How to Clean Mold from Your Refrigerator

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.