What kind of plastic is in the refrigerator: types, safety and labeling

Opening the door of a new one refrigeration unit, the user often encounters a characteristic technical smell that comes from the internal walls and shelves. This aroma, as well as the visual perception of smooth, shiny surfaces, raises the question of the materials from which the internal chambers are made. The modern refrigeration industry has almost completely abandoned the use of metal and glass for internal cladding, switching to various types of polymers.

The internal volume of a household refrigerator is a complex engineering system, where each element is made of a specific type of plastic, which has certain properties of heat resistance, impact resistance and chemical inertness. Understanding what what kind of plastic is used in your model allows you not only to properly care for the equipment, but also to assess the safety of food storage. Different areas of the camera require materials with different characteristics.

In this article we will analyze in detail the main types of polymers used by manufacturers, their labeling and impact on human health. You will learn why some parts may turn yellow over time, how to distinguish high-quality food grade plastic from technical plastic, and what to do if the smell of a new device does not disappear for too long. Knowledge of these nuances will help extend the life of the equipment.

Main types of polymers in the inner chamber

Manufacturers of household appliances use a limited number of types of plastics that have passed strict certification for contact with food. The most common material from which the inner walls of the main refrigerator and freezer compartments are made is ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This is a copolymer that combines hardness and strength, which makes it ideal for creating solid-cast internal chambers that are not afraid of mechanical damage.

Polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) is most often used for shelves, drawers and transparent inserts. Polypropylene is valued for its flexibility and resistance to low temperatures; it does not crack even with strong cooling. Polystyrene, in turn, is highly transparent and rigid, which allows you to create aesthetic, easy-to-clean shelves that can support the weight of products.

⚠️ Attention: Some cheap models may use recycled plastic for invisible structural elements, such as the back wall or technical partitions. Such material may have a stronger odor and less durability, so when purchasing, you should pay attention to the cost and brand of the manufacturer.

It is important to note that each of these materials has its own temperature limits. For example, ABS plastic holds its shape well at low temperatures, but can become deformed when subjected to sudden heating. That is why design engineers strictly regulate the use of each type of plastic depending on the area of its installation inside the unit.

Plastic marking and recycling codes

To identify the type of polymer used international labeling system known as recycling codes. These symbols, in the form of a triangle of arrows with a number inside and a letter underneath, can be found on the bottom of drawers, on the back of shelves, or on the inside walls of the chamber. Knowing this marking helps you understand what kind of plastic in contact with your products.

The following designations are most often found in refrigerators:

• ♻️ PP (Polypropylene, code 5) —the safest and most common material for boxes and containers. It is inert, does not react with acids and alkalis contained in products, and can withstand heating up to 100-140°C, which allows it to be washed with warm water.
• ♻️ PS (Polystyrene, code 6) - often used for transparent shelves and internal walls. It is fragile and afraid of high temperatures, but retains its properties well when cooled. It is important not to heat PS products above 70-80°C.
• ♻️ ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) - often does not have a digital code in the triangle, but is marked with a letter abbreviation. This is an impact-resistant material that forms the basis of the internal body of the refrigerator.

There is also a less common plastic, but found in premium models SAN (styrene acrylonitrile). It has increased chemical resistance and transparency, and is often used for the manufacture of door balconies and shelves that must withstand significant loads. It is visually difficult to distinguish it from ordinary polystyrene, but to the touch it is smoother and slippery.

⚠️ Attention: If there is no marking on the plastic or it has been erased, it is almost impossible to determine the type of material visually. In such cases, it is recommended to wash surfaces only with neutral agents and avoid using aggressive solvents so as not to damage the polymer structure.

The presence of the “Food Grade” marking or the image of a glass and fork confirms that the material is certified for direct contact with food. The absence of such signs on the internal elements of the refrigerator is an alarming signal indicating the possible use of technical plastic, which can emit harmful substances.

Safety of materials and impact on products

The main question that worries consumers: is plastic in the refrigerator harmful? Modern food-grade polymers used by leading manufacturers of household appliances undergo rigorous testing for migration of harmful substances. This means that plastic molecules should not pass into food, even during long-term storage. However, safety is guaranteed only if operating conditions are observed.

The main risk is the use of aggressive detergents. Abrasive powders, chlorine bleaches and solvents can attack the top layer of plastic, making it porous. Microcracks and scratches trap bacteria and food particles, which become a source of unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Surface integrity is a key safety factor.

Another aspect of safety is the temperature regime. Although polypropylene and polystyrene are designed for low temperatures, their sudden change (thermal shock) can lead to microscopic damage to the structure. For example, if you put a hot pan in the freezer (which you absolutely cannot do), the plastic around it may become deformed and begin to release volatile compounds.

The table below shows the main safety characteristics of popular plastics:

It is worth considering that high-quality plastic has no odor after initial weathering. If you feel a persistent chemical odor after a week of use, this may indicate a violation of the production technology or the use of low-quality dyes.

The problem of the smell of a new refrigerator

The appearance of a specific smell of “newness” in a newly purchased refrigerator is an absolutely normal phenomenon. This odor is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds that remain in the pores of the plastic after the molding and packaging process. The intensity of the odor depends on the type of plastic used and the quality of ventilation in the store warehouse.

Usually the smell disappears completely within 2-5 days after turning on the device and placing food in it. Products, especially those with their own packaging or thick skins, help absorb excess odors. You can speed up the process by wiping the internal surfaces with a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid.

However, there are situations when the smell may indicate a problem:

• 👃 Pungent burnt smell plastic - may indicate overheating of the compressor or melted wiring, which requires immediate contact for service.
• 👃 A sweetish chemical smellthat does not go away for more than two weeks often indicates the low quality of the plastic of the inner chamber.
• 👃 The smell of rotten meat or fishthat cannot be removed by washing means that the plastic is porous and has absorbed odors during improper storage in the warehouse.

How to quickly remove the smell of plastic?

Wipe all surfaces with a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water). Then place activated carbon tablets or an open pack of soda in the chamber. Leave the refrigerator open for several hours, if possible.

If the smell persists for a long time and causes headaches or allergic reactions, this is a reason to think about returning the product. Cheap models from Chinese brands sometimes suffer from the use of plastic with a high styrene content, which lasts longer than usual.

Caring for plastic surfaces

In order for the plastic in the refrigerator to serve for a long time and not lose its properties, it must be properly cared for. The main rule is to avoid abrasive materials. Metal sponges, stiff brushes and cleaning powders leave micro-scratches on the surface. Over time, these scratches accumulate dirt, and it becomes almost impossible to wash them, and the plastic itself loses its shine and turns gray.

For daily cleaning and periodic washing, it is best to use a soft flannel cloth or a sponge with the gentle side. Ordinary laundry soap diluted in warm water or special dishwashing detergents without aggressive surfactants are ideal as a detergent. After washing, the surfaces must be wiped dry to prevent the formation of mold in the corners.

Particular attention should be paid to seals and joints where plastic is connected to other materials. Moisture and food debris often accumulate there. You can use a soft toothbrush to clean these areas. It is also recommended to treat plastic with special antibacterial wipes for household appliances every six months, unless the manufacturer prohibits this in the instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Never use solvents based on acetone, gasoline or high concentration alcohol to clean internal plastic. They can dissolve the top protective layer, make the plastic sticky or cause cracks to appear (crazing effect).

If stains that are difficult to remove (for example, from beets or turmeric) appear on the plastic, you can try using a paste of baking soda. Apply it to the stain, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse gently. This method is safe for most food-grade plastics.

Why plastic turns yellow and how to deal with it

One ​​of the common problems with old refrigerators is the yellowing of white plastic. This process is called photo-oxidative degradation. Under the influence of light (especially ultraviolet radiation), heat and oxygen, irreversible chemical changes occur in the polymer structure. Most often, refrigerators that stand in the kitchen with intense natural light or next to a gas stove turn yellow.

In some cases, yellowing can be caused by the migration of fire retardants - substances added to plastic to reduce its flammability. Over time, these substances come to the surface and oxidize. Unfortunately, if the yellowness has penetrated deep into the structure of the material, it is almost impossible to return the original whiteness without damaging the surface.

However, if the yellowness is superficial, you can try the following methods:

• 🧼 Hydrogen peroxide - apply a 3% solution to the surface, leave in the sun for several hours (UV rays activate the whitening effect), then rinse.
• 🧼 Special cleaners for plastic —automotive chemicals or means for restoring plastic often contain components that remove yellowness.
• 🧼 Melamine sponge —works as a soft abrasive, removing the thinnest oxidized layer, but it must be used with caution.

It is important to understand that yellowing is most often a cosmetic defect that does not affect the functionality of the refrigerator or the safety of products. However, if the plastic has become brittle and crumbles when touched, it is better to replace it, as it may begin to release harmful substances.

Repair and replacement of plastic elements

During active use of the refrigerator, plastic elements may fail: shelves crack, drawer fastenings break, or door balconies are deformed. Fortunately, most manufacturers produce spare parts that can be purchased from authorized service centers. When ordering, it is important to know the exact model of the refrigerator, since the geometry of the plastic may differ between different series.

If it is impossible to find an original spare part, you can turn to universal solutions. There are companies that do plastic molding or sell universal glass shelves with adjustable plastic edges. For small cracks in unimportant places (for example, at the bottom of a box), you can use food-grade sealants or special glue for plastic, marked as safe after drying.

When replacing elements yourself, it is important to be careful. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures. If you are replacing a part in an unheated room in winter, allow the new part to warm up to room temperature before installing, otherwise it may burst when the fasteners snap into place.

Is it possible to glue a cracked shelf together?

It is almost impossible to reliably glue a shelf on which there is a heavy load. The glue will not withstand the load and weight of the products. It is better to replace a cracked shelf with a new one. For drawers, you can use the method of soldering plastic with mesh reinforcement, but this requires skills.

In conclusion, the plastic in the refrigerator is a modern, safe and durable material if it is produced in compliance with technology. Understanding its properties helps to properly operate the equipment, maintaining its neat appearance and hygiene for many years.

Is the smell of new plastic harmful to health?

Short-term inhalation of the smell of new plastic is, as a rule, not dangerous for a healthy person. However, people with asthma, allergies or sensitivities are advised to ventilate the room and not store opened food in a new refrigerator for the first 3-5 days.

Can plastic shelves be washed in the dishwasher?

Most polypropylene (PP) and SAN plastic shelves can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature no higher than 45-50°C. Shelves made of polystyrene (PS) and thin ABS plastic cannot be washed in the dishwasher - they can be deformed by hot water and steam.

Why did the plastic crack in the freezer?

Cracks in the freezer most often occur due to a mechanical shock to the cooled (fragile) plastic or due to sudden temperature changes. Also, the reason may be a manufacturing defect or the use of low-quality plastic, which has lost its elasticity over time.

How to distinguish food-grade plastic from technical plastic?

Food-grade plastic is marked in the form of a glass and fork, as well as the corresponding code (PP, PE, PS). Technical plastic often does not have markings, may have a strong unpleasant odor and a rougher surface. The internal chambers of refrigerators should always be made of food-grade plastic.

What is the best way to wipe the plastic inside the refrigerator?

It is best to use a soft cloth soaked in warm water with the addition of a small amount of liquid soap, dishwashing detergent or baking soda. After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe the surfaces dry.