Buying a new refrigerator is always accompanied by a pleasant anticipation: there are neat shelves ahead, no scratches and a guarantee of freshness of the products. However, many owners make the same mistake - they rush to load the equipment with products, ignoring the mandatory preparation. It would seem, why waste time on cleaning if the device has just been taken out of the box and it smells like a factory, not dirt?
In fact, the internal chamber of a refrigeration unit that has been in a warehouse or showroom is far from sterile. During transportation, loading and installation, microparticles of dust, remnants of packaging materials and even traces of the hands of logistics center employees settle on the surface of the plastic. Primary processing This is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary hygienic procedure that directly affects the service life of the equipment and the safety of your food.
Ignoring this stage can lead to the fact that the first products placed inside will instantly absorb a specific technical aroma. In addition, bacteria that got inside the chamber during installation will quickly begin to multiply in a warm environment. In this article, we will look in detail at why it is necessary to wash a new refrigerator, what products are safe for plastic, and how to properly prepare the unit for the first use.
The reasons for the appearance of foreign odors in new appliances
The main reason why experts insist on washing lies in the materials used in production. The internal walls of the refrigerator are made of ABS plastic, which is factory-treated with various chemical compounds to impart strength and color. These substances tend to release volatile compounds, creating that same intrusive “factory smell”. If this deposit is not removed, the aroma will persist for weeks, permeating milk, butter and other fat-containing products.
The second factor is logistics conditions. The refrigerator may have been sitting in a dusty warehouse or garage for a long time before being sold. Even if outwardly it looks perfectly clean, mold spores or insect eggs could have settled in microcracks in the plastic and in hard-to-reach corners. Modern models often equipped with complex ventilation systems, where dust could also get in during assembly on the conveyor.
⚠️ Attention: If after the first wash and After ventilation, the smell of plastic does not disappear within 3-5 days, this may indicate a defective seal or low-quality plastic. In this case, you should contact the service center.
Also, we must not forget about tactile contact. While you were choosing a model in the store, while it was being loaded and carried to your apartment, dozens of hands touched the surface. On the plastic there remain invisible traces of sebum and sweat, which are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Thorough washing of the inner chamber allows you to remove biological contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye.
Choosing safe detergents for plastic
Before you start cleaning, you must correctly choose a cleaning composition. Harsh chemicals can permanently damage the surface of the camera, dulling the plastic or even causing it to crack. The use of abrasive powders, chlorine-containing bleaches and solvents is strictly prohibited. For delicate cleaning, soft, neutral products are best suited.
The best option would be a regular solution of laundry soap or dishwashing detergent without strong fragrances. Baking soda diluted in warm water also effectively copes with the task. It not only cleanses well, but also helps neutralize unpleasant odors. For disinfection, you can use a weak solution of acetic acid, which is safe for food surfaces.
If you prefer ready-made household chemicals, choose sprays marked “for children's things” or “eco”. They usually do not contain phosphates and chlorine. It is important that the chosen product does not have a strong odor of its own, otherwise you will simply replace one scent with another. After treating with any product, you must thoroughly rinse it with clean water.
Step-by-step instructions for primary treatment
The process of preparing a new refrigerator for operation should be carried out consistently and without haste. First, the device must be given time to “settle” after transportation, especially if the transportation was carried out at subzero temperatures. Then you should remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers on the door.
It is best to wash removable parts separately in the bathtub or under the shower with warm water and soapy water. This will allow you to clean them from all sides, including hard-to-reach grooves. Wash the main chamber with a soft cloth, moving from top to bottom. Pay special attention to the corners and joints of plastic, where industrial dust most often accumulates.
☑️ Algorithm for washing the refrigerator
After wet cleaning, all surfaces must be wiped dry with a clean, dry towel made of natural fabric. Remaining drops of water may cause mold or an unpleasant musty odor in the future. Don’t forget to wipe the outer casing, removing fingerprints and dust.
Features of caring for the No Frost system
Owners of models with the system No Frost often wonder whether it is necessary to wash the hidden elements of the air exhaust system. Although it is impossible to get to the evaporator without disassembling the equipment, it is necessary to wipe the visible openings of the ventilation ducts inside the chamber. It is through them that air circulates, and the presence of dust there can disrupt the uniformity of cooling.
To clean the air ducts, you can use cotton swabs slightly moistened in a soap solution. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic ribs and push the dirt deeper. On models with automatic defrosting, it is also important to check the drainage hole on the back wall (if it is accessible from the inside) and make sure that it is clear.
| System type | Special attention area | Recommended product | First treatment frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | Rear wall, gutter | Soda solution | Before first use |
| No Frost | Ventilation holes | Soap solution | Before the first turn on |
| Combined | Shelves and channels | Special product for plastic | Before the first turn on |
| Showcase | Glass and seals | Glass cleaner | Daily during operation |
After cleaning the channels, allow the refrigerator to dry completely before turning it on. Moisture inside the ventilation system can lead to the formation of ice plugs when the compressor is first started, which will create additional noise and load on the engine.
Drying and ventilation before switching on
The final, but critically important stage is drying. Even if it seems to you that the surfaces are dry, microscopic moisture may remain in the pores of the plastic or in the joints. Therefore, after wiping with a dry cloth, it is recommended to leave the refrigerator doors open for at least 2-3 hours.
Ventilation is necessary for two purposes: the final evaporation of moisture and the removal of residual chemical odors from detergents and the plastic itself. A draft in the room will speed up this process. Do not turn on the appliance until you are sure that the inside is completely dry and does not smell of anything.
What will happen if you turn on a wet refrigerator?
Turning on a unit with wet walls can lead to a short circuit in the electrical circuit if drops get on the contacts. In addition, a humid environment will provoke the growth of bacteria even before loading the products.
If you live in a region with high air humidity, the ventilation time should be increased to 5-6 hours. You can also place an open box of activated carbon or a saucer of soda inside, which will absorb remaining odors faster.
Typical mistakes when preparing a refrigerator
Even knowing the rules, users often make mistakes that ruin all their efforts. One of the most common is the use of hot water. When there is a sharp change in temperature, plastic can become deformed or become covered with a network of small cracks. The water should be warm, but not hot.
Another mistake is using flavors immediately after purchase. Trying to kill the smell of plastic, people use air fresheners, essential oils or coffee. This leads to the fact that the products begin to smell like chemicals. The best freshener is cleanliness and time.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use alcohol or alcohol-containing wipes to wipe the inner walls. They overdry the plastic, making it brittle, and can damage the antibacterial coating, if it is declared by the manufacturer.
Also, do not rush to load with products. After switching on, the refrigerator takes time (usually 2-4 hours) to reach operating temperature. Placing food in a warm chamber will put excess stress on the compressor and may spoil the food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible washing a new refrigerator with chlorine-containing products?
It is strictly not recommended. Chlorine is aggressive to food-grade plastic; it can change its structure and make the surface porous and brittle. In addition, the smell of chlorine is very persistent and will disappear for a long time, being absorbed into the products.
Is it necessary to remove the protective film from the internal shelves?
Yes, definitely. The protective film is intended for transportation and storage only. It is not food grade and may release harmful substances upon contact with food. Condensation can also accumulate under it.
How long after washing can you turn on the refrigerator?
You can turn on the unit only after it is completely dry. This usually takes 2-4 hours after wet cleaning, if the room has good ventilation. Make sure that all removable elements are also dry.
How to remove the strong smell of rubber from a new seal?
The smell of a new seal is normal. Wipe the gum with a weak solution of citric acid or just water with a drop of dish soap. The smell will completely go away after 1-2 weeks of use.
Is it necessary to wash the refrigerator if it was in a store warehouse?
Yes, it is necessary. Even if the refrigerator was in the hall, dust settled on it and other customers touched it. Hygienic treatment is mandatory for any new device, regardless of the conditions of its storage before sale.