Hygiene of the refrigeration chamber is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity for maintaining the health of all family members. The inside of the device creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply if you do not clean it regularly. Many housewives and owners are wondering how to clean the refrigeratorin order not to damage the plastic elements and effectively eliminate ingrained odors.
Modern models, be it Indesit or Boschrequire a delicate approach to cleaning. The use of aggressive chemicals can lead to microcracks on shelves or destruction of seals. In this article, we will analyze proven methods that will help return your refrigerator to its pristine cleanliness without extra costs.
Before starting the active phase, you need to prepare your workplace and tools. Never use hot water above 40 degrees to wash the internal chambers, since a sharp temperature change can lead to deformation of plastic parts. Proper preparation will reduce cleaning time and increase its efficiency.
Preparation for washing and choosing safe products
The first step is always to completely empty the chambers of products. You will need to remove all shelves, drawers and containers. This will allow you to access hard-to-reach corners and end parts where dirt most often accumulates. While the removable elements are soaking in the bathroom, you can work on the inner walls.
When choosing how to wash a refrigeratorgive preference to environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic compositions. Household chemicals containing chlorine can leave a lingering odor that is subsequently absorbed into food. It is better to use proven folk methods or specialized sprays for kitchen surfaces.
- 🧼 Laundry soap - a classic product that perfectly degreases and does not contain allergens.
- 🍋 Citric acid - helps not only to clean, but also to deodorize space, killing bacteria.
- 🥡 Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works on dried stains without scratching the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using powdered cleaners with large abrasive particles. They can leave micro-scratches on glossy plastic, into which dirt will subsequently become clogged, and it will be impossible to wash it off.
It is also important to check the condition of the sealing rubber bands. They are the ones that most often become the source of an unpleasant odor. A cotton swab dipped in a vinegar solution is ideal for cleaning them. Carefully go through all the folds, removing plaque.
Folk recipes against fat and plaque
If you are looking for a way how to clean a refrigerator from yellowness and greasy plaque without expensive gels, turn to your home medicine cabinet. A 1:2 mixture of baking soda and water creates an effective paste. Apply it to contaminated areas and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Acetic acid works wonders on limescale that can form in cooling areas. A solution of table vinegar and water (1:1) perfectly disinfects surfaces. After treatment, be sure to wipe the walls with a clean, damp cloth to neutralize the acid.
To remove traces of markers or stickers, which are often left by previous owners or children, use vegetable oil. It dissolves the adhesive base, after which the residue is easily wiped off with a soft sponge. This method is safe for any type of plastic.
The secret of keeping rubber bands clean
Rubber seals can turn black from mold over time. To whiten them, apply a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, leave for 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. For prevention, lubricate them with glycerin for elasticity.
Do not forget about the ventilation holes inside the chamber. They cannot be filled with water, but it is necessary to gently wipe them with a dry soft brush or blow them with a vacuum cleaner at minimum power. Clogged air ducts reduce the efficiency of the compressor.
Professional chemicals: what to choose in the store
When folk remedies cannot cope with old contaminants, professional household chemicals come to the rescue. There is a wide range of sprays and gels on store shelves. It is important to choose products marked “for food surfaces” or “eco.”
Sprays based on surfactants (surfactants) are excellent at breaking down fat. However, they require careful rinsing. Chemical residues on the walls can change the taste of stored products, especially those that are not tightly packaged, such as open butter or cheese.
| Type of product | Effectiveness against grease | Safety for plastic | Necessity rinsing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprays with chlorine | High | Medium (may fade) | Required |
| Gels with acid | Average | High | Desirable |
| Foam cleaners | High | High | Required |
| Wipes with impregnation | Low (for dust) | Absolute | Not required |
When using aerosols, follow the technique security. Spray the product onto a rag or sponge rather than directly onto food or shelves. This will prevent the chemical from getting into hard-to-reach places where it is difficult to wash, for example, into the gaps between the body and the insulation.
Removing complex stains and rust
Sometimes rust or persistent stains from coloring products (beets, turmeric) may appear on metal elements or the bottom of the chamber. To fight them you will need a more powerful arsenal. The melamine sponge has proven itself as an “eraser” for difficult stains.
It should be used carefully, slightly moistened and without strong pressure. It works as a micro-abrasive, removing the thinnest layer of dirt. This is ideal for white surfaces, but it is better to test on colored or glossy plastic.
If you find mold in the corners, do not limit yourself to surface wiping. The mycelium spores penetrate deep into microcracks. In this case, a solution of hydrogen peroxide will help. Wet the affected area generously and leave for 20 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use metal scrapers, blades or hard brushes to clean the internal walls. One awkward movement can pierce the thin wall of the evaporator, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
For external stainless steel surfaces (Stainless Steel), use special polishes. Regular soap will leave streaks that will ruin the appearance of the equipment. Movements with a rag should be strictly along the fibers of the metal.
How to get rid of an unpleasant odor
After a high-quality wash, a residual odor may remain, especially if spoiled food has been lying in the refrigerator for a long time. Simple ventilation does not always help. It is necessary to use adsorbents that will absorb odor molecules.
The most affordable method is activated carbon. Grind 10-15 tablets into powder and scatter on a saucer, leaving in the chamber for a day. Ground coffee, soda in an open container or fresh black bread also work great.
- ☕ Coffee grounds - absorbs odors and leaves a light aroma of freshness.
- 🍚 Rice - raw rice perfectly draws out moisture and accompanying odors.
- 🧂 Salt —calcined or ordinary salt is a powerful natural absorbent.
If the smell is caused by leaking refrigerant (the smell of gas or chemicals is felt), no adsorbents will help. In this case, you must immediately disconnect the device from the network, ventilate the room and call a technician. Operating such a refrigerator is dangerous to life.
☑️ Checklist for perfect cleaning
Features of caring for the No Frost system
Owners of models with the system No Frost often mistakenly believe that their refrigerators do not need to be washed. This is wrong. Although ice does not form there, dust, fluff and bacteria circulate along with air currents, settling on the evaporator and fans.
Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the drainage hole. It is located on the back wall inside the camera. Clogging of this channel leads to condensate not leaving, but accumulating at the bottom or leaking onto the floor. You can clean it using a special brush wire or a cotton swab.
To wash the internal plastic panels in the system No Frost it is better to use soft microfiber. Rough fabrics can damage the thin coating. After cleaning, be sure to dry all surfaces so that when you turn on the moisture does not freeze in the ventilation ducts.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator without unplugging it?
Technically, you can wash it quickly, but experts do not recommend this. Firstly, while you are washing one shelf, the other one is heating up and the food may spoil. Secondly, water entering the electrical contacts or control system can cause a short circuit. It is safer to turn off the device, wash it and turn it on again after 2-3 hours.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out general cleaning with complete defrosting and washing the shelves once every 3-4 months. However, you should wipe the shelves weekly to remove dirt and check the expiration dates of products. If stains or odors appear, cleaning is carried out immediately, without waiting for the scheduled date.
What should not be used to wash the inside of the refrigerator?
It is strictly forbidden to use gasoline, acetone, paint solvents and abrasive powders (such as "Pemolux" in dry form). These substances destroy the structure of food plastic, making it porous (porous) and toxic. It is also undesirable to use chlorine-containing products in high concentrations.
What to do if there is a chemical smell left after washing?
If you smell the detergent, wipe all surfaces again with clean water with the addition of lemon juice. Leave the refrigerator doors open for several hours (preferably overnight) to ensure complete ventilation. Place a bowl of activated carbon inside.