How To Clean Mold From Refrigerator

If you notice mold in your refrigerator, you should not ignore it or try to scrape it off. Mold can spread quickly and contaminate other foods and surfaces. You should clean your refrigerator thoroughly and safely to get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back.

To clean mold from the refrigerator, you can use different solutions, such as vinegar and water, baking soda and water, or bleach and water.

You should remove and spray all the shelves, drawers, and gaskets with the chosen solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, you should scrub the moldy areas with a paper towel, sponge, or cloth and rinse them thoroughly. You should also spray and scrub the interior and exterior surfaces of the refrigerator, especially the door seal and the hinges.

What You Need to Clean Mold From Refrigerator

To clean mold from the refrigerator, you will need the following items:

• A spray bottle
• White vinegar or baking soda or bleach
• Water
• Paper towels or rags or sponges
• A bucket
• A toothbrush
• Rubber gloves
• A trash bag
• A cooler

How to Clean Mold From Refrigerator in 6 Steps

Here are the steps you need to follow to clean mold from the refrigerator:

1. Empty the refrigerator: Unplug the refrigerator and take out all the food items. Discard any food that has mold on it or that has been in contact with moldy food. Put the remaining food in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold while you clean the refrigerator.
2. Remove the shelves and drawers: Take out all the shelves, drawers, bins, trays, and racks from the refrigerator. If they are removable, you can wash them in the sink with hot water and dish soap. If they are not removable, you can spray them with your chosen solution and let them sit for a few minutes.
3. Choose your cleaning solution: You can use different solutions to clean mold from the refrigerator. The most common ones are:

• Vinegar and water: Mix one part of white vinegar with one part of water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill mold and bacteria. It also helps to remove odors and stains.
• Baking soda and water: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one quart of warm water in a spray bottle. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can scrub away mold and dirt. It also helps to neutralize odors and whiten surfaces.
• Bleach and water: Mix one tablespoon of chlorine bleach with one quart of hot water in a spray bottle. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold and germs. However, it can also damage some materials and cause irritation to your skin and eyes. You should use bleach only as a last resort and wear rubber gloves when using it.

4. Spray and scrub the shelves and drawers: Spray your chosen solution generously on all the shelves, drawers, bins, trays, racks, and gaskets in the refrigerator. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the mold. Then, use a paper towel, rag, or sponge to wipe away the mold and dirt from each surface. Rinse them well with clean water and dry them with another paper towel or rag.
5. Spray and scrub the interior and exterior surfaces: Spray your chosen solution generously on all the interior surfaces of the refrigerator, including the walls, ceiling, floor, door seal, hinges, vents, light bulb cover, temperature control knob, ice maker, water dispenser, etc. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the mold. Then, use a paper towel, rag, or sponge to wipe away the mold and dirt from each surface. Use a toothbrush to reach into any crevices or corners where mold may be hiding. Rinse them well with clean water and dry them with another paper towel or rag.
6. Spray your chosen solution generously on all the exterior surfaces of the refrigerator, including the top, sides, back, handles, etc. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the mold. Then, use a paper towel, rag, or sponge to wipe away the mold and dirt from each surface. Rinse them well with clean water and dry them with another paper towel or rag.

How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Refrigerator

After cleaning your refrigerator, you should take some steps to prevent mold from growing back. Here are some tips:

• Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature: The ideal temperature for your refrigerator is between 34°F and 40°F, and for your freezer is between -2°F and 8°F. This will prevent food from spoiling and mold from growing. Check the temperature regularly with a thermometer and adjust the settings if needed.
• Keep your refrigerator clean and dry: Wipe up any spills or leaks as soon as possible. Clean your refrigerator regularly with a mild detergent and water or vinegar and water. Dry all the surfaces with a paper towel or rag. Avoid leaving wet or damp items in the refrigerator, such as sponges, towels, or produce bags.
• Keep your refrigerator well-ventilated: Avoid overfilling or underfilling your refrigerator. Leave some space between the food items and the walls to allow air circulation. Avoid blocking the vents or fans with food or containers. Open the door only when necessary and close it firmly.
• Keep your food fresh and safe: Store your food in airtight containers or bags. Label and date your food items and use them before they expire. Discard any food that has mold on it or that smells or looks bad. Check your food regularly for signs of spoilage.

Conclusion

Mold in your refrigerator can be a health hazard and a nuisance. You should clean your refrigerator thoroughly and safely to get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back. You can use different solutions, such as vinegar and water, baking soda and water, or bleach and water, to spray and scrub all the surfaces of your refrigerator. You should also follow some tips to keep your refrigerator at the right temperature, clean, dry, well-ventilated, and fresh.