In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question ” How to clean a moldy fridge?” with an in-depth analysis of methods to clean the moldy fridge. Furthermore, we are going to discuss the tips to keep the fridge free from mold.
How to clean a moldy fridge?
You can clean your moldy fridge by using a natural mold cleaner such as white vinegar. Remove all the food items present in the fridge then detach all the drawers and shelves. Clean all these drawers, shelves, and fridges and dry them. Fix all the drawers and put all food items back in the fridge and leave an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to remove any kind of bad odor from the fridge.
What are the reasons for fridge mold?
The fridge can become moldy if some food is placed in the fridge that is contaminated with mold or if the fridge is unplugged for a long period.
How can we keep our fridge safe from mold?
We can keep our fridge safe from mold by regularly checking the vegetables, fruits, and stored items if any of it is spoiled or not. If any food item is spoiled then you can throw it.
Is mold dangerous for health?
Yes, mold can be dangerous for health as it can produce serious health problems if you inhale it. Mold produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins.
Does mold grow behind the fridge?
Yes, mold can also grow behind the fridge. Most people push the fridge close to the wall which can limit air circulation. The warmth produced by the compressor of the fridge with kitchen humidity and moisture created by evaporative coils provides ideal conditions for mold to grow.
How can we prevent mold growth behind the fridge?
● We can prevent mold growth behind the fridge or wall by removing the drip pan and emptying it. You should do this twice a year under normal conditions but if your kitchen is more humid then you should do it more often.
● There should be space maintained behind the fridge to allow air circulation. There should be at least a clearance of 1 inch but 2 inches is better. This space prevents mold growth and allows the heat of the compressor to dissipate.
How can we clean a moldy fridge in 5 steps?
Materials Required:
● Disposable or rubber gloves
● White vinegar
● 2 boxes of baking soda
● Trash bags
● A cooler
● 2 Microfiber washcloths
● Bucket
● Small plastic bowl
● Paper towels or rags
● Dish cleaning detergent
● Toothbrush
Cleaning Method:
Step 1:
In the first step remove all the products that are expired or about to expire. Wear gloves and scoop out the spoiled food as this is responsible for the mold. Take all the food items and place them in the cooler. Take out all the removable drawers and shelves.
Step 2:
The second step involves the cleaning of hard surfaces with detergent and warm water to clean mold. Don’t forget to wear gloves when you are cleaning.
Spray the vinegar on the parts of the fridge before washing it with a mixture of baking soda and soapy water. Scrub the parts of the fridge to remove mold. If mold is not removed at first try then spray it with vinegar and wait for 10 to 15 minutes and scrub again with soapy water.
Step 3:
Wash the parts of the fridge using the microfiber washcloth. Spray the vinegar on the outer ring of the fridge and leave for 10 minutes. You can use a toothbrush to scrub out the mold growing in the outer ring of the fridge.
Step 4:
After cleaning, rinse the surface of the fridge with clean water and wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. Also, dry the detached parts of the fridge with a microfiber cloth and then fix all the parts back in the fridge in their respective places.
Now put all the foodstuff back in the fridge. Clean the food containers from outside with the help of a damp rag.
Step 5:
To remove the smell of vinegar and soap from the fridge, place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge for 24 hours. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that eliminates the foul smell.
If still, any smell is present you can spread ground coffee beans on a plate and put them on the shelves for the whole day.
Here you can see more methods to clean the moldy fridge.
What are some effective tips to prevent fridge mold?
● Don’t leave cans opened in the fridge as these can cause chemical contamination and allow the mold to grow.
● Avoid overloading in the fridge because overcrowding can block the cooling.
● Maintain the temperature in your fridge. 5 degrees centigrade or below for the fridge and -18 degrees centigrade or below for the freezer.
● Use the food in your fridge based on the expiry date to avoid the throwing of food.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question ” How to clean a moldy fridge?” with an in-depth analysis of methods to clean the moldy fridge. Furthermore, we also discussed the tips to keep the fridge free from mold.