The smell of plastic in the refrigerator: 7 proven ways to remove chemical aroma

Have you just bought a new refrigerator, opened the door - and instead of the expected freshness, you felt a sharp chemical smell? Or did the old unit suddenly begin to “smell” like plastic after defrosting? This problem is familiar to most owners: according to statistics, 8 out of 10 new refrigerators in the first weeks of operation they emit an unpleasant technical aroma. But even if the equipment is not new, the smell may appear after washing, repairing or replacing parts.

What is the reason? It's a matter of materials: modern refrigerators are made from ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), polystyrene and other polymers, which are treated with chemical stabilizers during production. These substances evaporate slowly, especially in a confined chamber. Fortunately, the smell of plastic is not dangerous to health (if the maximum permissible concentrations of formaldehyde are not exceeded, they are checked during certification of equipment), but it spoils the appetite and is absorbed into foods. How to remove it quickly and permanently - read our step-by-step instructions.

Why the refrigerator smells like plastic: 5 main reasons

Before dealing with the smell, it is important to understand its source. Here are the most common reasons:

• 🔹 New technology: factory lubricant, glue, remnants of packaging materials and the plastic of the case/shelves intensively “exhale” volatile compounds in the first 2–4 weeks.
• 🔹 After defrosting: a sharp temperature change accelerates the evaporation of chemical additives from plastic, especially if you used aggressive detergents.
• 🔹 Replacing parts: new shelves, drawers or door seals often smell stronger than the original components.
• 🔹 Poor ventilation: if the refrigerator is close to a wall or furniture, the heat from the compressor heats the plastic, increasing the smell.
• 🔹 Low quality materials: budget models (for example, Indesit or Biryusa economy series) may contain more technical impurities in plastic than premium brands (Liebherr, Samsung BioFresh).

An interesting fact: in refrigerators with a system No Frost the smell of plastic often lasts longer than in drip models. This is due to the constant circulation of air, which “carries” volatile compounds throughout all compartments. At the same time, in inverter refrigerators (for example, LG InstaView) the problem is less common due to its more stable nature. temperature conditions.

Is the smell of plastic dangerous for health?

Many users are worried: is it harmful to breathe fumes from a new refrigerator? According to Rospotrebnadzor, modern household refrigerators undergo mandatory certification for the content of formaldehyde, styrene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 0.01 mg/m³). However, there are nuances: does not exceed the maximum permissible standards (MPC for formaldehyde - 0.01 mg/m³). However, there are nuances:

• 🚨 Allergy sufferers and asthmatics It is better not to inhale the smell of plastic for a long time - it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
• 🚨 If the smell harsh, chemical (reminiscent of acetone or solvent) and does not disappear for more than a month, this is a reason to check the refrigerator for defects.
• 🚨 B cheap models without a certificate (especially from China) the risk of exceeding the maximum permissible concentration is higher. Check for the sign EAC or CE on the case.

⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on the refrigerator, you feel dizzy, nauseous or itchy. throat - turn it off immediately and ventilate the room. This may indicate a freon leak or other technical malfunctions.

To be completely sure, you can use a household one air quality detector (for example, Xiaomi Air Quality Monitor) or order a laboratory analysis. But in 99% of cases, the smell of plastic. - this is a temporary phenomenon, and not a threat to health.

How to remove the smell of plastic in a new refrigerator: express methods

If the refrigerator has just been brought from the store, follow this algorithm:

Remove all stickers and packaging film|

Wipe the internal surfaces with a soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water)|

Remove all removable elements (shelves, drawers) and wash them separately|

Leave the door open for 12–24 hours to ventilation|

Place an absorbent inside (more details in the next section)-->

To speed up the process, use folk remediesthat absorb odors:

Professional life hack: if the smell is very persistent, use ozonator (for example, AirComfort Clean 3000). This device generates ozone, which destroys odor molecules. 30-60 minutes of operation in an empty refrigerator is enough to eliminate even a strong chemical odor. But remember: people and animals should not be in the room during ozonation!

How to wash a refrigerator so as not to increase the smell of plastic

The mistake of many housewives is the use of aggressive detergents. means that only aggravate the problem. Here's what it is forbidden cannot be used

• 🧴 Chlorine-containing products (for example, White): they react with plastic, forming toxic compounds.
• 🧴 Abrasive powders: scratch the surface, creating microcracks in which odors accumulate.
• 🧴 Alcohol and acetone: dissolve the top layer of plastic, strengthening evaporation of chemical components.
• 🧴 Concentrated acids (acetic essence, citric acid in large doses): can damage sealing rubber bands.

Safe alternatives:

• 🌿 Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of warm water) - a universal remedy for the first wash.
• 🌿 Household soap (72%) - grate the bar, dilute in water to a gel state.
• 🌿 Special products for refrigerators (for example, Topperr 3101 or Unicum) - they contain antibacterial components and do not leave their own odor.
• 🌿 Hydrogen peroxide (3%) - perfectly disinfects and neutralizes odors, but is not suitable for colored plastic parts (can discolor).

Technology washing:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet and remove all removable elements.
2. Wipe the internal surfaces with the selected product, paying attention to joints and seals.
3. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
4. Leave the door open for 4-6 hours for complete ventilation.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator has antibacterial coating (for example, Samsung BioDeodor or LG Hygiene Fresh+), do not use products with bleaches - they destroy the protective layer.

Professional absorbents: what to choose for a lasting effect

If folk remedies do not help, it’s time to move on to the “heavy artillery” - specialized absorbers smells. They come in three types:

1. Carbon filters —the most effective for absorbing chemical fumes. Examples: Filtero 310.001 (suitable for refrigerators Bosch and Siemens), AKPO CF-01 (universal).
2. Mineral absorbents —based on zeolites or clay. Popular models: Bork K700, Zepter BioFresh.
3. Ionizers - generate negatively charged ions that bind odor molecules. For example, Xiaomi Deerma DEM-F600.

Comparative table of popular absorbents:

Advice from the experts: if you buy a carbon filter, choose models with replacement indicator (for example, Filtero or AKPO). They change color when the absorbent resource is exhausted. This will save you from guessing when it is time to update the filter.

How to make a carbon filter with your own hands

If you don’t want to spend money on a purchased absorbent, take a plastic container with a lid (for example, from a salad), make small holes in the lid, add activated carbon (sold in pet stores for aquariums) and place the container on the top. The shelf of the refrigerator needs to be changed every 2-3 months.

The smell of plastic in an old refrigerator: what to do?

If the refrigerator is not new, but suddenly starts to smell like plastic, the reasons may be different:

• 🔧 Wear of the door seal - the rubber cracks, dirt and bacteria penetrate into the micropores, which react with it. plastic.
• 🔧 Mold in the drainage system —in drip refrigerators, the drain hole can become clogged, creating an ideal environment for fungus.
• 🔧 Overheating of the compressor —if the refrigerator is located next to a stove or radiator, plastic is on the back the walls begin to “sweat” with chemical compounds.
• 🔧 Poor repairs —after replacing parts (for example, an evaporator), the new plastic may smell stronger than the old one.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Check seal: if it is cracked or deformed, replace it (the cost of a new rubber band is from 500 ₽).
2. Clean drainage hole with a cotton swab or a special brush (sold in hardware stores).
3. Move the refrigerator from the wall 10-15 cm for better ventilation.
4. If the smell appears after repair, wash all new parts with a soda solution and ventilate for 2-3 days.

⚠️ Attention: If the smell of plastic is accompanied extraneous noise (knocking, humming) or the refrigerator has become worse at cooling, the problem may be a freon leak. In this case, independent repair is dangerous - contact a specialist!

How to prevent the appearance of a plastic smell: prevention

To prevent the smell of plastic from returning, follow these steps. rules:

• 🛡️ Ventilate the refrigerator once every 1-2 months: turn it off for 4-6 hours, leaving the door open.
• 🛡️ Use removable absorbents continuously - even after the smell disappears, for example, a bag of silica gel (from shoe boxes) or special balls Fridge Balls.
• 🛡️ Wash the refrigerator correctly: at least once every 3 months, using only gentle products.
• 🛡️ Control humidity: if condensation accumulates in the refrigerator, wipe the walls with a dry cloth.
• 🛡️ Do not store open products —they absorb foreign odors and release them back.

For models with No Frost it is especially important to monitor the condition of the ventilation grilles. the air circulation system can “drive” the smell of plastic around, preventing it from disappearing. Clean the grilles with a vacuum cleaner every six months.

If you often defrost the refrigerator, use special care wipes (for example, Topperr 3030they are impregnated with an antibacterial composition and). prevent the appearance of foreign odors after washing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell of plastic in the refrigerator

How long does the smell of plastic usually last in a new refrigerator?

In most cases, the smell completely disappears within 2–4 weeks. with proper operation. In refrigerators with a system No Frost this period can last up to 1–1.5 months due to active air circulation. If the smell does not go away for more than 2 months, check the refrigerator for defects or contact a service center.

Is it possible to use a refrigerator while it smells like plastic?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Do not store in it opened products (milk, cheeses, sausages) - they will absorb the smell.
• Use sealed containers for food.
• If the smell is very strong, for the first 3-5 days it is better not to fill the refrigerator with food, but let it ventilate.

Does it help? freezing food to get rid of the smell of plastic?

No, this is a myth. Freezing does not eliminate the cause of the smell - it only masks it for a while. Moreover, when defrosting, the products can “release” the absorbed chemical aroma back into the chamber. It is better to use absorbents or ventilation.

What to do if the smell of plastic appears after transportation. refrigerator?

During transportation, the refrigerator could heat up (for example, in a closed van in the summer), which increased the evaporation of chemical compounds from the plastic. Proceed as follows:

1. Wipe the internal surfaces with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water).
2. Place a bag of soda or activated soda inside charcoal.
3. Leave the refrigerator turned off with the door open for 12-24 hours.

Usually the smell disappears after 1-2 days.

Are there refrigerators that do not smell of plastic?

Completely avoid the smell of plastic impossible, but some models smell less thanks to special technologies:

• Liebherr BioFresh — uses natural antibacterial coatings.
• Samsung Twin Cooling Plus —separate cooling system reduces the circulation of odors.
• Bosch VitaFresh —plastic with the addition silver ions, which suppress chemical fumes.

However, even in such refrigerators there may be a slight technical smell in the first days of operation.