How to Clean Black Mold From a Refrigerator
Mold does not usually grow inside a refrigerator unless there is a moisture problem or it has been closed for a long period of time. In these cases, the mold appears as black spots. Remove black mold as soon as it occurs, as it will spread rapidly and make cleanup more difficult later. In addition, black mold is a health hazard; it can contaminate food and cause breathing problems if inhaled. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the door to the refrigerator and locate the temperature dial. Turn it to the "Off" position. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
-
2
Remove the refrigerator shelves by lifting them up slightly and pulling them straight out. Remove the drawers by pulling them straight out from the refrigerator. You may need to lift the drawers up slightly before they will detach completely.
-
-
3
Fill a sink full of hot water and add 1 to 2 tsp. of dish soap. Wash the shelves and drawers in the sink using a non-abrasive sponge. Scrub all surfaces of the shelves and drawers to remove the mold.
-
4
Rinse the shelves and drawers in clean, hot water to remove the soap residue.
-
5
Rinse the sponge in the soapy water and squeeze it to remove most of the water. Wipe down the entire interior of the refrigerator with the sponge to remove the mold. Rinse the sponge frequently in the soapy water. If additional scrubbing powder is needed, apply 1 tsp. of baking soda to the sponge.
-
6
Wash the inside racks on the refrigerator door using the same method you used to clean the inside of the refrigerator.
-
7
Find the drip pan located at the bottom interior of the refrigerator. It usually sits just above the crisper drawer, or at the bottom of the refrigerator if there is no drawer. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of baking soda over the drip pan and wipe it down with the sponge to remove all traces of mold.
-
8
Rinse the sponge and use it to wipe down the entire exterior of the refrigerator to remove mold from it. Pay special attention to the rubber gaskets, as this is where mold usually grows. If necessary, prepare a solution of one part bleach to one part water and apply it to these areas using the sponge.
-
9
Wipe down the entire interior and exterior of the refrigerator with a dry towel to remove all traces of moisture. If moisture remains on the refrigerator it can cause the black mold to regrow.
-
10
Place all food items back into the refrigerator and turn the temperature dial back to the proper internal temperature.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning so that you do not touch the mold.
If there is mold on the inside of the refrigerator, throw out the food as it may be contaminated.
- Photo Credit eggs and milk image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
More Like This
Comments
-
AlisonJ
Nov 18, 2010
I have cleaned many fridges in the hospitality industry that were left closed while still damp, and started to develop mould spots or even black areas inside. Mould is killed by bleach , so I always use an ounch of bleach in the initial cleaning solution as well as the final rinse water. Wiping is often not enough, you need to get at all parts of the fridge, so in addition to a sponge you could also find a soft scrubby pad and a toothbrush useful. Tips to add to the cleaning directions given above: Gently but firmly bend open the seals a bit while cleaning to be sure and get right in there, both sides of the fold. Don't forget to clean under the seal along the bottom edge of the fridge door and bottom edge of the freezer door. Blot any paper stickers or labels with some bleach solution to whiten it. Do not spray cleaning solution inside the fridge, or you will get a residue in the...
