Cleaning refrigerators before first use

Kitchen Appliance for Cooling

When you have just purchased a brand new kitchen appliance designed for cooling food and beverages, it’s only natural to be eager to start using it right away. However, it’s important not to rush into activating it and loading it with food. It’s crucial to perform a thorough cleaning before beginning to operate it. This way, you can prevent concerns such as food spoilage and the development of unpleasant odors. Anyone can easily grasp the proper method for washing this advanced piece of equipment.

What to wash a new refrigerator with and why?

There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to the necessity of pre-cleaning a refrigerator before use:

1. Certain refrigerator manufacturers may opt for the use of cheap and potentially harmful materials. Plastic, in particular, has been found to pose significant health risks. In some cases, defective appliances can be returned to the store prior to operation. Alternatively, a thorough cleaning can help eliminate any unwanted odors.
2. Any merchandise displayed for sale is susceptible to contamination, especially if it has been kept in such condition for an extended period of time.
3. The conditions in which appliances are transported and stored in warehouses are often less than ideal, which may contribute to the need for pre-cleaning.
4. The production process of refrigerators does not guarantee a sterile environment, thus requiring additional cleaning efforts.

When it comes to the cleaning products themselves, there are numerous options that can be used – this is true for the chemically active solutions available in stores, which come with official instructions on how to clean a new refrigerator before using it, as well as for the homemade remedies that can be used at home.

What and how to wash?

To ensure proper cleaning of refrigerators, it is important to follow these simple recommendations:

• Start by cleaning the internal parts, working from top to bottom and paying special attention to the corners.
• Don’t forget to clean the drain hole in the rear compartment. Use a wiper to wipe the surfaces, and then fill a syringe with detergent to clean the channel.
• Remember to clean the holes on the fan grille. Use cotton swabs soaked in a cleaning agent for this.
• Next, clean the outer parts of the device, including the condenser on the back side. Make sure to use a soft sponge for this.
• Clean the sponge of any residue from the cleaning agents and rinse it with water. This is important before going over all surfaces again.
• A fresh towel is grabbed and utilized to clean the device both internally and externally.
• Allow the device to remain open for a while in order to eliminate any remaining moisture.
• All that’s left is to reassemble the components and assess their functionality. This will determine the effectiveness of the refrigerator’s internal cleaning.

How to care for the refrigerator?

Compliance with additional simple rules can help reduce the time between repairs and also prolong the overall lifespan.

1. Coffee grounds, ammonia, vinegar, and citric acid are popular remedies that can effectively combat unpleasant odors. They can be diluted with warm water or applied to a piece of gauze cloth. Regularly wiping the shelves inside the appliances with these solutions can help prevent odors.
2. It is crucial to periodically inspect the contents of the interior. If a product has been sitting on the shelf for too long, it should be disposed of without hesitation.
3. When defrosting fish or meat, it is advisable to use containers with a deep bottom. This prevents blood and water from dripping onto the shelves.
4. To prevent stains from appearing inside, it is recommended to place paper or polyethylene on the bottom of storage boxes.
5. Using bags and containers to store food in the inside compartment will help prevent it from getting dirty.
6. It is advisable to clean the shelves and drawers in the refrigerator compartment at least once a week.
7. Any spills should be immediately wiped off and treated with disinfectants, especially if they are from soup. This will significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning the interior surfaces.
8. Foods that have a short shelf life should be consumed first.
9. Different shelves should be used for storing cooked and raw food.
10. When using the freezer, it is recommended to place fish and meat at the bottom.

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What other tips to consider for proper functioning of refrigerators?

An important restriction is the utilization of cleaning products containing chlorine. Typically, these products are formulated for the purpose of sanitizing toilet bowls and bathtubs. The composition of the rubber seals on doors will undergo degradation as a result of exposure to this potent compound.

The plastic will lose its shine after undergoing this type of treatment. We have already addressed the query regarding the necessity of cleaning a brand new fridge.

The utilization of abrasive materials and stiff bristles for accomplishing the same task is likewise prohibited.

The refrigerator should not be switched on or loaded with food right after completing the wet cleaning procedure. A minimum of thirty minutes should elapse following the conclusion of all actions. Before switching on, numerous appliances, not just refrigerators, should be cleansed and dried.

How not to spoil the refrigerator during care and operation?

It is necessary to defrost the device at least once every three months. It is not advisable to blindly trust manufacturers who claim that it is possible to do without this action altogether.

This action helps to achieve several effects simultaneously:

• Reducing the burden on the freezer.
• Extending the operational lifespan.
• Eliminating unpleasant odors from expired products.

The freezer compartment should be cleaned every week. It is different from the freezer as it is used for storing cooked foods. If you do not get rid of at least some of the residues in a timely manner, unpleasant odors will inevitably appear.

For additional protection against unpleasant odors on the shelves, you can place saucers with the following ingredients:

1. Baking soda.
2. Slices of lemon.

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Pieces of dark bread.

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Ground activated carbon.

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– These absorbents simply need to be replaced with fresh counterparts from time to time.

– Plastic or glass containers with covers are the optimal choice for storing food. Each individual can decide what to clean with.

What mistakes can be made with a refrigerator?

To avoid issues, it is advisable to heed the advice of experienced individuals.

• If there is a layer of ice on the inner walls of the freezer, refrain from attempting to remove it forcefully.

Doing so can potentially cause damage to the internal ducts. If a sharp object is used to break off the ice, a distinct hissing sound may indicate damage to the evaporator. The complexity of replacing the part and the manufacturer’s specifications will determine the course of repair.

• Avoid placing hot containers on the plastic parts near the appliance’s body.
• This action can result in surface damage. It is recommended to use heat-resistant dish racks instead.
• To ensure that rubber seals are properly cleaned, it is important to avoid using a wide sponge and to make sure that they are thoroughly dried afterwards. The use of a wide sponge can result in deformations, while residual moisture can lead to the growth of mold.
• When cleaning, it is important to remember to clean the back part of the appliance as well. Metal bars on the back can accumulate dust over time, which can contribute to compressor failure.
• When cleaning the back panel, it is important to avoid using an excessive amount of moisture on the sponge. If moisture enters the internal mechanism of the electrical appliance, it can cause the contacts to short circuit.
• In addition to cleaning the visible parts, it is also important to clean the drain holes, as they can accumulate dirt and debris. The owner can choose the appropriate cleaning method for the drain holes.

The right choice of cleaning and care products

Using a detergent in the bathtub, you can clean removable shelves and racks. Ordinary basins are not recommended for this purpose as they are not suitable for effectively cleaning these elements. In situations where normal cleaning products are no longer effective, it is advisable to purchase special antibacterial solutions. It is advisable to choose compositions specifically designed for cold rooms.

There is a wide range of cleaning products available in stores and supermarkets that can be used to solve this problem.

Here are a few cleaning agents that are known to be effective when cleaning new refrigerators in domestic settings.

Unicum

Unicum is a revolutionary gel that can rapidly eliminate unwanted odors. By simply spraying the product onto a surface and then wiping it with a soft cloth, there is no need for any additional treatment. The unique natural composition of Unicum ensures that it is safe for the health of those in the vicinity. This versatile gel is suitable for use on all surfaces, including plastic and stainless steel.

Clean Home

The disinfectant is designed to sanitize surfaces and remove any unpleasant smells. It is compatible with various refrigerator brands and is effective in maintaining the whiteness of plastic surfaces without the need for rinsing. This product is widely available in numerous stores and is priced at approximately 210 rubles.

Luxus Professional

A powerful product that delivers multiple benefits – sanitizing the surface of a brand new household appliance, eliminating unpleasant smells, and removing grease. It comes in a variety of scents, giving it an edge over similar products on the market.

Electrolux Frigo Care

The Italian manufacturer specializes in producing household products for maintaining refrigerators and other appliances. Their spray can be used on any type of surface, ensuring cleanliness and freshness. It boasts high efficiency and economical consumption.

Topper

The company offers comprehensive refrigerator care sets, comprising of various components such as specialized microfiber cloths, odor absorbers, and cleaning products.

Prior to using the products, it is crucial to thoroughly review the manufacturers’ instructions. These instructions also guide users on how to clean a new refrigerator before its initial use.

Tips for cleaning freezers

To maintain the NoFrost system, it is necessary to periodically defrost refrigerators. There are various methods to expedite this process, such as:

• Utilizing a fan for increased airflow.
• Applying a hot water heating pad.
• Placing an open pan or multiple bottles containing hot water inside the refrigerator.
• Using sprayers to spray the walls with hot water.

Drying and proper care

Typically, the most effective method for drying the refrigerator and compartments is by natural means. Therefore, you simply need to open the door and allow everything to air dry. If necessary, using a fan can expedite the drying process. It is important to ensure that hot air does not come into contact with the seal.

Recently, special pastes have become a popular solution to address this issue. These pastes are formulated as creams, without any abrasive particles or harsh substances. Simply apply the paste onto the refrigerator walls and door, and after some time, wipe everything clean with a damp cloth. These products can also be used for cleaning even after the appliance is no longer new. This offers one possible answer to the question of how to clean a new refrigerator before its initial use.

Conclusion

When performing a thorough cleaning throughout the entire apartment, it is important not to overlook the refrigerators and their interiors. Neglecting this can lead to unpleasant surprises inside, even if there are no perishable items present. To ensure the safety of those using cleaning products, it is advisable to wear protective gloves. Additionally, it is recommended to completely unplug the refrigerator and avoid turning it on until the cleaning process is finished. In the event that ice forms in the freezer compartment, it should be melted rather than forcibly removed.