Cleanliness in the refrigerator is not easy a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity for maintaining the health of all family members. Air constantly circulates inside the chamber and comes into contact with the products, so any contamination can become a source of bacterial growth. Many housewives wonder what means to wash the inside of the refrigeratorin order not to damage the coating and leave toxic traces on the shelves.
Modern models, be it LG, Bosch or Indesitrequire a delicate approach to cleaning. The use of aggressive chemicals can lead to the destruction of plastic or the appearance of a persistent chemical odor, which will then take a long time to remove. In this article, we will look at proven methods that can effectively remove grease, mold and unpleasant odors.
Before starting any procedure, it is important to understand that different materials require different care. Glass shelves are more durable than plastic vegetable containers. Therefore, the choice of cleaning composition should be informed and safe.
Why you can’t use ordinary household chemicals
A refrigerator is a closed space where products are stored without packaging or in an open form. Using standard dishwashing powders or kitchen surface sprays can be dangerous. The porous structure of plastic and rubber seals is capable of absorbing chemicals that will subsequently migrate into food.
In addition, many modern products contain fragrances and surfactants, which at low temperatures can crystallize or change their structure. This results in a strange taste in the products. Safe cleaning implies the use of components that are easily washed off with water and do not leave a film.
⚠️ Attention: Never use abrasive powders, hard metal sponges or solvents (acetone, gasoline) for cleaning interior surfaces. This will cause microcracks to appear, which will instantly grow mold.
Particular care should be taken when cleaning the area around the evaporator and vents. If aggressive foam gets there, it can disrupt the operation of the thermostat or cause corrosion of the metal elements of the cooling system.
Folk remedies: soda, vinegar and citric acid
Time-tested folk methods remain the most effective and safe way to remove contaminants. They do not require large financial outlays and are always available in the kitchen. The main advantage is their environmental friendliness and the absence of toxic fumes.
Baking soda is a universal absorbent and soft abrasive. It copes well with old grease stains and neutralizes unpleasant odors. To prepare the solution, dilute 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a liter of warm water. The resulting liquid can be used to wipe any surfaces, including rubber seals.
- 🍋 Citric acid or fresh lemon juice perfectly removes yellow plaque and gives freshness.
- 🧼 Laundry soap (72%) in the form of shavings dissolved in water degreases shelves better than many gels.
- 🌿 Ammonia (in low concentration) helps eliminate the smell of fish or meat, but requires careful ventilation.
Acetic acid is also a powerful antiseptic. A 1:1 solution of table vinegar and water kills up to 99% of bacteria. However, acetic acid can damage chrome partsif they are in the interior of your model, you need to be careful with them.
Professional products for the care of refrigerators
If you prefer ready-made solutions, the market offers specialized household chemicals. Such products are designed taking into account the materials used in the production of refrigeration equipment. They often contain antibacterial additives and components that prevent film formation.
When choosing a spray or gel, pay attention to the “biodegradable” and “safe for food contact” labeling. Popular brands produce lines of eco-products that do not contain phosphates and chlorine. For example, enzyme-based sprays effectively break down organic contaminants.
The use of professional chemicals is justified during general cleaning or in the presence of complex contaminants that are difficult to wash off with soda. It is important to strictly follow the instructions on the bottle, especially regarding the exposure time and the need for rinsing.
| Medicine | Type of contamination | Necessity of rinsing | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution soda | Fat, odors | Desirable | High |
| Vinegar 9% | Bacteria, plaque | Required | Average |
| Special. spray | Complicated stains | Depends on the composition | High |
| Soap solution | General dirt | Required | High |
Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash a refrigerator
The cleaning process should be systematic so as not to miss a single area and not to smear dirt on clean surfaces. First, you need to completely empty the chamber of food and remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, baskets.
It is best to wash removable parts in a bathtub or large basin. Soak them in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes to soak off any dried-on grease. While the parts are soaking, work on the inner walls of the chamber.
- Start washing from the top shelf, gradually working your way down. This will prevent dirty water from getting into already clean areas.
- Use a soft sponge or microfiber. Carefully go through the corners and joints of the panels.
- Pay special attention to door handles and control buttons - these are places where germs accumulate.
- After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with a clean cloth.
The final stage is installing dry shelves and products. Be sure to check that no water or debris gets into the drainage hole, otherwise a puddle may form inside.
⚠️ Attention: Before turning on the refrigerator, make sure that all internal surfaces are completely dry. Residual moisture can instantly turn into ice when the compressor starts.
What to do with the drain hole?
If you notice that water is standing at the bottom of the refrigerator, the drain hole may be clogged. It can be gently cleaned with a cotton swab or soft wire previously wrapped in cloth. Do not use sharp objects to avoid puncturing the channel.
How to remove unpleasant odors and mold
The appearance of an odor or black spots of mold indicates that cleaning was carried out irregularly or the products were stored incorrectly. Mold is especially dangerous because its spores are toxic and can cause allergies.
If you find mold on a rubber seal, do not try to simply wash it off with water. Use hydrogen peroxide or an alcohol solution. Wet a cotton pad generously and apply to the affected area for a few minutes. Mechanically removing the fungus must be done very carefully so as not to damage the rubber.
To eliminate persistent odors (for example, from spilled milk or spoiled meat), use activated carbon. Grind 10-15 tablets into powder, scatter on a saucer and leave in the refrigerator for a day. Bags of rice or coffee also work well.
If the smell does not go away after a thorough wash, check the condition of the system No Frost. Sometimes the smell can come from the condensation pan located behind the rear panel. Getting there is difficult, and in such cases you may need to call a professional.
Features of washing different types of coatings
The interior of refrigerators can be made of different materials. Most often it is plastic (ABS or HIPS), less often enamel coating or glass. Each material dictates its own rules of care.
Plastic is afraid of high temperatures. Washing shelves with hot water (above 40-50 degrees) can lead to their deformation or cracks. Always use water at room temperature or slightly warm.
Glass shelves are more durable, but are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Do not place cold glass directly under hot running water - it may break. Frosted glass requires more thorough rinsing so that there are no streaks left.
Metal elements, if present in the interior, should not be rubbed with chlorine-containing products, as this will cause corrosion. A weak soap solution or special polishes for stainless steel are best suited for them.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with a steam generator?
Use steam generator is only possible for deep disinfection of an empty chamber, but with great care. The high temperature of the steam can deform thin plastic and damage electronic sensors. It is not recommended to use this method for models with plastic inner walls.
How often should you wash the inside of the refrigerator?
The optimal frequency is to carry out preventive cleaning once a month. A general wash with moving equipment away and washing hard-to-reach places should be done once every 3-6 months, depending on the workload.
How to wash yellow plaque on plastic?
Yellowishness often appears from time or contact with certain products. A paste of baking soda and water applied for 15 minutes helps a lot. A solution of hydrogen peroxide is also effective, but it must be washed off thoroughly.
Is it safe to use a melamine sponge?
A melamine sponge acts as an eraser and is effective at removing dirt, but it is an abrasive. On glossy plastic it can leave micro-scratches, which will collect dirt over time. Use it only on matte surfaces and without chemicals.
What to do if there is a chemical smell left after washing?
It is necessary to re-wipe all surfaces with clean water with the addition of lemon juice or vinegar. Leave the doors open for several hours (or overnight) to ventilate. Place a bowl of activated carbon or ground coffee inside.