Cleaning the refrigerator is a task that many put off until the last minute. But in vain: regular cleaning not only removes unpleasant odors and bacteria, but also extends the life of equipment. If you are looking video instructionshow to clean a refrigerator quickly and without mistakes, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will analyze not only the visual stages (with examples from the video), but also the nuances that are often missed: from choosing a detergent to processing the sealing rubber.
According to research, on average, the refrigerator is washed 1-2 times a year, although experts recommend doing this every 3-4 months. And we're not just talking about visible shelves: mold and mildew can accumulate in the drainage hole, on the back wall (in models with a drip system) or under vegetable drawers. If you have never cleaned these areas, prepare for surprises. And to make the process go smoothly, we have collected unique life hacksthat you will not find in standard instructions (for example, how to remove yellow deposits from plastic or wash dried juice without scratches).
Why video instructions are better than text: 3 key advantages
Video format has become indispensable for learning how to care for equipment - and here's why:
- 🎥 Visibility of actions: you see exactly how to move your hand when cleaning the seal or how to properly remove shelves so as not to break the fasteners. For example, in models Bosch Serie 6 the shelves are fixed with special latches, which are easily damaged if you pull them up instead of moving them forward.
- 🕒 Time saving: the average video on washing a refrigerator lasts 8-12 minutes - during this time you will have time to see the entire process from turning off to drying, while reading the text will take longer (plus the risk of missing an important step).
- 🔊 Real-time warnings: the author of the video can immediately show what will happen if you overdo it with soda on aluminum parts (dark spots will appear) or why you should not pour water on the compressor.
However, the video also has disadvantages: it is difficult to find a video specifically for your model (for example, with a system Total NoFrost or a freezer Low Frost), and some authors miss critical points - for example, they do not talk about what the drainage hole needs to be cleaned with a brushand not just rinse with water. Therefore, we will combine the best of two formats: detailed text instructions + links to proven videos from YouTube (with time codes for key moments).
Preparation for washing: what needs to be done BEFORE turning on the water
The first step that many people miss — correct preparation. It determines how quickly and safely the cleaning will take place. Let's start with the obvious, but often ignored:
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to the system SmartThings (u Samsung) or has a display with touch control (as in LG InstaView), do not unplug it from the outlet during cleaning, this can reset settings. Instead, switch to the "Vacation" mode (Menu → Special Features → Vacation) or simply set the temperature to +15°C.
Now in order:
- Free up space: pull it out. all the products and put them in a cooler bag or wrap them in towels (if it’s winter outside, you can take them out to the balcony). Important: do not place perishable foods (meat, fish, dairy) next to the radiator - they will spoil faster than you have time to wash the refrigerator.
- Take everything out. removable elements: shelves, drawers, racks, trays for eggs. In models Atlant and Beko the back wall is often secured with latches - do not try to remove it if you are not sure of the design.
- Prepare tools:
- 🧽 Soft sponge (without a hard layer) or microfiber cloth
- 🧴 Washing agent (more on this in the next section)
- 🧊 Spray bottle with warm water
- 🔌 Hair dryer (for quickly drying hard-to-reach places)
- 🧲 Magnet or paper clip (for cleaning the drainage hole)
Unplug the refrigerator (except for models with a display)|Remove all products|Remove removable shelves and drawers|Prepare detergent|Place a towel on the floor (in case of leaks)|Open the window for ventilation-->
If your refrigerator has ice generator (as in Liebherr Premium), you need to turn it off in advance: press Ice Maker → Off and wait until all the ice has melted. Trying to wash it while frozen can damage the mechanism.
What products can be used: safety table
The choice of detergent is a balance between efficiency and safety. Many housewives use what is at hand: soda, vinegar, soap. But not everyone knows. that:
- 🧪 Vinegar excellently removes odors, but can damage the rubber seal if not washed off thoroughly.
- 🧴 Dishing gels (type Fairy) leave a film that is then difficult to wash off - this can lead to an unpleasant aftertaste in products.
- 🧼 Laundry soap safe, but does not cope well with greasy stains and mold.
We tested 10 popular products and compiled a table of their effectiveness:
| Remedy | Efficiency | Safety | Suitable for | Price (for 500 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda (solution 2 tbsp per 1 liter of water) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Absolutely | All surfaces, including sealant | ~20 rub. |
| Vinegar 9% (diluted 1:1 with water) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ With caution (rinse off quickly) | Glass, plastic (not for rubber) | ~30 rub. |
| Dr. Beckmann for refrigerators | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Safe | All types of surfaces, including NoFrost | ~300 rub. |
| Cillit Bang (antibacterial) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ Not for aluminum and rubber | Only plastic and glass | ~250 rub. |
| Hydrogen peroxide 3% | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Safe | Disinfection of shelves and drawers | ~15 rub. |
Our verdict: for regular cleaning, it is best to use soda solution or specialized products (Dr. Beckmann, Topperr). If you need to remove persistent odors (for example, from fish), use vinegar, but only for plastic and glass surfaces. avoid aggressive chemicals - they can neutralize the antibacterial coating. ionic silver (For example, Panasonic NR-BN) avoid aggressive chemicals - they can neutralize the antibacterial coating.
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash the inside of the refrigerator (with a video example)
Now we move on to the process itself with links to the video (we indicate time codes for convenience):
- Cleaning shelves and drawers (video: from 1:23)
Remove all removable elements and wash them in the sink with warm water and detergent. For glass shelves (as in Electrolux ERN), use the soft side of the sponge - abrasives will leave scratches. Plastic boxes can be soaked in a soda solution for 10-15 minutes if they have dried stains.
- Treating the walls and back panel (video: from 3:45)
Wipe all internal surface with a napkin soaked in detergent. Pay special attention:
- 🔍 Sealing rubber: it must be cleaned with a toothbrush and soda (video: from 2:10). In models Samsung RB the elastic band is removable - you can remove it and wash it separately. data-i="164">Sealing rubber
- 💧 Drainage hole: if it is clogged, water will accumulate under the drawers. Clean it with a brush or paperclip (video: from 4:30).
- ❄️ Freezer compartment: if it is from NoFrost, just wipe the walls. In drip models (Indesit DF), you need to defrost the ice in advance.
Wipe all surfaces dry with microfiber. To speed up the process, use a hair dryer (hold at a distance of 20 cm so as not to deform the plastic). Make sure that there is no water left in the drainage hole - otherwise, when turned on, it will freeze and block the drain.
Critical moment: many people forget about ventilation grilles (in models with NoFrost they need to be vacuumed or wiped with a dry cloth - dust on them worsens heat transfer and increases energy consumption.
What to do if there is a smell left after washing?
If after cleaning there is an unpleasant smell in the refrigerator, check:
1. Drainage hole - it often accumulates there organics.
2. Sealant - rinse it again with a vinegar solution (1:1).
3. Back wall - in drip models there may be mold under the plastic panel.
If the smell does not go away, put an open pack of soda or activated carbon (5-6 tablets in a saucer) for a day.
How to wash the outside of the refrigerator: nuances for different materials
External cleaning is no less important: dust on the compressor increases the load on the engine, and greasy stains on the handle spoil the appearance. However, the approach depends on the material:
- 🖥️ Stainless steel (for example, Liebherr BSes): use special polishes (Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner) or a solution of vinegar and water (1:1) Move along the “fibers” of the metal to avoid streaks. data-i="196">Stainless steel
- 🎨 Plastic with a glossy finish (Atlant MHM: avoid abrasives and alcohol-containing products - they leave matte stains. A soap solution is best.
- 🖼️ Glass doors (Samsung Family Hub): use a glass cleaner without ammonia (for example, Mr. Proper). Microfiber soaked in a weak solution of citric acid is suitable for removing fingerprints.
Pay special attention to:
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has display or touch buttons (as in LG InstaView ThinQ), do not spray liquid directly - it can get under the panel and cause a short circuit. Instead, apply the product to a napkin and gently wipe the surface.
Do not forget about rear part of the refrigerator: move it away from the wall and vacuum the compressor every six months. In models with inverter compressor (Hitachi R-VG) this is especially important - overheating shortens the life of the engine.
Top 5 mistakes when doing this. washing the refrigerator (and how to avoid them)
Even if you watched the video, it is easy to make mistakes that will lead to damage or the reappearance of the smell. We have collected the most common ones:
- Using hot water
Many people think that hot water removes fat better. deform plastic parts (especially in budget models) freezer without defrosting Birusa or Pozyx) and leave stains on the stainless steel.
Solution: Use water with a temperature not exceeding 40°C.
- Cleaning the freezer without defrosting
In models with Low Frost (for example, Beko FN) ice builds up in a thin layer, and it seems that you can simply scrape it off. This is risky: a knife or spatula can damage the evaporator.
Solution: always. defrost the freezer in advance (manually or using the function
Fast Defrostif it is). - Ignoring the drainage hole
If it is not cleaned, water will accumulate under the drawers, which will lead to mold and unpleasant odor.
Solution: use a brush or cocktail straw to push through the clog.
- Use bleach
It disinfects well, but destroys plastic and leaves toxic fumes, which are absorbed into the products.
Solution: replace with hydrogen peroxide or specialized products.
- Turning on the refrigerator with a damp one
This leads to icing of the drainage and an increase in humidity inside, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
Solution: dry all surfaces for at least 30 minutes (or use a hairdryer).
Another common myth: “The more detergent, the better.” In fact, excess chemicals are difficult to wash off, and it can get into products. Just 1-2 caps of detergent per 1 liter is enough. water.
How often to wash a refrigerator: seasonal maintenance schedule
The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors: the model of the refrigerator, the number of users and the types of stored products. We have compiled an optimal schedule:
| Type of cleaning | Frequency | What includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (internal) | 1 time every 3 months | Washing shelves, walls, seal | Ideal for families of 3-4 people |
| Deep (with defrosting) | once every 6 months | Cleaning the freezer, drainage, back wall | Required for models with a drip system |
| External | once a month | Wipe doors, handles, compressor | Important for refrigerators with stainless steel |
| Emergency | As needed | Removing stains, odors, spilled liquids | Use absorbents (soda, charcoal) |
If your refrigerator has one freshness zone (BioFresh v Liebherr or FreshZone v Samsung), it must be cleaned separately - once every 2 months. These compartments have high humidity, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
Important for owners of refrigerators with water dispenser (Whirlpool WRX): tubes and the water container must be washed every 2 months with a solution of citric acid (1 tsp per 1 liter of water), otherwise a green coating will appear there.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator without unplugging it?
Technically it is possible, but not recommended. Even if you are careful, there is a risk of water getting on the electrical contacts (for example, in models with a display or backlight). An exception is refrigerators with a Holiday or Vacationfunction, which allow you to maintain a minimum temperature without risk.
If you still decide to clean the refrigerator when it is on, at least turn off the freezer (if it is separate) and do not use sprayers - only a damp cloth.
How to remove yellow deposits from plastic shelves?
Yellow deposits appear due to oxidation of plastic or prolonged contact with fatty foods. To remove it:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water (the consistency is like toothpaste).
- Apply to the stain and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe with a soft sponge (without pressure!).
- Rinse water and dry.
For stubborn stains, you can use melamine sponge, but only for smooth plastic (not for textured surfaces).
How to wash a refrigerator with an antibacterial coating (Ag+, silver ions)?
In models with antibacterial coating (Panasonic NR-BN, Sharp SJ-X), you cannot use:
- Chlorine-containing products (they neutralize silver ions).
- Abrasive sponges (damage the coating).
- Vinegar in high concentration (destroys the protective layer).
The best option is warm soap solution or specialized products marked "for antibacterial surfaces."
How wash the refrigerator with the NoFrost system so as not to damage it?
In refrigerators with NoFrost (Samsung RB, LG GB) the main thing is do not wash the ventilation holes (they are located on the back wall). Enough:
- Wipe the walls and shelves with a damp cloth.
- Vacuum the grilles on the back wall (without water!).
- Wipe the seal and drainage hole.
No need to defrost the freezer - ice does not build up. But if you notice frost, this is a signal of a malfunction (perhaps the fan is clogged or the defrost heater has failed). NoFrost the ice does not grow. But if you notice frost, this is a signal of a malfunction (perhaps the fan is clogged or the defrost heater has failed).
What should you do if after washing the refrigerator becomes louder?
This is a common problem, and the reasons may be different:
- 🔊 The compressor touches the wall: when the refrigerator moves during cleaning, it could move. The solution is to carefully move the refrigerator and adjust the position of the compressor.
- ❄️ The fan is frozen (in models with NoFrost): if you washed the refrigerator with a damp cloth and did not dry it, moisture could freeze on the blades. The solution is to defrost the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- 🌀 The condenser is clogged: if you vacuumed the back wall too intensely, you could damage the fan blades. The solution is to call a technician.
If the noise does not go away within 24 hours, contact a service center - perhaps one of the parts was damaged during cleaning.