Keeping the refrigerator clean is
essential, yet not a very easy task. Dropping bits of food in the refrigerator
can cause mold or mildew to grow, especially around the door gasket or along
the drawer guides. Mold is also often noticed if you accidentally unplug the
electricity outlet of the refrigerator for days. Mold, being a health hazard to
you and your children, is a cause of alarm. It can often cause allergic
reactions and respiratory problems. However, the solution to your mold problem
lies in the proper cleaning of the refrigerator. This article provides you with
all the information that you need to get rid of your mold problem. Firstly follow the steps below.
How do you start?
1.
Firstly,
unplug the electricity outlet of the refrigerator, and move it outside if
possible, to avoid the smell being spread in the whole house. Exposing your
refrigerator to direct sunlight is likely to kill some of the bacteria.
2.
Before
you move on to the cleaning part, make sure to put on gloves and a mask.
3.
Empty
the refrigerator. Dispose of all spoilt food in plastic bags, and throw them in
the garbage can. You can let unopened packets and airtight containers be in
place. You must pour liquids down the kitchen sink, and later wash the basin too.
4.
Take
out all refrigerator parts, such as drawers and trays.
5.
Pour
water in a bath tub, and put all removable parts in it. Add one cup of baking
soda to water to clean these parts.
6.
In
case there was mold on any of the removable parts, soak them in a solution of
vinegar and warm water before cleaning them with the baking soda solution. An
average sized bath tub will require 2 cups of vinegar.
Now, to clean the interior
of the fridge, you can proceed in one of the two following ways.
Method One (Using Bleach)
Things that you will require:
·
Bleach
·
Water
·
Spray
bottle
·
Sponges
or rags or cloths
·
Old
toothbrush
·
Vinegar
·
Charcoal
Steps:
1.
Mix
1 part bleach to 1 part water.
2.
Now
pour this cleaning solution into a spray bottle.
3.
Next,
spray the solution on to the sides and ceiling of the refrigerator. Let the
solution set for 10 to 30 minutes.
4.
Wipe
the walls and ceilings with a sponge, rag or cloth. Repeat this process till
the mold disappears. In the end, rinse with water and then wipe it dry with a
cloth or sponge.
5.
Make
another solution to clean the door gaskets. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part
water and spray it on the door gaskets. Let the solution set for up to 5
minutes.
6.
You
can use a toothbrush to clean the grooves. If cleaning the refrigerator out in
the open, leave the doors open for the sunlight to dry the door gasket rather
than wiping it clean. If not, wipe the solution with a cloth, sponge or rag,
and then rinse with cold water. In the end, wipe it dry.
7.
Now,
remove the drip pan under the refrigerator. To clean it, use the bleach
solution if it is not a metal. If otherwise, use the vinegar solution.
8.
Ensure
that no moist area is left in the refrigerator as it may serve as a breeding
ground for mold.
9.
Lastly,
to get rid of the bad smell in the refrigerator, put an open bag of charcoal
inside for a day.
10.
Your
refrigerator is now ready to use again!
Method Two (Use Baking Soda)
Things that you will require:
·
Baking
Soda
·
Bowl/Bucket
·
2
pieces of cloth
·
Old
toothbrush
·
Refrigerator-specific
deodizer
Steps:
1.
To
make your cleaning solution, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of
water in a bowl or bucket. Keep stirring the solution till it mixes completely.
2.
Now,
wash a cloth in the solution and start scrubbing the interior of the
refrigerator.
3.
Be
careful while doing so. You do not want to scratch the surface of glass
shelves.
4.
To
reach out to the corners and crevices, you may use a toothbrush.
5.
Repeat
the process till all the mold disappears.
6.
Once
done, pour down the solution down the kitchen drain, and wash the dirty cloth.
7.
Pour
fresh water in the bucket and dip the second cloth in it.
8.
Now
wipe the walls and ceilings of the refrigerator with the second cloth.
9.
Make
sure that interior is completely dry and no moist patches are left.
10.
Lastly,
put the refrigerator-specific deodizer inside the refrigerator to get rid of
the odor.
Warning:
Some manufacturers may not
approve of bleach or baking soda as a cleaner. Read the refrigerator manual for
any specific notes regarding approved cleaners.