How to wash your refrigerator: an overview of the best care and cleaning products

Are you trying to figure out how and how to wash the refrigerator to get rid of old spots and a specific smell? But to wash kitchen appliances, special household chemicals are needed without aggressive chemicals - the walls and shelves of the unit come in contact with food, right?

Which is better - the use of "grandmother" methods or the purchase of detergents in a store? We will help you understand the issue of refrigerator care - in this article we will analyze the rules for cleaning events, consider the variety of folk methods, and also examine the arsenal of purchased products.

We make a cleaning schedule in the refrigerator

Cleanliness is the key to health. This statement becomes an axiom when using household kitchen appliances. A clean refrigerator is the key to maintaining the freshness of products and the absence of an unpleasant odor.

So that the unit itself does not cause food poisoning, it is necessary to monitor the condition of all compartments of the refrigerator and freezer.

In order not to risk the health of households and not start the state of a kitchen assistant, experienced housewives recommend that you follow a simple cleaning schedule.

Features of daily care

Maintenance comes down to timely removal of “fresh” streaks and stains - removing dried up contamination is much more difficult.

It is advisable to wipe the handle of the refrigerator with a disinfecting cloth in 1-2 days or treat it with an antibacterial spray.

Do not underestimate minor contaminants - pathogens and pathogenic fungi develop rapidly, spread and infect stored foods.

Task for the week

Before the test purchase of products, the contents of the refrigerator should be audited. Stale products must be disposed of and the shelves cleaned of any traces of contamination.

General cleaning of the refrigerator

The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the refrigerator, the load on its products and the type of cooling system. The frequency of general cleaning of the refrigerator compartment is once every 3-4 months, freezers - every six months.

In order not to spend half a day cleaning, washing different parts can be performed on different days, for example: on Wednesday, clean the boxes for vegetables, on Friday - shelves, etc.

Popular methods of removing contaminants

The inner walls of the unit are in contact with food and utensils, so when caring for the device, it is better to refuse chemically aggressive drugs.

When thinking about how to wash and disinfect a refrigerator, do not forget about proven and safe folk remedies: baking soda; laundry soap; tooth powder; ammonia.

Remedy # 1 - baking soda

Using soda as a cleaning agent at home is not an innovation.

Sodium bicarbonate will perfectly cope with many types of pollution, an unpleasant odor and return the whiteness to the plastic elements of the refrigerator.

Before proceeding with cleaning, it is necessary to prepare the pulp by mixing dry powder in warm water. Recommended proportion - 2 tablespoons of soda per 0.5 liters of liquid

The resulting solution should be applied to the stain, left for half an hour, and then gently rub the contaminated area.

Means # 2 - soap emulsion

A similar effect, like baking soda, is also possessed by a mixture prepared on the basis of laundry soap. Grate a small stick and pour chips with warm water.

Shake the mixture, moisten a rag in the solution and wipe the shelves. The soap composition is well suited for cleaning rubber seals. To remove dirt from the folds, you can use cotton buds.

At the end of cleaning, soapy deposits must be washed off the surface. And then wipe dry with a gauze cloth

Remedy # 3 - Toothpaste

Toothpaste can not only clean teeth. This hygiene product will help remove dried stains and restore shine to the plastic. Apply a small amount to a sponge, treat pallets and boxes with the composition.

Clean removable elements, rinse them under running water, and then wipe them with a dry cloth.

A more effective effect is tooth powder. Due to small particles, it will be possible to remove old spots. The powder is pre-mixed with water - a thick sour cream texture should form

Remedy # 4 - ammonia

Liquid ammonia can also be an effective option for cleaning procedures in the refrigerator.

The tool will help remove food residues, mold and yellowness. Moistened areas should be liberally moistened with ammonia, wait half an hour and rinse off.

When using ammonia as an anti-mold agent, the surface treatment should be repeated a couple of times

Review of the best household chemicals

Many housewives use dishwashing detergents to clean the freezer and refrigerator compartment. But these drugs are not always effective enough and require thorough rinsing.

Manufacturers of household chemicals have developed a series of specialized products: gels, sprays and wipes. Among them are universal hygienic preparations for all elements of the refrigerator, as well as disinfectants with an antibacterial effect.

Consider the better to wash the refrigerator, which means require mandatory rinsing, and which do not. A user review will help you make a choice.

No. 1 - means of EdelWeiss

Edelweiss - Detergent substance of Russian production.Suitable for the care of microwaves, refrigerators and freezers.

The sprayer operates in two modes: spraying and foam. The emulsion is applied to a dry surface, and after half a minute it is thoroughly wiped with a soft cloth

Distinctive features of EdelWeiss:

• neutral PH, lack of alkali and acids;
• moderately aromatized - after processing there is no smell of chemicals;
• the consistency is liquid, the color is transparent;
• economical spending;
• Resists many types of pollution.

During storage, the container should be placed vertically, otherwise the packaging may leak.

No. 2 - TopHouse set

TopHouse - a whole set of German companies to get rid of various kinds of stains.

Designed to quickly remove external and internal contaminants on refrigerated trucks, household refrigerators and food containers.

The “two” kit includes a liquid cleaner and a cotton napkin with viscose (32 * 32 cm). The set "three" is supplemented with a helium odor absorber

The tool is popular and has received many positive reviews from users.

Main advantages:

• fights old fat, dirt;
• suitable for rubber seals;
• destroys bacteria and an unpleasant smell;
• does not require subsequent rinsing with water;
• gives shine to plastic coatings.

Cleaning with the TopHouse kit is not a hassle - the high-strength napkin has a special structure and cleans residual dirt well from the surface.

No. 3 - Refridgerator cleaner by Light House

Refridgerator cleaner. A universal preparation from Light House for cleaning inside the refrigerator and cleaning it from the outside.

The tool is relatively inexpensive, economical to use and effective. Foam is applied to the dirt, and after 2 minutes it is erased with a sponge. An additional plus - leaves an unobtrusive aroma and does not require rinsing with water

No. 4 - EFSTO tool

EFSTO is an affordable solution for quick cleaning of the refrigerator. Suitable for periodic cleaning without defrosting equipment.

The product does not contain abrasive components - it does not leave scratches on plastic boxes and glass shelves.

EFSTO includes sodium laureth sulfate and chlorine derivatives, therefore, when spraying and cleaning should use protective equipment - rubber gloves

No. 5 - spray foam from Luxus

Luxus Clean Foam Spray Foam for cleaning glass, metal and plastic elements of a refrigerator. Effectively fights food pollution: grease, stains from fruits and vegetables, drips from fish and meat.

The basis of the product is herbal extracts. Thanks to this composition, the drug decomposes into safe components.

“Clean Refrigerator” is produced in three variations of aroma: lime, mint and grapefruit. Bottle Volume - 500 ml

To remove strong contaminants, the manufacturer recommends applying the product in the form of foam and leave for 5 minutes. To “refresh” the coating and give shine - just spray the liquid and wipe the surface dry.

Clean Fridge has conflicting user reviews. Some praise the drug for the elimination of odors and the safety of use, while others note that to achieve the effect you have to use a lot of money and make physical efforts.

No. 6 - cleaner from Limpiya

An inexpensive spray foam with a bactericidal action called “My sweet home” from Limpiya. Thick foam should be applied to the contamination and left for 3-15 minutes.

The duration of action depends on the age and spots. After processing - wipe with a damp cloth.

The cleaning foam does not leave stains and pungent odors, and qualitatively removes food debris. The only drawback that users note is difficult to find on sale.

No. 7 - Napkins Denkmit Feuchte

Denkmit Feuchte wet disposable wipes are great for express cleaning and daily care.

Denkmin wipes remove dirt, eliminate unpleasant odors, and are suitable for cleaning the interior of the refrigerator

All Denkmin products (Germany) are of high quality and are in demand by consumers. The disadvantage is the high cost, for one package of 25 napkins you will have to pay about 4 cu

No. 8 - Napkins House Lux

A viable alternative to the German counterpart is offered by the Russian company Avangard. House Lux wipes manufactured by this company are suitable for quick cleaning of microwave ovens, refrigerators, air grills and ovens.

House Lux cope with greasy, dried spots - a little foam forms on the surface during cleaning. After processing with a napkin, it is advisable to wipe the surface with a damp rag.

The canvas is safe for hands, the material has no irritating smell and is used sparingly. Shelf life - 3 years, estimated price - 1 cu

Effective odor control

Untimely cleaning and improper storage of products often cause odors in the refrigerator. A smell may appear if the shutdown unit has stood for a long time with the door closed, or when the drainage system is clogged. Regardless of the source, general cleaning of all equipment is required.

To prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor, specialized household chemicals are used or popular proven methods are used.

Purchased Fresheners and Absorbers

For proximity to food products, only devices designed for use in kitchen appliances are allowed. It is unacceptable to place appliances intended for refreshing rooms and furniture in the refrigerator compartment.

The following types of absorbers-fresheners are on sale:

• gel granules;
• indicator egg;
• dispensary neutralizer;
• ionizer.

Gel formulations for the refrigerator

They are a compact plastic container with helium content.

The device does not change the natural aroma of products, and at the same time, effectively eliminates the persistent odors of garlic, fish, dairy products

The gel filler neutralizes aromas within three to four months. The absorber can be installed on the shelf of the refrigerator door or fixed to the wall - some models have Velcro.

Filter container or indicator egg

It performs two functions: it incorporates unpleasant aromas and signals a temperature change in the refrigerator. With increasing degrees - the container acquires a blue-violet color, with a decrease - it turns white.

The role of neutralizing odors takes on a carbon filter. In order for the absorber to remain effective, the filler should be updated every six weeks.

Dispensary odor absorber

The device consists of a plastic housing and a carbon filter. It is usually sold complete with replaceable cartridges.

The active action of the coal absorber is about 3-5 months - depending on the load of the refrigerator with products. The dispensary is absolutely harmless and can be placed as close to products as possible.

Odor absorber

The odor neutralizer is battery operated and does not require a permanent presence in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, it is enough to place the device in the chamber for 10-15 minutes a day.

Manufacturers of ionizers assure that the device not only removes foreign odors, but also prevents premature spoilage of products.

Effective tools at hand

Knowing the absorbent and deodorizing abilities of some products, you will be able to create an effective odor neutralizer yourself.

Most often, housewives resort to the help of lemon, rye bread, activated carbon, soda and coffee beans. Selected products are placed in an open container, and the container itself is installed in the refrigerator

A good result gives Apple vinegar. The concentrate must be diluted with water, and then wiped with a solution of the shelf and the unit wall.

Instead of vinegar, you can use ammonia or lemon juice. Before loading food, the refrigerator must be completely dry.

Using improvised means, you can create an aromatic diffuser.

For work you will need:

• orange or grapefruit;
• soda or salt;
• citrus essential oil.

Cut the orange in half and gently remove the pulp, being careful not to damage the peel. The improvised basket is filled with a soda-salt mixture and a few drops of aromatic oil are added to the filler.

Soda and salt well absorb unpleasant, old odors, and citruses fill the interior of the refrigerator with freshness. It is better to install the basket in the door so that it does not tip over and spill the filler

More methods to get rid of bad odors in the refrigerator are described in next article.

Procedure for cleaning the refrigerator

The current cleaning does not cause much trouble and difficulties, which cannot be said about the general washing with defrosting. The whole process can be divided into several stages.

Step # 1 - release the cameras

Before washing the refrigerator compartment inside, the unit must be switched off or the temperature controller put into defrost mode.

Pull out the contents of the compartment and put in an ice basin. At this stage, it is appropriate to carry out an audit of the products - discard expired ones and take the contaminated containers to the sink. Remove all removable items.

Step # 2 - defrosting the unit

After turning off the refrigerator, open the door of the freezer wide open, remove the products.

Some models of equipment have a tray for collecting melt water. If such a container is absent, then put a basin under the “ice” shelf or lay out a towel to absorb liquid

It remains to wait for a complete defrost. To speed up the process, you can put a heating pad in the chamber or spray hot water from the spray gun.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with detailed instructions and rules defrosting the refrigerator.

Step # 3 - cleaning the drainage and walls

Apply detergent to the inner surfaces of the chambers, leave for a couple of minutes and wipe with a soft sponge. If necessary, clean the drain hole with a small brush.

Step # 4 - cleaning the internal compartments and shelves

Heavily contaminated elements should preferably be placed in soapy water or treated with a cleaning agent and left for 20 minutes. After - clean with a rag, and if necessary - repeat the procedure.

The sealant is wiped with warm water; when cleaning the element, vinegar and solutions based on it should be avoided. If during the cleaning process you notice that the sealing gum is defective or loose, choose a new one and put her instead spoiled.

Step # 5 - cleaning the door

At this stage, all external elements are cleaned from stains, stains, fingerprints and other types of pollution.

The final stage of cleaning is washing the outside of the door. Wipe the lid of the refrigerator from dust, and clean the door and handle from dirt

In conclusion, let the equipment dry, put the products back on the shelves and connect the unit to the network.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A detailed video briefing on the care of technicians will help organize a “bathing day" for the refrigerator:

Using an effective tool to clean the refrigerator cabinet, routine cleaning in the kitchen will no longer seem like an impossible task.

In order to prolong the operation of the refrigerator and maintain its attractiveness, it is necessary to remove contaminants in a timely manner, clean the drainage drain and periodically thaw equipment.

Still have questions about fridge care? Feel free to ask them under this article - our experts and other site visitors who are versed in this matter will try to help you.

If you want to share your secrets of cleaning refrigeration equipment, tell us about the effective tools and methods that you use in the comments section.