Cleaning the refrigerator from mold: 5 methods and 7 ready-made products

Cleaning a refrigerator from mold with soapy water is problematic, since spores of this insidious fungus remain in the washed area - some time after cleaning, the mold will grow again. To permanently remove green and blackheads, use acids, alkalis, and chlorine. Cleaning the refrigerator will take some time, so you will have to set aside a free day to combat mold.

Causes of mold formation

Fungus forms due to high humidity. This can happen if the temperature is not adjusted correctly. Condensation on the walls clearly hints that the inside of the chamber is too warm and it’s time to lower the temperature by at least one degree.

Often green and black dots appear in the folds of the elastic and on the walls after storing the refrigerator closed for a long time. Many residents, when moving into a rented apartment, discover such a surprise. Therefore, when leaving the apartment for a long time, turn off the equipment and leave the door open. Air circulation and dryness will prevent fungus from forming.

The most common reason is spoiled food. Mold that appears on food can spread to the walls of the refrigerator. In addition to ready-made dishes, spilled liquids and stains turn green. Therefore, keep the shelves and drawers clean.

If mold forms for no apparent reason, you should call a professional. Most likely, the refrigerator needs repair.

Preparing to wash

Before you start cleaning the mold, prepare your refrigerator. Follow this algorithm:

1. Remove all food, including from the door and freezer.
2. Pull out removable parts: grilles, containers, doors.
3. Set the regulator to 0°C.
4. Leave the equipment for half an hour.
5. Disconnect from the power supply and open the door.

If snow build-up has formed on the walls, place rags under the refrigerator and wait for the bulk to melt. Do not try to speed up the defrosting process by using a fan or heater. Better to wait.

There is no point in defrosting equipment with a No Frost system for a long time. If the system works properly, ice and frost will not form on the walls. However, wait until the chamber temperature is close to room temperature. After that, start washing.

Mold Remedies

The refrigerator is washed completely, and not just in damaged areas. Mold spores spread throughout the space and settle on shelves and walls. Completely disinfect the equipment from the inside, or better yet, wash the outside as well.

After the refrigerator defrosts, start fighting mold with improvised or special means.

Vinegar

Table vinegar can be used to wash walls, shelves, and rubber bands. The cleaning algorithm is described in the table:

Vinegar disinfects surfaces and eliminates mold odors. The pungent vinegar aroma disappears completely after airing for an hour.

Hydrogen peroxide

You can wash off mold with regular pharmacy peroxide. It is used in the same way as a vinegar solution:

1. Pour peroxide into a spray bottle with water and spray on the walls.
2. Leave for a couple of minutes and wipe with a cloth.
3. Soak a sponge in pure hydrogen peroxide and rinse the gum.

Apply a cotton pad soaked in the product to bright spots of mold for a while. Using a cotton swab soaked in peroxide, clean the drain and seal folds.

Soda

Follow these steps:

1. Place baking soda powder in a saucer.
2. Dip a damp sponge into it.
3. Clean the affected areas locally: rub, leave for a couple of minutes, rinse.
4. Add baking soda to warm water and stir to form a solution.
5. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray onto the surface.
6. Wipe with a damp, clean cloth.

If there is still a musty smell after cleaning, use vinegar. Spray on, leave on for a few minutes and rinse off.

Chlorine

Bleach or cleaning products containing chlorine can help remove moldy stains on rubber bands. ACE, “Belizna”, “Domestos” are suitable. Put on rubber gloves and mix the bleach with water in a 1:1 ratio. Wet the sponge and wipe the seal. To clean out creases, use an old toothbrush (be careful not to get any splatter in your eyes).

Chlorine dries out rubber and makes it brittle. After finishing washing, rub the material with vegetable oil or Vaseline - moisten a cotton pad and wipe the dried surfaces and folds.

UV lamp

Mold spores are destroyed by ultraviolet light. First, wash the inside of the refrigerator with a sponge and soapy water. Wipe dry and place an ultraviolet lamp inside. If there is no lamp, expose the interior walls to sunlight. Keep it for a couple of hours.

Special means

Special household chemicals will get rid of mold stains and unpleasant odors. These are usually antifungal liquids that are applied to the surface and then washed off.

Examples of funds:

• “Magic Power Highly effective cleaning product for refrigerator care”;
• "HG Fungus and mold remover";
• "Luxus Clean Refrigerator";
• Sano Refrigerator Cleaner;
• “Topperr Refrigerator Cleaner”;
• "Top House Refrigerator Cleaner";
• OdorGone Professional For Home is a universal kitchen spray that combats odors.

Also, some refrigerator manufacturers, such as Electrolux, produce cleaning products under their own brand.

Finishing the wash

After applying any product, wash the surfaces with a soft cloth and warm water. Wipe the top with a paper towel. Do not close the door to allow the walls to dry thoroughly. At the same time, rinse and dry the removable elements.

After all surfaces are dry, return shelves, containers, and doors to the refrigerator. Turn on the device and set the usual temperature. Close and wait half an hour for the cold to develop. Then fill the shelves and drawers with products.

It is not difficult to defeat mold, but it is better to prevent its occurrence. Throw away spoiled food, wash the inside of equipment at least once a month, and regulate the temperature. Before long trips, empty and switch off the appliance, leaving the door open.