How often should you defrost and clean your refrigerator?

A refrigerator is a unit that is in any kitchen and that we use every day. It contains products with very different expiration dates and storage conditions - it is not surprising that over time, not the most pleasant odors are heard from the depths of the equipment (we have already written about how to eliminate unpleasant odors in the refrigerator), and the walls and surfaces of the device become covered with all sorts of contaminants. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know how to properly clean a refrigerator and what cleaning products to use at home. We have prepared detailed instructions with tips and tricks to help you with cleaning.

After purchase: do I need to wash it?

Do I need to clean my refrigerator immediately after purchasing it?
The first mandatory cleaning of the refrigerator is after purchase. From the depths of the device there is a smell of plastics, lubricants, metal and others. And dust and industrial debris can accumulate on the shelves. Therefore, before storing food, you need to clean the refrigerator:

• Remove packaging, stickers, films.
• Remove removable drawers, shelves, egg and bottle nets.
• To clean a new refrigerator, dilute a warm soap or soda solution.
• Dipping a soft cloth into the liquid, wipe the equipment inside and out, and wash the removable elements.
• Use a microfiber cloth to dry the surfaces.
• Put the shelves and drawers back, but do not close the doors.
• Before loading the products, allow 1-2 hours to completely dry and ventilate.

Cleaning schedule for refrigeration units

How often should you clean your refrigerator?
So, first let’s determine how often you need to clean the refrigerator:

• Every day : remove fresh stains, crumbs, and drips as soon as you notice them. It will be much more difficult to deal with ingrained, old stains. In the context of the coronavirus epidemic, those parts of the unit that you and your household touch most often must be wiped daily with antiseptics or disinfecting wipes.
• Every week : Check the unit for spoiled food and food near its expiration date.
• General cleaning : frequency depends on how often you use the device, how loaded it is, what kind of cooling/freezing system is used. On average, the refrigeration area is washed once every 3-4 months, the freezer area - every 6 months.

Features of modern refrigerators

Now in the world everything is being done to make housewives as convenient and comfortable as possible, and the same applies to refrigerators. Modern refrigerators do not need to be defrosted and washed very often, since they have one function - the self-defrosting function. This means that ice will not accumulate in the freezer. It's really very convenient and saves a lot of time. But what causes the thawing itself in the refrigerator?

It should be noted that there are 3 systems that solve this process. Let's look at them in more detail and understand how thawing itself occurs in the refrigerator.

• The first is the air system. Here, ice and frost are defrosted due to the continuous operation of the fan, which leads to a constant flow of air.
• The second is a drip system. The drip system cools the back wall of the freezer, which does not lead to the formation of ice.
• The third system - it combines airborne droplet. Manufacturers claim that it is not worth defrosting such refrigerators yourself, because their main task is the absence of manual defrosting, which significantly saves time for refrigerator owners.

But if you defrost the refrigerator once every six months, then nothing bad will happen. But it is worth noting that refrigerators with modern systems do not need to be defrosted at all. Of course, if you do not have the most modern refrigerator that does not have such systems, then it must be defrosted manually. This should be done as needed, but on average, the refrigerator needs to be defrosted once every 3-4 months, this will be the best option.

It is worth noting that defrosting the refrigerator is very important and must be taken into account. After all, how long it will work directly depends on proper defrosting of the refrigerator. And if you defrost regularly, the refrigerator will last you a very long time. So, we talked in more detail about defrosting refrigerators, and now it has become clear that this is really very important, and this issue must be approached responsibly, and then the refrigerator will serve you for a very long time.

Folk remedies for cleaning the refrigerator

How to clean the refrigerator?

To clean interior spaces and equipment shelves, it is better to use harmless folk remedies rather than aggressive chemicals. After all, the surfaces being cleaned will come into contact with the products in one way or another.

Let's see what and how to clean the refrigerator:

• Baking soda . Sodium bicarbonate is a universal remedy that removes both dirt and bad odors. In addition, soda can restore yellowed plastic to its former whiteness. If there is serious dirt on the surface, add a little water to a small handful of soda and mix until it has the consistency of a slurry. Apply to the stain, leave for 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge and rinse with a clean cloth. For regular cleaning, a soda solution is good: for 0.5 liters of water - 2 tbsp. spoons of soda.
• Laundry soap . How to clean the inside of the refrigerator? Grate a small piece of the bar and dilute it with warm soapy water. Wet a cloth in it and wipe both the internal and external surfaces. By the way, rubber seals can also be washed with soapy water. Afterwards, be sure to rinse off the soap scum and wipe the surfaces dry.
• Ammonia alcohol . An effective assistant against yellowness, mold and old food stains. To clean the inside of the refrigerator at home, apply a little product to a cotton pad and wipe the refrigeration surfaces with it. Leave on for half an hour, rinse off. If you are fighting mold with ammonia, repeat the procedure twice.
• Toothpaste . Another way to clean your refrigerator at home. A surefire remedy against old stains and yellowness, which will make even an old refrigerator shine. Squeeze a little hygienic paste onto a washcloth, wipe the dirty areas with it, and leave for a while. Then rinse and wipe dry.
• Dentifrice . A product that our grandmothers used. To quickly clean the refrigerator, mix a little powder with water to form a mass similar in thickness to sour cream. Apply the substance to the stains, hold for a while and rinse completely.
• Dish soap will also help to quickly clean the inside of the refrigerator. It effectively fights greasy stains, but foams a lot - you have to spend a lot of time to completely wash off the soap scum.
• Apple cider . If you want to clean your refrigerator after defrosting, this is the product for you. An excellent replacement for apple cider vinegar, which does not have an attractive smell. For 1 liter of warm water - 1 glass of cider. Dip a rag into the solution and wipe all interior spaces of the refrigerator. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Refrigerator surface

Let's start here because this is the easiest part. If the refrigerator begins to turn yellow and become covered with grease, this is immediately visible. To clean the surface, you can use regular dishwashing detergent. Drop it onto the sponge and thoroughly wipe the door and sides. And don't forget about the pen. If something cannot be washed, you can use more serious disinfectants. Loops and hard-to-reach places can be cleaned with an old toothbrush. The refrigerator is clean enough if it is sparkling white and makes a pleasant squeaking sound when you run your finger over it.

Special cleaning products

Refrigerator cleaning products
For cleaning refrigeration units inside and out, there is a whole host of different specialized products - universal, antifungal, antibacterial sprays, liquids, gels and wipes. Let's consider the reliably proven ones:

• EdelWeiss . A domestic universal product that is suitable for the refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. Very convenient to use: the emulsion can be sprayed as a liquid and pumped as foam. To clean the inside of the refrigerator after defrosting, just apply the product to the dirty surface and then wipe the area with a dry cloth. The emulsion copes with various types of contaminants, has a mild odor, and is used sparingly. In terms of composition, there is no alkali or acid, the pH is neutral.
• Top House . You immediately purchase a complete set that can be used to clean the outside and inside of refrigerators, food containers and even machine refrigerators. What can you use to clean your refrigerator? The 2-in-1 kit includes cleaning fluid and a cleaning cloth, while the 3-in-1 kit comes with an odor absorber. The German product is suitable for cleaning any surfaces, including rubber seals. Removes old, greasy stains, unpleasant odors, returns shine to plastic and fights bacteria and mold. Provides quick and effective cleaning and does not require rinsing.
• House Lux . If you want to quickly and efficiently clean your refrigerator, microwave, oven or air fryer, buy these cleaning wipes from the Russian Avangard. They effectively eliminate old fat deposits. But after cleaning, you need to rinse the surface with water - the napkin foams. Are you looking for something to clean your new refrigerator before using for the first time? Avangard napkins will definitely fit.
• "Clean refrigerator" Luxus . Effective foam spray for cleaning metal, glass and plastic surfaces. Removes both fatty deposits and stains from meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. What is important is that the product is based on safe herbal ingredients. Foam cleans dirt, and regular spraying of the product on the surface refreshes and adds shine.
• "My Sweet Home" Limpia . Foam spray with an antibacterial effect, which is applied to the contaminated area for 5-15 minutes. Then just wipe the surface with a damp cloth - there will be no streaks or unpleasant odor left.
• EFSTO . Economy class product for effective refrigerator cleaning. What’s important is that the unit doesn’t even need to be defrosted for cleaning. You can use the same product to clean your refrigerator before using it for the first time. There are no abrasive particles in the composition - EFSTO does not leave scratches. However, it contains aggressive chemicals - cleaning should only be done with gloves.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the refrigerator

How to clean the refrigerator compartment?
We figured out what is the best way to clean the refrigerator. Once you have chosen the appropriate remedy, you can proceed to the procedure itself:

• Disconnect the equipment from the network or switch the unit to the “Defrost” mode to clean the same Samsung refrigerator.
• Remove all food from the refrigerator and freezer area. At the same time, carry out an audit: reject expired food. In winter, provisions can be temporarily left on the balcony or loggia, and in summer - in a bath with cold water or basins with ice.
• Remove the removable elements and soak them in cleaning solutions.
• To properly clean the refrigerator, ensure defrosting - open all doors. If the model is old, check that there is a tray under the refrigerator to collect melt water. Otherwise, you can easily flood your neighbors.
• How to clean a No Frost refrigerator? It does not require defrosting - turn off the device with the button on the panel or unplug it from the outlet and proceed to cleaning.
• Don't forget to clean your refrigerator drain. It is also a drainage hole. Crumbs and pieces of food often accumulate there. They rot and become covered with mold, causing a stench to emanate from the depths of the unit. To clean the drain, a special brush is included with the refrigerator. Cleaning the drainage hole in the refrigerator is very simple: dip the tool in warm water and clean the hole with it. If you don’t have a brush, a regular cotton swab can successfully replace it.
• To clean the pipe in the refrigerator, use a medical blower, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Fill the tool with some warm soapy water and release it into the drain hole under pressure. Repeat the procedure several times to thoroughly clean the drainage tube in the refrigerator.
• To clean the inside of the refrigerator, dilute the detergent, apply it to the internal surfaces, and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with a cloth, dipping it in clean water, and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
• Move on to the soaked shelves and drawers. Wipe them with a sponge, cloth, and rinse under the tap. Wipe dry with a napkin or towel.
• Pay attention to the rubber seal. Clean it with either warm water or soapy water. Rubber dries out and crumbles due to exposure to many chemical components. To remove crumbs from the folds of the seal, use cotton swabs.
• Clean the door hinges with an old toothbrush.
• How to clean the outside of the refrigerator? Use the same soap or soda water to clean the door, side walls from fingerprints and grease stains. Then wipe dry.
• Move the equipment away from the wall and vacuum its inner wall to remove dust, lint, and pet hair.
• Pay attention to the tray for collecting melt water - it needs to be washed with antibacterial substances and wiped dry.
• Leave the unit open for a couple of hours so that it is completely dry from the inside, then return the food and connect the unit to the outlet.

Basic steps for cleaning the refrigerator

To maintain cleanliness and order in the refrigerator, it is recommended to regularly carry out a number of cleaning activities for such household appliances. What operations need to be carried out?

The main procedure is to clean the refrigerator space from products that have expired and spoiled food. You can do this every day or as needed.

It is equally important to systematically wipe the shelves, walls, and rubber seals. All crumbs and various small debris are carefully swept away.

This procedure is carried out at least once every 7 days. With the same frequency, you need to treat the walls, doors and handles on the outside with wet wipes.

Defrosting the device and thoroughly washing the internal and external surfaces is carried out at least once every 3-4 months.

Watch the video: How to clean a refrigerator with baking soda in 7 steps?

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the freezer

How to clean the freezer?

If you're spring cleaning after defrosting, don't skip the freezer. When there are “age-old” ice growths inside it, it makes sense to extend defrosting throughout the night. Professionals advise not to delay the procedure: as soon as the layer of ice on the walls is more than 0.5 cm, defrosting is needed. If you delay, then a whole “flood” will happen during defrosting.

Carry out the cleaning itself according to simple instructions:

• Remove all food and leave the door open.
• If some pieces of ice give in, it makes sense to collect them in a bucket. You can use an ice pick or regular wooden sushi sticks.
• Leave a tray or baking tray under the door so that the melt water can drain there. Place a rag or towel under the container to prevent excess liquid from spilling on the floor.
• Once the area has completely thawed, wipe down the freezer compartment with a cloth soaked in plain clean water. Wipe dry with paper or microfiber towels.
• It makes sense to wash shelves, grids, and ice trays in a soapy solution.
• Wait until the freezer is completely dry.
• Turn on the refrigerator and let the freezer compartment run empty for the first 15 minutes. Then load provisions into it.

How to clean refrigerators of different models and manufacturers?

Useful tips for cleaning refrigerators of different brands
Regardless of the manufacturer of your unit, you can follow the general instructions published above. But please note the following:

• To clean a No Frost refrigerator, defrosting is not required. Unplug, unload the groceries and start cleaning.
• How to clean an Indesit refrigerator? If you have an outdated model of the unit, do not forget about defrosting - place a tray under the bottom of the equipment so that melt water does not spill on the floor.
• If there are glass drawers and shelves, do not immerse them in hot water immediately, otherwise the glass may crack. To clean the Atlant refrigerator without any problems, read the instructions for the device and take into account the manufacturers' recommendations. For example, using branded cleaning products.

How often should the refrigerator be defrosted and washed?

Defrosting the refrigerator and cleaning it is a scary task, but it should be done flawlessly because the refrigerator stores your food, right? Certainly. So how often does it need to be washed to maintain high standards? It depends on what we mean by "pure".

Take a napkin and wipe it down every day

The best option is to wipe down the refrigerator every day to avoid cross-spoilage and food contamination and prevent the situation from getting worse. Promptly wipe off any dirt using antibacterial wipes.

Weekly cleaning

Once a week, collect any uneaten leftovers and throw them away. Do not allow old food to bloom or become moldy, as mold spores can spread to fresh food. Certain types of mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory diseases, and some of them are simply poisonous.

General cleaning once a season

At the beginning of each new season, give your refrigerator a deep cleaning. Here's how:

• Remove everything from the refrigerator and place perishables in a cooler (ice box). Our grandmothers, of course, made it simpler: they lined a basin with newspapers, put pieces of meat there from the freezer, covered them with newspapers, and piled perishable foods on top and again wrapped everything in newspapers. This is enough so that nothing gets spoiled while we defrost the refrigerator and wash it.
• Take a look at all your greens and toss them if they are wilted or past their expiration date.
• Remove empty meat and vegetable crates and place them in the sink or bathtub with a warm baking soda solution.
• While the drawers are soaking, wipe down the inside of the refrigerator, door panels, top, and seals. An excellent cleaning and disinfectant is made from baking soda: 2 tablespoons of baking soda per 1 liter of hot water.
• Wipe everything with a damp, clean cloth.
• Wipe everything again with a dry cloth.
• Rinse the vegetable and meat crates with warm water, dry them, and place them back in the refrigerator.

Change your water filter every 6 months

If you have an ice maker, then there is likely a water filter inside your refrigerator. You can find out where it is located and how often it needs to be changed in your user manual. Most need to be replaced every 6 months.

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If you have trouble remembering how long it's been since you bought a particular item, write down the item and date on a dry erase board each time you put something new in the refrigerator. While you're near the refrigerator, wipe down the shelves, door pockets, and vegetable drawers.

Special rules for those who store meat - never put raw meat in the refrigerator in packaging that leaks. Before you start cooking it, it is recommended to store the meat in an airtight bag or container.