The best ways to clean the inside of the refrigerator after defrosting

Housekeeping requires considerable knowledge for washing and cleaning kitchen equipment from dirt. And it is especially important to know how to clean the refrigerator outside and inside. This manipulation needs to be carried out regularly. If washing is not carried out systematically, many harmful microorganisms and unpleasant odors accumulate inside the household appliance. But it stores food that feeds all members of your family, so it is very important to know: what are the nuances of washing? How to eliminate “ingrained” odors and dirt? Both ready-made store-bought products and folk recipes will help you deal with any contaminants and “odors.” How to properly wash a refrigerator, what products are provided for cleaning the inside of the refrigerator? Detailed recommendations in our material.

Many housewives are interested in what and how to clean the refrigerator, because such procedures need to be carried out regularly.

How to clean a refrigerator

In order to thoroughly clean the refrigerator so that there are no unpleasant odors in it and difficult-to-remove contaminants do not accumulate, we advise you to take note: the best option is to use a folk recipe. With them, it is possible to carefully clean the chambers from all types of contaminants. Abrasive compounds are not recommended, since their particles damage the surface of the cooling household assistant.

You can clean the refrigerator using cleaning products and traditional methods.

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Special refrigerator fresheners

Traditional methods are simple and effective, but still, you can resort to special means to wash the inside of the refrigerator and refresh the smell. Special aroma absorbers developed synthetically can simply be placed on the refrigerator shelf and the unpleasant smell will stop bothering you.

They exist in different types:

• - Gel granules. Helium substance in a plastic shell, service life of three months. Absorbs all unpleasant odors without interrupting the aroma of food.
• — The egg is an indicator. A ball that not only gets rid of bad odors, but also signals if the temperature inside the device is disturbed by changing its color - if the temperature is too high, it turns blue, if it is low, it turns white. Multifunctional item.
• — Ionizer. This device will not only save you from odors, but will also extend the life of finished products - you can keep it turned on in the refrigerator for just half an hour a day and the result will be noticeable.
• — Neutralizer. It is a carbon filter in a plastic shell. Service life – 5 months.

How to clean a refrigerator from yellow stains, grease and other contaminants

Washing a household appliance with folk remedies follows one step at a time. This is how you can effectively eliminate pungent odors, yellow stains, and dirt.

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Vinegar

Mix water with vinegar essence (1:1) in a small container. You should not make a solution so that the vinegar predominates: parts of the household appliance will acquire an unpleasant odor.

Take a small sponge or soft cloth, soak it in the prepared solution and start cleaning the refrigerator. First, remove grease stains, then wipe the entire camera. If there are clean areas in the household appliance, treat them anyway: it is necessary to disinfect the plastic and remove the odor.

Vinegar removes dirt and unpleasant odors from the refrigerator.

Now let the camera dry, so don't close the door.

Remove any remaining water droplets on the plastic with a dry cloth. And the grates with containers should be washed with the solution separately. Then dry these parts and parts of the refrigerator well and place them in their usual places.

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Ammonia

Practice washing with this product a couple of times a month: we do not recommend more often, otherwise you may damage the plastic parts.

Mix ammonia (30 g) with water (300 g), saturate the sponge with the prepared solution. Now wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.

Disinfection in the refrigerator can be carried out with ammonia solution.

In this way, it is good to disinfect the surface of a household device, remove yellowness and various stains.

IMPORTANT! Before you start using your new refrigerator, be sure to treat it with this product.

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Soda

The most common substance that successfully copes with dirt and odors.

Mix 2 tbsp. l. soda and 0.5 liters of water. Stir the powder well until the grains are completely dissolved. To speed up the process, use warm water.

Soak a soft cloth in the prepared liquid and wipe the refrigerator consistently. Wash the back wall, as well as the door, at the very end of cleaning.

Finally, wipe the appliance with a dry cloth.

Baking soda removes dirt and leaves no odor after use.

Since there is no pungent odor after using soda and it does not leave streaks, you can often use it to clean the refrigerator and its parts from yellow deposits and stains.

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Lemon juice or acid

Prepare the solution this way.

You should take 2 tbsp. l. juice or acid and add half a liter of warm water, stir.

Soak a cloth in the solution (wring it out well so that moisture does not accumulate in the household appliance) and wipe all parts of the refrigeration unit in sequence.

To eliminate unpleasant odors, you can clean your equipment with lemon juice.

Then use a dry cloth to wipe the camera until it is completely dry.

Let the refrigerator remain open until the smell dissipates.

It is possible to prolong the disinfection effect by placing a glass of lemon zest on the shelf. Then you will need to wash the device less often, especially if it is usually in a “tidy” state.

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Lather

To eliminate unpleasant odors from the refrigerator, we also recommend using any soap that you currently have (but best of all, laundry soap, because it contains no fragrances or fragrances).

Take the soap and lather it in water at room temperature.

Now apply the resulting foam to the inside of the refrigerator and wait about 20 minutes.

Then wipe the interior walls and parts of the appliance with a damp cloth so that the foam is completely removed.

The refrigerator is easy to clean with soapy water.

ATTENTION! It is especially good to use this foam method when washing a new refrigeration appliance.

In the case when the parts and components of the refrigerator are very dirty, you can use this effective method: grate the soap, add a small amount of water to it until a thick paste forms. The product will perfectly treat rubber seals, as well as those places in the household appliance that are not easy to reach when cleaning. Half an hour will pass and the applied slurry can be removed. Don't forget to wipe the camera dry.

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Toothpaste

Old stains in the refrigerator can be easily wiped off with toothpaste. It will help “remove” intense unpleasant odors. To do this, you will need a paste without flavors or dyes in the composition. Apply the dental care product to the sponge, spread evenly over its surface and begin cleaning the refrigerator.

Just be sure to remove all the shelves and drawers before doing this: they will interfere with cleaning.

A quarter of an hour will pass and the paste can be removed. Do this with a damp cloth.

The remaining parts and components of the refrigeration unit are washed with the product separately.

This method allows you to get rid of unwanted odors in the refrigerator immediately - the first time. Therefore, the method is highly recommended for speed of action.

To quickly get rid of unpleasant odors, you can use toothpaste.

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Cider

Apple cider will effectively “deal” with the unpleasant smell of rotten meat or other unwanted aromas in the refrigerator. It also carefully removes glue from stickers.

Pour a glass of cider into water (1 liter), mix everything well, soak a soft cloth in the solution.

Wash the drawers, door and shelves of your refrigerator with the product.

Now wipe it with a damp cloth from the inside to remove any remaining “product”.

Periodically, the refrigerator needs to be washed with cheese.

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Top 10 best cleaning products for home use

In the household chemicals market, products intended for cleaning the refrigerator occupy not the last place.

The product lines of many companies involved in the production of household chemicals include certain areas, for example, detergents:

• refrigerators,
• slabs,
• microwaves, etc.

Among these products there are cheap and expensive, imported and domestic. What detergent is best to clean the refrigerator:

Selena

Selena is a domestically produced antibacterial product intended for cleaning refrigerators.

Can be used to clean microwave ovens. It is produced in convenient 0.5 liter bottles.

Contains:

• water;
• isopropyl alcohol;
• hydrogen peroxide, etc.

Product advantages:

1. Elimination of unpleasant odor.
2. Degreasing surfaces.
3. Has an antibacterial effect.
4. Removes dirt.
5. Non-toxic.
6. Prevents mold.
7. Not an expensive product.
8. Does not have a strong odor.

Disadvantages: may leave an odor after processing.

Price: from 100 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Sano Refrigerator Cleaner

Sano refrigerator cleaner is made in Israel. Packaging – 750 ml, includes a spray bottle.

Advantages:

1. Economical consumption.
2. No need to rinse off.
3. Quick achievement of effect.
4. High efficiency.
5. Nice smell.

Flaws:

• does not cope with dried stains quickly;
• high price.

Price – 500 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Unicum

Bottle volume 0.5 l. The product is produced in the Russian Federation under the control of an Israeli company. Contains:

• solvent,
• odor absorber,
• Surfactants and other ingredients.

Advantages:

1. Ease of use.
2. Removing odors and dirt.
3. Can be used to clean other kitchen appliances.
4. Efficiency.

Disadvantages: high cost. Price: about 300 rubles. You will find reviews here, here and here.

Top House

Refrigerator cleaner TM Top House is available in 750 ml bottles.

The product is multifunctional, fights unpleasant odors and cleans surfaces.

Advantages:

1. Removing unpleasant odors.
2. Economical consumption.
3. High efficiency.
4. Degreasing.

Flaws:

• stains may remain on smooth glossy surfaces;
• You may not be able to get rid of old dried stains the first time;
• rather high price;
• strong smell.

Price – from 500 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Electrolux cleaner

This is a professional refrigerator cleaner, which was developed and recommended by the manufacturer of refrigeration household appliances, Electrolux. The volume of the bottle with a spray is 0.5 l.

Advantages:

1. Removing contaminants.
2. Destroying bacteria.
3. Does not leave streaks.
4. Economical consumption.
5. No noticeable odor.
6. No need to rinse off.

Disadvantages: high cost. Price – about 1,000 rubles. You will find reviews here, on this and this review site.

Topper

Topperr allows you to fully care for your refrigerator inside and out. Manufacturer – Germany. Bottle volume – 0.5 l.

Advantages:

1. Efficiency.
2. Removing foreign odors.
3. Activity against microorganisms.
4. No strong odor.
5. Does not leave streaks.
6. Quick impact.

Flaws:

• may not be on sale;
• sometimes re-processing is required.

Price – 200 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Premium House

A domestically produced cleaning product with an antibacterial effect is supplied to store shelves in 500 ml bottles.

Product advantage:

1. Affordable price.
2. Removing contaminants.
3. Does not contain aggressive ingredients.
4. Safe.
5. Gives a feeling of freshness.
6. Contains an antibacterial component.
7. Affordable price.

Flaws:

• To remove difficult stains, you need to make an effort;
• Not available at all points of sale.

The cost of a bottle is from 350 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Clean Tone

The refrigerator cleaner is produced in Belarus. Can be used for cleaning freezers and refrigerators.

Advantages:

1. Eliminates unpleasant odors.
2. Gives a feeling of freshness.
3. Low price.
4. Cleans away dirt.
5. Safety.
6. Eliminates pollution.

Flaws:

• strong smell;
• doesn't wash off well.

Price – from 100 rubles. Read reviews on this review site.

Gel Clean Home

The domestically produced product has a gel consistency. Available in 200 ml bottles.

The drug contains:

• hydrogen peroxide,
• glycerol,
• surfactant,
• functional additives.

Advantages:

1. Elimination of unpleasant odors.
2. Does not require rinsing.
3. Affordable price.
4. Has an antistatic effect.
5. Good performance.
6. Doesn't leave streaks.
7. Versatility.
8. The product does not leave any odor behind.

Flaws:

• small volume;
• For complex contaminants, intense friction is required.

Price – about 100 rubles. Reviews can be found here, here and here.

Luxus Professional

Luxus Professional for cleaning refrigerators and freezers is available in various fragrances.

The product not only refreshes, but also cleans surfaces, combating dirt typical of household kitchen appliances. Packaging volume – 0.5 l.

Advantages of the product:

1. High efficiency.
2. Fast action.
3. Economical consumption.
4. Elimination of odors.
5. Antibacterial cleaning.
6. Suitable for cleaning rubber seals.
7. Biodegradable formula.
8. Low price.
9. Degreasing surfaces.

Flaws:

• persistent stains cannot always be cleaned;
• specific smell.

Price – from 150 rubles. You will find reviews here, as well as on this and this review site.

After dried meat and other products

In addition to folk remedies that perfectly rid the refrigerator of the odors of alcohol, rotten meat, spoiled food, marinades, etc., you can also use modern products when cleaning the refrigerator. It is only important that their composition is not aggressive. Such products will clean the contaminants in the unit and impart a pleasant aroma to the parts.

In addition to folk remedies, you can use ordinary cleaning products to clean the refrigerator.

To quickly remove unwanted odors and various dirt and stains, soak a cloth in dishwashing detergent and place it on the place where the spoiled product was located. After a quarter of an hour, wipe the treated area with a rag.

IMPORTANT! It is forbidden to wash the parts of the unit, as well as its components, with hot water, since this way their surface easily deteriorates. Before wet cleaning in the refrigerator, it is recommended to defrost it.

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Recommendations for selection

In order not to be disappointed in your choice, you need to study the information that the manufacturer provides about its product. In addition, it is advisable to take into account the advice of experts:

1. To clean the refrigerator, you should use only those purchased products that are intended for this purpose. For example, chemicals for cleaning plumbing fixtures are not suitable for these purposes.
2. When purchasing a product, you must inspect the packaging - it must be free of smudges and damage.
3. Refrigerator care products, like all household chemicals, have an expiration date. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the issued date.
4. The drugs are available in various volumes, most household products are 0.5 liters. and 0.75 l, but there are others. Sometimes it is more profitable to purchase a larger volume.
5. An additional plus for products that have an antibacterial effect. This will not be superfluous for the refrigerator, since food is stored in it.
6. Some cleaners do not require rinsing. If time for cleaning is limited, then this point is important.
7. For glossy refrigerators, especially dark ones, you need to choose products that do not leave streaks. This point can be clarified based on consumer reviews.
8. Not all cleaning products come in liquid form and come in a spray bottle. For cleaning hard-to-reach areas, a spray form may be more convenient.

Refrigerator cleaning products are economical in consumption. Any bottle you choose will last a long time.

You will find useful tips and tricks for cleaning your refrigerator in this section.

Sequence of actions for cleaning the refrigerator inside and outside

Daily cleaning of the refrigerator does not cause difficulties. How to properly perform a general cleaning of the inside of the device? Try to follow these steps consistently and you will have a great cleaning experience.

Before you start cleaning the refrigerator, you need to defrost the device.

First, disconnect the device from the power supply, then it can defrost a little before washing.

Open the door and take out everything in the refrigerator. Place food in a cool place or container, as serious cleaning will take a long time.

IMPORTANT! If you plan to clean your refrigerator in advance, try not to buy perishable foods.

Remove shelves, trays, stands, and metal elements of the device from the chambers. They must be washed and then dried separately. It will be very difficult to thoroughly wash every corner of a household appliance with these components.

To avoid odor, wash the most contaminated areas first, washing hard-to-reach areas. Choose a safe and effective product that you consider most optimal for high-quality cleaning of the refrigerator.

Attention! Washing using a traditional recipe will allow you not only to wash the base of the chamber itself and the freezer, but also to disinfect the surfaces: in this way, harmful microorganisms will die and you can use a household assistant without fear for the food.

To thoroughly clean the inside of the refrigerator, do not ignore the corners and recesses. There are rubber seals on the door, be sure to wash there too to get rid of bacteria.

After washing, dry the refrigerator compartment thoroughly with a cloth or napkin.

Finally, wipe the parts with a damp cloth, then with a napkin.

Only after everything is dry can you plug in the unit.

The outside of the refrigerator is wiped with a rag with soapy foam, and then wiped well. The “back” of the refrigerator is treated with a brush: this is how dust in the mechanism is optimally removed. Folk remedies, as a rule, are not used to clean the outside of the refrigerator. To eliminate odors, washing is carried out only after defrosting.

How to clean with household chemicals?

On the shelves of hardware stores there is a wide range of special products for cleaning household appliances. Unlike conventional household cleaning detergents, they are distinguished by their safe composition (no chlorine) and pleasant aroma .

Top 3 best means for cleaning the outside of the refrigerator:

Selena

Selena antibacterial product (country of origin: Russia) will quickly clean any type of surface from dirt and ingrained unpleasant odors. It has an antibacterial effect and prevents the formation of mold.

The method of application is simple: spray the product onto the external surfaces of the refrigerator, and then wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth. The average cost of Selena cleaning spray is 110 rubles. (500 ml bottle).

Sano Refrigerator Cleaner

Sano Refrigerator Cleaner (manufacturing country Israel) is an effective means for cleaning any surfaces. After cleaning, the treated door and walls do not need to be washed off with water . It is enough to treat the dirt with a spray. then wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.

The average cost of Sano Refrigerator Cleaner is 450 rubles. (750 ml bottle).

Top House

The Top House refrigerator cleaner (manufactured in Germany) will quickly remove any dirt both outside and inside the refrigerator. Qualitatively removes stubborn stains and ingrained unpleasant odors . Returns gloss and leaves a pleasant light aroma after use.

Directions for use: spray the cleaner onto contaminated surfaces, wait three minutes, rinse with warm water.

The average cost of a Top House refrigerator cleaner is 350 rubles. (750 ml bottle).

When using special detergents, you must carefully read and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How often should you clean your refrigerator?

The ideal option is to wipe the unit daily. This is the only way to avoid cross-spoilage, as well as contamination of the food placed there, and not to aggravate the situation.

In addition to daily food inspections and wiping the inside of the chamber, large-scale cleaning should also be carried out from time to time.

In addition to daily cleaning, extensive cleaning of the refrigerator should be done at least once a month.

It is recommended to carry out general cleaning of the refrigerator at least once a month.

How can you clean the inside surfaces of your refrigerator?

Modern manufacturers offer a considerable amount of detergents for this purpose, from regular dishwashing gel to special antibacterial sprays and wipes.

The most effective means, according to customer reviews:

• Electrolux refrigerator cleaning spray removes odors well without leaving any behind;
• Sano Refrigerator handles dirt well;
• Luxus professional “Clean Refrigerator” product is effective against dirt and odors;
• Unicum contains an antifungal component;
• inexpensive domestic product Clean Home copes with stubborn dirt;
• Magic Power (Germany) has an antibacterial effect.

Brands that produce refrigerators, for example, Indesit, Whirpool, also produce cleaning sprays and odor absorbers, which are also of good quality and effective.

There are also so-called “quick response” means - wet wipes for daily cleaning of the refrigerator. They are convenient for immediately removing spilled liquids, greasy stains, and other contaminants from the outer and inner surfaces of the refrigerator.

Quick cleaning products are offered by the following brands:

• Practi Soft (China),
• "Freken Bok" (Russia),
• Denkmit Feuchte (Germany) and others.

Many of the proposed products do not require rinsing, as indicated in the instructions. But still, some have a persistent “artificial”, “synthetic” aroma, others are so effective that they cannot be sprayed near children or pets; you need to work with a mask. Others (primarily dish gels) have to be washed out with clean water for quite some time.

Folk remedies for eliminating odors and cleaning the refrigerator are very popular. Among them are soda, vinegar, ammonia, citric acid, lemon juice. Provided they are used correctly, these substances do their job perfectly, are safe and harmless.

You should not use hard brushes or steel wool to wash the inside of the unit, as this may leave scratches and damage to the plastic. There are softer abrasives that cope with both dirt and unpleasant odors: soda slurry, coffee or toothpaste. They can be used effectively to clean the inside of the refrigerator, but then any remaining particles will have to be thoroughly washed from corners and ribbed surfaces.

Additional Tips

The refrigerator is one of the most necessary household appliances in the kitchen. It requires careful care; this device does not tolerate negligence. Systematically carried out large-scale cleaning will rid your refrigeration unit of unnecessary odors and help preserve cooked food and products.

It is not recommended to use aggressive products to clean the outside of the refrigerator.

Preparing for cleaning

Before you start washing the internal surfaces of the refrigerator and freezer compartments of the refrigerator, you need to stock up on the selected cleaning products, sponges, napkins - wet and dry, and rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands.

If you use improvised means, you need to prepare the solution in the required proportion in advance.

1. To wash the seal, it is recommended to prepare a warm solution of grated laundry soap.
2. Two tablespoons of lemon juice, diluted in 0.5 liters of warm water, effectively remove greasy stains and dirt from the walls of the refrigerator compartment, leaving a pleasant aroma.
3. It is recommended to wash both a regular refrigerator and a new generation refrigerator with the No Frost system using baking soda and warm water. To do this you need to stir 2 tbsp. l. sodium bicarbonate in 0.5 liters of water. This composition removes dirt well and eliminates odors.
4. Dishwashing gel is more effective in undiluted form, but it is not very convenient to use it this way. Therefore, a concentrated product is used for severe contamination, and the main surface is washed by stirring 2-3 large drops of gel in warm water.
5. An aqueous solution of ammonia removes odors well. To do this, 30 ml of the substance is combined with 300 ml of water. After processing the inside of the refrigerator, you need to ventilate it well.

Ready-made products are used immediately, but after carefully reading the instructions for their use. After most of them, you need to rinse the surface with clean water to remove any remaining surfactants (surfactants).

Advice! A refrigerator with a No Frost system must be completely defrosted once a year, left turned off and open for 12-24 hours. The rest of the time, you must thoroughly wipe off all dirt immediately after they appear, without turning off the unit.