If dark mold stains appear in the refrigerator, you need to urgently clean up. We will figure out how to quickly get rid of harmful mold in the refrigerator and avoid its occurrence in the future.
Mold in the refrigerator
What is dangerous mold on the walls of the refrigerator
Mold belongs to the mushroom family. These living things breed by spores. It is disputes that are most dangerous to humans. Spores of black mold often cause allergic reactions of the respiratory tract, poisoning of the digestive system, kidney disease, adversely affect the skin.
Causes of mold
Most often, molds appear due to untimely care of the refrigerator.
The main causes of mold:
- stale products with expired shelf life, rotten berries, fruits, acidified cereals or soups with traces of fungus, spilled bags, poorly packed raw meat or fish. All of these products can create a favorable environment for the development and spread of mold;
Bad smell of spoiled food
- high humidity in the refrigerator. Such a microclimate can be created due to oversaturation with fresh fruits in leaky closed packages, storing food in dishes without lids or clogging of the drain hole;
- turning off the device for a long period, for example, during vacation or in the winter at the cottage.
Folk methods for removing mold
The safest and most affordable way to get rid of molds is folk.
Baking soda
One of the most popular and long-known means.
Remember! Baking soda is a weak abrasive, use it very carefully so as not to damage the surface of the refrigerator.
Citric acid or lemon
Both are able to get rid of the unpleasant odor that often accompanies the development of molds.
Folk mold control methods
Alcohol
Ethyl, ammonia, boric - has a disinfecting effect and kills mushrooms.
Vinegar
It creates an unacceptable environment for the development of mold, removes unpleasant odors.
Blue vitriol
A popular mold control agent on walls, damp ceilings, but is not suitable for handling a refrigerator.
Copper sulfate is toxic to humans, it DO NOT be used next to food! In addition, a concentrated solution may damage the surface of the refrigerator.
A good way to combat stubborn stains is chlorine bleach.
When using undiluted solution, do not forget about personal protective equipment for the skin and respiratory tract!
To fix the result, as well as to prevent subsequent infection, a home UV lamp is well suited.
Fridge disinfection steps
Refrigerator cleaning
1. Disconnect the device from the network.
2. Remove all food from the refrigerator and freezer.
3. Remove all shelves, removable parts, soak them in a bath with 2 cups of soda.
4. Defrost the refrigerator.
5. Treat all internal surfaces with a solution of soda (for one glass of water - a tablespoon of soda). About 5–6 liters will be needed to wash the entire device. If there is a risk of damaging the surfaces, use a strong solution of brown laundry soap or undiluted ethyl, ammonia or boric alcohol.
Protect your respiratory system and ventilate the room!
6. Rinse off with water.
7. Wash off stubborn stains with bleach, citric acid or vinegar. Use all substances undiluted!
8. After processing, rinse all products with water (alcohol can not be washed off).
9. Wipe the surface with any dry cloth.
10. Leave the refrigerator to air for a day.
11. Clean all removable parts until traces of the fungus disappear, dry, place back.
12. If the house has a UV lamp, place it near the refrigerator at a distance of about 1-2 meters for 30 minutes. It will help remove all mold spores and also prevent subsequent infection.
13. To get rid of the unpleasant odor, place lemon slices, brown bread crusts, charcoal tablets on shelves and containers. Silica gel in bags will remove odors well. Such bags are often found in boxes with new shoes, in new bags, medicines. In addition to odors, silica gel perfectly absorbs excess moisture.
From time to time, silica gel balls can be dried in an oven (without packaging) at a temperature not exceeding 1100C to remove accumulated moisture.
Modern mold control chemicals
On sale are a larger number of tools for getting rid of mold. The most popular drugs are the brands Cif, Comet, "Mr. Muscle," etc.
Mold remedy
When using any chemical agent, be sure to read the instructions for use!
Prevention
To avoid the appearance of mold in the refrigerator, you should follow a few simple rules.
- Check the contents of the refrigerator more often for expired, littered products. Remove spoiled food in time.
- 2. Every 2-3 months, carry out hygienic treatment with detergents or soda solution.
- Keep the drain hole clean. Stagnant fluid there often becomes the cause of fungus development. You can easily wash the drain with a small syringe.
- If you need to turn off the refrigerator for a long time, do not forget to wash it and leave the doors open for ventilation.
Mildew formation is easier to prevent than to get rid of it!
