the smell does not disappear after two days of airing and using absorbents, there may be a problem in low-quality plastic.
In this case, you should contact a service center, since a strong chemical smell may indicate defective materials.
Drying and first start-up: important nuances
The final stage of preparation is the absolute dryness of all surfaces before turning on the device.
Residual moisture in drain holes or behind back panels can cause short circuits or ice formation.
Make sure that all rubber door seals are also thoroughly wiped off, as water in the folds of rubber encourages the development of mildew.
Once you have assembled the refrigerator, do not rush to load it products.
Let the equipment run idle for at least 2-4 hours so that it reaches the set temperature.
Only after the temperature has stabilized can you begin to fill the chambers with products, distributing them evenly.
Check the lighting and the tightness of the doors after washing, as moisture could temporarily change the properties of the seal.
If the door does not close tightly after cleaning, wipe the rubber profile again with a dry cloth.
Common mistakes when caring for a new refrigerator
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment.
One of the main ones is using a steam cleaner to wash the internal plastic panels.
High temperature steam can deform thin plastic and damage electronic sensors if they are located close to the surface.
It is also a mistake to wash a refrigerator connected to the network or turn on a wet unit.
Water entering electrical circuits can cause corrosion of contacts or failure of the control board.
Do not use scrapers to remove ice or stickers - plastic scratches easier than it seems.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the rear radiator grille (condenser) with water under pressure - this can lead to corrosion of the tubes and leakage of freon.
Avoid using hard brushes to clean glass shelves, as microcracks can lead to destruction of the glass at temperature expansion.
Remember that proper care in the first days of operation determines the durability and hygiene of the device for years to come.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long after washing can you turn on the refrigerator?
You can turn on the appliance only after all internal surfaces are completely dry. It usually takes 30-60 minutes after wiping with a dry cloth. However, if the refrigerator was transported lying down or tilted more than 40 degrees, before turning it on, it must stand upright for 4 to 24 hours, regardless of washing.
Can the inside of the refrigerator be washed with window cleaner?
It is not recommended to use conventional window cleaners, as they often contain ammonia and fragrances, which can absorb into the plastic and transfer the smell to the products. It is better to use a solution of water and vinegar or specialized products for household appliances.
How to remove the smell of glue from shipping tapes?
It is best to remove glue residues with vegetable oil, alcohol or special products for removing stickers. After chemical treatment, be sure to wash the surface with soap and water to remove chemical residues.
Is it necessary to wash the back wall of the refrigerator from the outside?
Yes, it is useful to periodically wipe the back panel and condenser grille with a dry cloth or vacuum to remove dust to ensure good heat transfer. However, you cannot wash them with water under pressure or using aggressive chemicals.
How to wash a stainless steel refrigerator?
For stainless steel, use only special products for polishing stainless steel or a weak soap solution. You need to wipe strictly along the fibers of the metal with special microfiber cloths to avoid streaks and scratches.