Hygiene of the refrigeration chamber is not only a matter of aesthetic appearance, but also the basis for the safety of the products that you consume daily. Old stains from spilled juice, traces of defrosted meat or an unpleasant odor can become a breeding ground for bacteria, even if the temperature inside the chamber is maintained at the proper level. Many owners of modern equipment Indesit, Bosch or LG face a problem when transparent plastic becomes cloudy, and rubber seals lose elasticity due to improper selection of cleaning products.
Proper cleaning can extend the life of internal elements and preserve the freshness of products. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely remove shelves, how to wash complex stains, and what chemical reactions can cause irreparable damage to the interior of your kitchen. Important to understandthat each type of contamination requires an individual approach, and the use of aggressive chemicals on food-grade plastic is unacceptable.
Preparation for washing: dismantling and initial processing
The first step should always be to completely disconnect the electrical appliance from the network. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are just planning to rinse one shelf. While the refrigerator is defrosting naturally, it is necessary to remove all removable elements. Carefully remove the glass shelves and slide out the plastic containers for vegetables and fruits.
When removing heavy glass shelves or bulky drawers Samsung and Atlant proceed with extreme caution. Plastic becomes more brittle at low temperatures, and a sharp jerk can lead to breakage of the guides or a crack in the container itself. If the box is stuck, do not use force - there may be ice crystals in the way that need to be carefully melted.
- 🧊 Defrost the chamber completely so that water does not interfere with the cleaning process.
- 🔌 Disconnect the device from the power supply to avoid a short circuit.
- 📦 Remove everything products and pack them in thermal containers or bags with ice.
- 🧤 Prepare rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands from chemicals.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a knife or other sharp objects to remove ice from plastic boxes. You may accidentally puncture the wall of the container or damage the system if ice freezes on the evaporator inside the compartment. No Frostif ice has frozen on the evaporator inside the compartment.
After all the parts have been removed, take them to the bathroom or kitchen where you have access to warm water. Line the bottom of the sink or bathtub with a towel to prevent the plastic from slipping and accidentally hitting a hard surface. It is better to wash heavy glass shelves separately so as not to scratch them on the edges of the bathtub along with light plastic drawers.
Choice of safe cleaning products
The issue of choosing chemicals is especially acute, since the plastic from which refrigerator drawers are made Haier or Stinol, has a porous structure. It easily absorbs odors and dyes, but is also sensitive to aggressive solvents. Using unsuitable products can lead to clouding of the transparent plastic or the appearance of microcracks in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
For daily cleaning and removing light stains, a regular solution of laundry soap is ideal. It effectively breaks down fat and leaves no toxic residue. If you need a more powerful product, you can use dishwashing gels, but they must be rinsed off very carefully. For disinfection and odor removal, natural acidic or alkaline media that are safe for food contact are best suited.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to use chlorine-containing bleaches (such as "Whiteness") in high concentrations on colored plastic. Chlorine can react with the pigment, and your pink or green drawers will forever remain whitish or stained.
The table below provides recommendations for choosing a product depending on the type of contamination:
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Prohibited substances | Exposure time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease and oil stains | Dishing gel, soda solution | Acetone, gasoline | 10-15 minutes |
| Mold and mildew | Acetic acid (9%), hydrogen peroxide | Chlorine (for colored plastic) | 20-30 minutes |
| Old juice/wine | Citric acid, ammonia | Abrasive powders | 15 minutes |
| Unpleasant odor | Activated carbon, soda | Air fresheners with chem. fragrances | Until complete drying |
If you use specialized household chemicals for refrigerators, be sure to check the markings on the bottle. Products labeled "antibacterial" often contain silver or other ions that create a protective film. However, aggressive solvents can destroy the structure of the polymer, making it sticky to the touch.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash plastic boxes
The washing process must take place in several stages to ensure the removal of all types of contaminants. First, the boxes need to be soaked. Fill the bath with warm water (temperature no higher than 40-50 degrees) and add the selected detergent. Hot water cannot be used, since the thin plastic of refrigerator drawers Electrolux or Beko can be deformed from thermal shock.
Immerse the drawers in water and leave them for 15-20 minutes. This will soften dried-on food residues and make it easier to wash off dirt. For hard-to-reach areas such as corners and handle joints, use a soft sponge or an old toothbrush. Do not use metal scrapers or the hard side of a sponge for dishes - they will leave micro-scratches, which will become an ideal habitat for microbes.
☑️ Checklist for proper washing
After mechanical When cleaning with a sponge, rinse each drawer thoroughly under running water. Make sure there is no soap scum left in the recesses or grooves. Detergent residue may react with food or cause allergies. If you used vinegar or baking soda to disinfect, the smell should completely disappear after rinsing.
- 🚿 Use a shower rinse to flush water out of all corners.
- 🧽 Change the bath water if it becomes too dirty after the first drawer.
- 💨 Wipe the surfaces dry immediately after washing to avoid streaks.
Removing difficult stains and odors
Sometimes standard washing is not enough, especially if spoiled food has been lying in the refrigerator for a long time or a dye has been spilled. Mold is a separate problem, the spores of which can penetrate deep into the pores of plastic. To combat it, ordinary soap is not enough; an oxidizing agent or acid is required. A solution of table vinegar (9%) in a 1:1 ratio with water works well against fungus and neutralizes odors.
If there are yellow stains on the plastic from turmeric, tomato paste or berry juice, a paste of baking soda will help. Apply a thick mixture of baking soda and water to the stained area and leave for 30-40 minutes. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive and adsorbent, drawing pigment out of the pores. After this, rinse the porridge with warm water. For very persistent odors, you can use an activated carbon solution: crush 10-15 tablets, mix with water and wipe the inner walls of the box with this solution.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix vinegar and chlorine-containing products (for example, Domestos). As a result of the chemical reaction, chlorine gas is released, which is toxic and harmful to the respiratory tract. Use only one active ingredient at a time.
To remove traces of stickers or price tags that may have remained on new boxes, use a hair dryer. Heat the label with warm air, and the glue will become soft, after which it can be easily wiped off with a finger or a rag soaked in vegetable oil. Aggressive solvents types of acetone can melt the surface of the plastic, leaving behind a sticky, destroyed layer.
What to do if the smell does not go away?
If after thorough washing and treatment with vinegar the smell remains, it may have been absorbed into the rubber door seal or drainage hole. In this case, long-term ventilation of the refrigerator with the door open (at least 24 hours) and placing bowls with ground coffee or silica gel inside will help.
Drying and assembly: important nuances
The most common mistake is placing wet drawers back into the refrigerator. Residual moisture on the walls of the container will instantly turn into an ice crust when the compressor is turned on. Not only will this impair the cooling of food on top, but it may also cause vegetables to freeze to the bottom of the drawer, damaging their structure when removed.
Wipe each drawer and shelf thoroughly with a dry, clean cotton cloth or paper towels. Pay special attention to the guides and mounting points. Make sure there are no fabric lint on the surface that could stick to the wet plastic. Before installation, let the parts lie at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so that the moisture from the plastic micropores finally evaporates.
When assembling, follow the sequence. The lower drawers are installed first, then the middle shelves, and only then the upper levels. If you are washing a refrigerator brand Liebherr or Siemens, pay attention to the guide system: they should snap into place with a characteristic sound. Don't try too hard; if the drawer does not fit, check that you have positioned it correctly relative to the runners.
- 🌬️ Allow the parts to dry completely at room temperature.
- 🧻 Use lint-free wipes for a final wipe.
- 🔊 Make sure the guides snap into place properly when installation.
Prevention and operating rules
To avoid having to remove the drawers and do general cleaning too often, you should adhere to simple operating rules. Products, especially liquid and bulk products, are best stored in closed containers or under film. This will prevent crumbs from scattering and juices from spilling, which are then difficult to wash from the ribbed bottom of the drawers.
Regularly, at least once a month, inspect the contents of the refrigerator. Removing spoiled food in a timely manner will save you from fighting ingrained odors and mold. Wipe down shelves with a damp cloth every time you make a large grocery purchase. For modern models with antibacterial coating Hygiene Fresh+ or analogues, a gentle wet cleaning is sufficient, since aggressive friction can damage the protective layer.
If you notice that the plastic has begun to turn yellow or crack, this is a signal that the material is aging or has been exposed to inappropriate chemicals. In this case, it is worth considering the possibility of replacing the drawers with original spare parts from the manufacturer. Using non-original containers may disrupt the air circulation inside the chamber, which will negatively affect the operation of the compressor.
Can boxes be washed in the dishwasher?
Most refrigerator manufacturers do not recommend washing plastic boxes in the dishwasher. The water temperature in the "intensive" mode can reach 70 degrees, which will lead to deformation of thin plastic. In addition, harsh dishwasher tablets can make the plastic cloudy. Only delicate washing at a temperature of no higher than 40 degrees is acceptable if the instructions for your refrigerator model (for example Bosch or Siemens) clearly indicate that the parts are "dishwasher safe".
How to remove yellowness from white plastic?
Yellowness often appears due to oxidation of plastic or exposure to dyes. Try making a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the yellow areas and leave in direct sunlight for several hours (or use a UV lamp). Peroxide works like a mild bleach. A solution of citric acid (2 tablespoons per liter of warm water) is also effective, which needs to be wiped over the surface and left for 30 minutes.
Why does the smell remain after washing?
If the smell remains after washing, most likely the source is not on the surface of the box, but in the drainage hole or sealing rubber. Try cleaning the drain using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab soaked in chlorhexidine. Also, the smell can be absorbed into the very structure of the porous plastic; in this case, long-term weathering and placing an odor absorber inside (silica gel, charcoal, coffee) for 2-3 days will help.
How often do you need to wash the drawers completely?
It is recommended to carry out general washing with the removal of all drawers once every 3-4 months. However, local cleaning should be done immediately when contamination is detected. If you store meat or fish in the refrigerator, check the seal of the package weekly, as even microscopic juice can cause a lingering unpleasant odor after a week.
Is it safe to use a steam cleaner?
Using a steam cleaner to clean plastic refrigerator drawers is risky. The high temperature of the steam can deform the thin walls of containers. In addition, a sudden change in temperature (if the plastic was cold) can lead to cracks. It is better to use warm water and mild chemicals that are guaranteed not to damage the material.