How to get rid of mold in the refrigerator

Sometimes, looking into the refrigerator in search of something edible, the nose catches a subtle, nasty smell. You should not hope for a miracle, thinking that one of the products placed in it has spoiled. Mold can grow in the secluded corners of the refrigerator and, if urgent measures are not taken, the health of the owners will be in danger.

How to get rid of mold in the refrigerator using folk remedies

If the mold has just settled, then folk remedies will help you get rid of it quickly:

• laundry soap;
• table vinegar;
• baking soda;
• hydrogen peroxide.

Armed with a container of hot water and a sponge, using homemade cleaning products, you can quickly eliminate the fungus that appears. The main task is to detect possible outbreaks. They can be hidden under the door seal, under food storage drawers, in shelf grooves, or in the condensate drain hole.

Procedure:

1. Unplug the appliance.
2. Sort and throw away expired foods.
3. Clean the refrigerator as much as possible: remove all shelves, drawers, and fruit molds. Soak them in a sink or bowl of hot, soapy water.
4. Wash the inner surface with simple laundry soap and add baking soda to a bowl of hot water.
5. If mold stains are difficult to wash off, go over them with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
6. Armed with a cotton swab, treat the condensate drain hole with peroxide.

Then wipe the refrigerator dry with a clean towel and leave it to ventilate for several hours.

What to do if improvised means do not help

It happens that a household appliance stood unplugged all winter at the dacha, and in the spring it was discovered that the inside of it was completely overgrown with “moss.” In this case, be sure to stock up on a respirator mask, since inhaling stagnant air with mold fungi can provoke an allergy attack and seriously poison the body. Wash the refrigerator with a solution of ammonia diluted in water. A respirator mask will protect you from the pungent smell of ammonia.

How to get rid of black mold in the refrigerator

Methods for eliminating black marks

They work with black mold the same way as with any other, it differs only in color. If after cleaning the device there are still black marks left on its walls, they can be eliminated with a solution of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia. Mold of any color is dangerous to humans, as it contains toxic substances. To avoid its occurrence, maintain refrigerator hygiene. Clean your refrigerator at least once a month.

If you notice excessive moisture on the inside surface of the refrigerator, place a small mold of soda in it, do not forget to change the container with soda from time to time.The powder has hygroscopic properties, will eliminate excess moisture, and prevent the appearance of mold.

What to do if after cleaning the refrigerator still smells like mold

It also happens that the refrigerator is cleaned, but the smell remains. What to do in this case? Take advantage of the absorbent properties of activated carbon. Crush a few tablets and place the saucer with it on the shelf. It has been noted that stale black bread is a good odor absorber. By laying it out on the shelves, you can get rid of any foreign odors in the refrigerator compartment.

The retail chain sells odor absorbent wipes specifically for refrigerators. Air ionizers are available at a price. Small devices, producing ozone, kill germs and eliminate any odor. They run on batteries.

How to treat a refrigerator for mold

The following will help you treat your refrigerator from mold:

1. Lemon or citric acid.
2. Alcohol solution of ammonia (in proportion 1/5).
3. Soap and soda solution.
4. Borax solution.
5. Tea tree oil.

Homemade homemade recipes to help

Recipe No. 1:

1. Mix 100g of citric acid powder in 1 liter of water.
2. Wash the refrigerator compartment with the resulting solution.
3. Leave to dry for 10 hours.

Recipe No. 2:

1. Take 3 liters of hot water.
2. Add a glass of borax.
3. Clean the refrigerator.
4. Leave to air for a day.

Recipe No. 3:

1. Take a tablespoon of tea tree oil.
2. Stir in a glass of warm water.
3. Treat the refrigerator with the resulting solution.
4. Leave to dry for a day.

What store-bought products will help remove mold from inside the appliance?

In a hardware store, the seller will help you choose a special product, give useful tips on use, and point out precautions.By choosing a synthetic product: “Sanox”, “Cif”, “Domestos”, “Komet” or “Mr. Muscle”, Don't forget to read the instructions. After removing the mold, do not be lazy to wash the refrigerator with a solution of soda and laundry soap.

Non-standard techniques to help remove moldy deposits (copper sulfate, activated carbon).

Some sources indicate that copper sulfate or silica gel sachets will help get rid of mold. These products are poisonous and not suitable for everyday use. They contain chemicals harmful to humans. Activated carbon does not remove plaque in any way. It only serves as a good odor absorber.

Why is mold in the refrigerator dangerous and why does it appear?

The fungus appears where there are conditions suitable for it and moisture is always present. We forgot some product on a shelf in the refrigerator for a long time; mold appeared on it. Its spores begin to settle on other products, the walls of the unit, in secluded corners - under the rubber seal, in the drain hole.

Molds produce toxins that are hazardous to human health. Poisoning with mold vapors can provoke an allergy attack and disrupt the functioning of the kidneys, liver, and stomach.

Keep track of the expiration dates of products, wash and ventilate your household appliance in a timely manner, and when leaving home for a long time, do not forget to turn it off and leave the door open. The health of all family members depends on the sanitary condition of your refrigerator.