How To Handle Mold in Your Fridge

When you find mold in your fridge, it can be a worrying sight. Not only are these things unpleasant, but they can become a potential health risk.

In this article, we will discuss more about mold buildup in your fridge and what are the actions you need to do upon seeing these signs.

Identifying mold growth in your refrigerator

Before initiating the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize signs of mold growth:

1. Foul odor: A musty or unpleasant smell inside the refrigerator can indicate mold presence.
2. Visible mold spots: Look for black, green, or brownish spots on walls, shelves, gaskets, or around food containers.
3. Discoloration: Any discoloration on surfaces, particularly in hidden or less-accessible areas, might indicate mold growth.

How to get rid of mold in your fridge

1. Take out all the shelves and drawers that are removable (for easier access) and spray them down with distilled white vinegar (do no dilute the vinegar).
2. Let the pieces sit for a few minutes while you spray the inside of the fridge. Get every nook and cranny, as you want to be extra thorough.
3. Scrub the surfaces with a rag, wipe again with a clean damp cloth, and then dry all the surfaces. Repeat as needed and be sure to throw away any paper towels and wash all rags that come into contact with the mold (use hot water and detergent!).
4. Make sure to check the rubber seal around the door. If there’s mold there, you can remove it with 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with 1 quart of water.
5. If you want, you can add a box of baking soda or lemon wedges for extra deodorizing measures.

How to prevent mold in the refrigerator?

It is always best to prevent mold than to try and clean it after it appears. Here are a few ways you can prevent mold in your fridge:

• Keep everything you bring into your fridge very dry.
• Clean your fridge weekly to prevent bacteria from spreading due to food pieces that may have fallen around your fridge. Adding zones in your fridge can help with this.
• Make sure you regularly defrost your fridge to prevent mold.

We hope that you learned a lot from this article and that you will take immediate action upon seeing signs of mold in your fridge. Keep in mind that these things aren’t supposed to be there in the first place so don’t let it remain in there for too long.