How to Clean a Moldy Fridge?

Nothing says, “your leftovers stayed too long” like a green or black fuzzy surprise in the back of your fridge. Finding mold in your fridge can be unsettling. Knowing how to clean a moldy fridge is key to ensuring both your food is fresh and your kitchen is clean. A couple of simple steps and some effective cleaning techniques can get you rid of mold once and for all.

Now, in this following guide, we’ll break everything down for you so that your fridge could be clean and mold-free. If you are also in a tight time spot, then same day cleaning services in Denver can manage everything, including your refrigerator, for you.

Why Does Mold Grow in the Fridge?

Knowing what causes the mold to start growing on your fridge helps us prepare for how to clean it. Mold thrives in dark, moist environments with low airflow. The perfect place for mold is your refrigerator. Food spills, forgotten leftovers, and power outages all combine to provide the ideal mold-growing conditions.

When mold begins to grow it can spread fast, grabbing onto shelves, drawers and even the seals around your door. And whereas we are led to believe that any cold weather will kill of the mold it only just slows it down. From this point forward, things get a bit messy-there is going to need to be a deep cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Moldy Fridge

Now that we know the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean a moldy fridge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your fridge thoroughly and effectively.

1. Remove Everything from the Fridge

Start by emptying your fridge. Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh while you work. Discard any moldy or expired food items, as these can easily reintroduce mold after cleaning.

Pro Tip: Be ruthless! If it’s questionable, it’s probably time to toss it. Your fresh start is worth a few sacrifices.

2. Remove and Clean Shelves and Drawers

Take out all removable parts, including shelves, drawers, and any small compartments. These parts are typically where mold likes to hide.

1. Soak in Warm Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm, soapy water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soak the shelves and drawers for 15-20 minutes.
2. Scrub Gently: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any moldy spots. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch glass or plastic surfaces.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with clean water and set aside to dry completely.

3. Make a Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Vinegar is a natural mold killer and a great option for cleaning moldy surfaces. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an effective, non-toxic cleaning solution.

1. Spray the Interior: Generously spray the entire interior of the fridge with the vinegar solution, paying extra attention to corners, seals, and areas where you saw mold.
2. Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to break down any remaining mold and disinfect the surfaces.

4. Scrub the Interior Surfaces

Use a clean cloth or sponge to scrub all interior parts. Where there are difficult spots of mold, dip an old toothbrush into some vinegar and scrub the area. The door seals don’t go unnoticed-these are amongst some of the moist sections in the house.

Pro Tip: If your refrigerator still has a mildewy smell, add a pinch of baking soda to the damp sponge for an extra deodorizing boost.

5. Wipe Down with Water and Dry Thoroughly

Once you have cleaned all surfaces, use a damp cloth to wipe out the interior of the fridge and remove any vinegar residue. Dry the surfaces completely with a clean towel before returning any food or fridge parts. A dry fridge will not be as likely to start growing new mold spots.

6. Return Shelves, Drawers, and Food

In returning everything to its place once everything is clean and dry, put your fridge together. Return your foodstuff to the fridge, laying them out in a well-arranged manner which will minimize spills and aid in air circulation. Any fridge that is well put together is less likely to develop mold in hidden parts.

How to Prevent Mold in the Fridge

Now that you know how to clean a moldy fridge, let’s talk about prevention. A few small habits can go a long way in keeping mold out of your refrigerator:

• Wipe Spills Immediately: Clean any food or drink spills as soon as they happen. Mold thrives on moisture, so keeping surfaces dry is key.
• Check Expiration Dates: Regularly check for expired or forgotten foods. Removing old items prevents them from becoming a moldy mess in the back of the fridge.
• Use Baking Soda: Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb odors and reduce moisture, making your fridge a less inviting place for mold.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Good airflow prevents moisture buildup. Avoid overfilling your fridge, which can trap humidity and make mold growth more likely.

Keeping your fridge clean is essential for preventing mold and maintaining a safe environment for your food. And if a moldy fridge feels like a task too big to tackle, you can always reach out to a same day cleaning service in Denver to take care of it for you!

Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Moldy Fridge

Knowing how to clean a moldy fridge is essential for keeping your kitchen safe and fresh. With these steps and preventative tips, you can say goodbye to mold and keep it from coming back. Regular fridge maintenance isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s also about food safety and avoiding unpleasant odors that make opening the fridge a dreaded task.

Whether you’re up for the challenge of tackling the mold yourself or prefer the convenience of professional help, remember that maintaining a clean fridge is always worth the effort. For those times when you need an extra hand, don’t hesitate to try a same day cleaning service in Denver to handle the heavy lifting for you. They’ll help you get back to a fresh, mold-free fridge in no time!

By following these simple steps, your fridge will stay clean, fresh, and mold-free, keeping your food safe and your kitchen smelling great.