After scheduled or emergency defrosting, the owner of household appliances is faced with the question of not only how to quickly return the unit to operation, but also how to treat the internal surfaces. Remaining water, condensation and possible contamination require careful removal to prevent the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Hygiene of the refrigerator compartment is the key to the safety of the products that you will store in the coming months.
Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, but this approach often leads to that after a couple of weeks a specific smell of dampness appears inside. A properly selected detergent can not only clean plastic and glass from visible dirt, but also disinfect surfaces, killing pathogenic microflora. It is important to consider what material the internal elements of your refrigeratorrefrigerator are made of, since aggressive chemicals can damage the seals or cloud the transparent plastic.
In this article we will analyze in detail which professional and folk remedies best cope with the task, how to properly organize the washing process and what absolutely should not be done. You will learn how to neutralize persistent odors and prepare the chamber for the first use so that the equipment works efficiently and for a long time.
Basic requirements for detergents for a refrigerator
When choosing what to wash the inside of the refrigerator after defrosting, you must be guided by the principle of safety. The interior of the chamber is constantly in contact with food, many of which are consumed without heat treatment. Therefore, the substance used must be non-toxic and completely washable with water. Residues of aggressive reagents on the shelves can get into the food, causing poisoning or an allergic reaction.
The second crucial requirement is the absence of abrasive particles. The plastic with which modern models are lined (for example, Indesit, Atlant or Beko) scratches quite easily. Microscopic damage becomes an ideal habitat for bacteria, from where it is almost impossible to wash them out. In addition, dirt accumulates faster in scratches, and over time, white plastic may become covered with a yellow coating that cannot be washed off.
⚠️ Attention: Never use chlorine-containing products (like “Whiteness” in its pure form) to wash rubber seals. Chlorine dries out the rubber, making it hard and brittle, which will lead to loss of door seal and failure of the compressor due to constant operation.
The third important parameter is the absence of a strong odor of its own. If you wash your camera with a product that has a strong lemon or pine scent, the smell will inevitably be absorbed into the food, especially butter, milk and open packages. The ideal remedy should be either completely neutral or have a light, quickly disappearing aroma.
Folk remedies: effectiveness and accessibility
Home recipes are often more effective than expensive chemicals, since they have been tested for decades and are safe for health. One of the most popular means is baking soda solution. It copes well with greasy stains, neutralizes sour odors and leaves no streaks. To prepare the solution, just dissolve one tablespoon of soda in a liter of warm water.
Another powerful tool in the fight for cleanliness is table vinegar. It works as an excellent disinfectant and scale remover that sometimes forms on the walls of the evaporator. However, you need to be careful with vinegar: its pungent odor can be unpleasant, so after processing the chamber needs to be ventilated longer than usual. Also, acetic acid can be aggressive to some types of plastic with prolonged contact.
Laundry soap (72%) is a classic that works wonders with fat deposits. By grating a bar of soap and dissolving the shavings in hot water, you will obtain a thick, effective emulsion. The main thing is to wash it off thoroughly, otherwise a sticky whitish coating will remain on the shelves. Soda is the only product that can be left on the surface for 10-15 minutes for deep cleaning without the risk of damaging the plastic.
Ammonia diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 is also often used for disinfection. This product is especially good at removing yellow stains from white plastic and killing mold in hard-to-reach places. But you need to work with it only in a ventilated area and with gloves, since ammonia vapors are toxic.
Specialized household chemicals
If you do not trust traditional methods or the contamination is too complex, a wide range of specialized sprays and gels are available on store shelves. They are designed keeping in mind the materials used in the manufacture of refrigerators. Such products often contain antibacterial components and substances that prevent dirt from re-settling.
When choosing household chemicals, pay attention to the labeling “for food surfaces” or “for kitchen appliances”. Popular brands, such as Domestos (kitchen series), Sano, Top House or Electroluxoffer sprays with convenient spray nozzles. Their advantage is that they do not require thorough rinsing with large amounts of water - just wipe the surface with a damp and then dry cloth.
However, “chemistry” has its drawbacks. Firstly, the price of such products is much higher than the cost of soda or vinegar. Secondly, some sprays leave a chemical film that can impart an off-flavor to food. Therefore, even after using professional products, final wiping with a weak solution of citric acid or just clean water is recommended.
Step-by-step instructions for washing a refrigerator
The washing process must be systematic so as not to miss a single contaminated area. First, you need to completely empty the chamber of products and remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, containers on the door. It is better to wash them separately in the bathroom or sink under running water, using a sponge and the selected detergent.
The main chamber begins to be washed from top to bottom. This rule is dictated by physics: dirty water from the upper shelves should not drip onto the already washed lower levels. Pay special attention to the corners and joints of the panels, where mold and black dirt most often accumulate. To clean hard-to-reach places, you can use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs.
☑️ Checklist for perfect cleaning
After treating all surfaces with clean water, you must thoroughly wipe them dry. The remaining moisture is an ideal environment for bacteria. After washing, the refrigerator door should be kept open until it dries completely and the smell of the detergent disappears. This usually takes from 30 minutes to an hour.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to turn on the refrigerator if there is water or condensation inside. Moisture can get onto the electrical contacts or into the drainage system, which will lead to a short circuit or failure of the control electronics.
Table: Compatibility of products and materials
Not all materials react equally to different cleaning agents. In order not to spoil your equipment, it is important to know what can be used and what cannot. Below is a table that will help you navigate the choice of product depending on the type of contamination and surface material.
| Surface type | Can be used | Use with caution | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (shelves, walls) | Soda, laundry soap, special. sprays | Vinegar, ammonia | Acetone, gasoline, abrasives |
| Glass | Glass cleaners, vinegar | Hot water (risk cracks) | Metal jaws |
| Rubber seal | Warm water, soap solution | Alcohol, glycerin (for lubrication) | Chlorine, oils, solvents |
| Stainless steel (facade) | Special. products for stainless steel | Water (traces remain) | Acids, chlorine |
The table shows that the universal and safest option for most surfaces is ordinary soap solution or soda. Aggressive solvents such as acetone or Galosh gasoline, which are sometimes recommended for removing stickers, can instantly melt the plastic or make it cloudy.
What to do if the plastic has turned yellow?
If the plastic inside the refrigerator has already turned yellow from time to time, ordinary washing will not help. You can try applying a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and leaving it for an hour under sunlight (or an ultraphilene lamp), but there are no guarantees of results. Often, yellowness is an irreversible change in the structure of the polymer.
Removal of persistent odors and disinfection
Sometimes, even after thorough washing, an unpleasant odor remains in the refrigerator, especially if spoiled food has been lying there for a long time. In such cases, ordinary water will not help. It is necessary to carry out a deodorization procedure. The easiest way is to put an open container with an absorbent inside.
The following are excellent as an odor absorber:
- 🍞 Brown bread: cut a few slices and place on shelves for a day.
- ☕ Ground coffee: pour into a shallow bowl and leave for 2-3 day.
- 🍚 Rice or salt: perfectly absorb moisture and extraneous aromas.
- 🍋 Citrus zest: gives a pleasant aroma, but does not last long.
If the source of the smell is mold in the drainage hole (groove at the bottom of the back wall), then simply wiping the surface is not enough. It is necessary to clean the channel with a special brush or soft wire, pouring a little soda solution or hydrogen peroxide into it. This will kill the mycelium that could have settled in the condensate drainage system.
To prevent the appearance of odors in the future, do not put hot foods in the refrigerator and try to pack foods with a strong aroma (fish, smoked meats, spices) in airtight containers. Regular inventory revision will also help to avoid situations where a forgotten cucumber turns into a source of stench.
Typical mistakes when caring for a refrigerator
Many users, wanting the best way to wash equipment, make mistakes that can shorten its service life. The most common of them is using hot water to wash a defrosted refrigerator. A sharp temperature change (from ice to boiling water) causes thermal shock in the plastic and can lead to the appearance of microcracks, which will grow over time.
Another mistake is ignoring external cleanliness. Dust on the radiator grille at the back of the refrigerator or on the compressor impairs heat transfer. The motor begins to work under overload, trying to compensate for poor cooling, which leads to increased energy consumption and wear. You need to vacuum the back of the unit at least once every six months.
Also, do not use metal scrapers to remove ice or frozen dirt. Even “light” scratches disturb the smoothness of the surface, and in the future dirt will stick to these grooves, which will be almost impossible to wash without damaging the plastic itself.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with soap with a fragrance?
Using soap with strong fragrances is not recommended. Chemical fragrances can be absorbed into plastic and rubber seals, transferring their odor to foods (especially dairy and flour products) even after thorough rinsing. It is better to use baby soap or laundry soap without additives.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
General washing with defrosting is recommended once every 3-4 months (for No Frost systems - once every 6-12 months). However, you should wipe the shelves with a damp cloth weekly and throw away spoiled food to maintain hygiene.
How to remove traces of tape or stickers?
To remove sticky traces, it is best to use vegetable oil or a special sticker remover spray. Apply the oil to a cotton pad, apply to the stain for 5-10 minutes, then easily remove the softened glue. It is dangerous to use alcohol and acetone.
Is it dangerous to wash the refrigerator without unplugging it?
Yes, it is dangerous and ineffective. Water may leak into the housing and cause a short circuit. In addition, when washing with an open door, the compressor will run idle, trying to cool the room, which can lead to overheating and failure. Always unplug the appliance before washing.
Why did a plastic smell appear after washing?
A new plastic smell may appear after washing if too hot water or an aggressive chemical was used that reacted with the material. New equipment may also give off a smell when first turned on. In both cases, ventilation and the use of odor absorbers (charcoal, soda) will help.