Keeping a clean and welcoming home is a priority for many, but even the most diligent efforts can sometimes fail when it comes to fighting mold. Mold’s ability to thrive in damp, hidden spaces can catch even the most meticulous homeowners by surprise. That was certainly the case for me when I discovered mold lurking around the door frame and rubber seal of my refrigerator. The revelation made me delve into effective cleaning methods to rid my kitchen of this unwelcome intruder. With insights from Grove Collaborative sustainable cleaning specialist Alex Wojenski, I learned not only how mold gets into such unsuspecting places, but also the potential health risks it poses. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to confront the mold problem and take a comprehensive cleaning approach to ensure a mold-free environment and protect the health of my family and guests.
When friends and family come over, they often remark on how clean my house is, which is understandable since I try to keep clutter and dirt out of the way.
But mold is different. Because mold tends to creep in unnoticed, I was shocked to find it around the refrigerator door frame and rubber seal. Who knew he would do so well there?
According to Grove Collaborative sustainable cleaning specialist Alex Wojenski, “When the refrigerator door is open, it lets out cold air that creates condensation when it meets the warmer air outside.” “Moisture that remains on the seals, especially in the crevices, is a breeding ground for black mold. “
According to Wojenski, black mold can be harmful to health and can contaminate food due to its innocuous location. Here’s how to effectively remove mold from your refrigerator door and keep it that way.
Items you will need
mask
A set of rubberized gloves
A small cleaning brush
Microfiber cleaning cloths
Vinegar cleaning solution, or just vinegar
How to clean your refrigerator door seal
Follow these four steps to clean the refrigerator door seal.
Start by putting on a mask as you cleanse.
Put on a protective mask first if, like me, you run a damp paper towel over the rubber crease of the fridge door seal and find mold growing there.
“Inhalation can be risky. Inactive mold can spread quickly through the air and be ingested if not exposed to moisture for a sufficient period of time, according to Wojenski.” Dormant mold reactivates when exposed to moisture, so inhaling these particles should definitely be avoided.”
Whether the mold is active or not, Wojenski says it’s still a good idea to ventilate the area and wear a mask. Open a window or turn on a fan as soon as mold appears and keep fresh air flowing through and after the cleaning process. Anything else to keep in mind? If you find widespread mold, you may need to hire a professional or get a respirator.
Get the appropriate equipment.
Wojenski recommends donning rubber gloves, gathering a scrub brush, and several microfiber cleaning cloths to thoroughly remove mold from the area. “Gloves will prevent the mold from spreading further,” he says. “And a little brush lets you get into the nooks and crannies of the gasket. In addition, you should use a vinegar-based cleaning solution (this works well, but regular white vinegar will work just as well).
Wait after applying the vinegar.
Start by spraying the refrigerator gasket thoroughly with the cleaning solution, then give it time to absorb. “Let the spray sit for an hour to let the vinegar kill the mold,” Wojenski writes. “When the hour is up, wipe it with a cloth.
Next, give the area another spray. This time, attack the mold with more force with the brush to remove any remaining debris. “Rinse the brush and then wipe the contents with a new cloth,” she says.
“Scrub until the mold is no longer visible. You should hand wash these towels separately in cold water.
Keep the area clean.
The best defense against the formation of mold in your refrigerator is to regularly clean the door frames. Molds grow in moist environments. “Especially in the warmer months when condensation occurs more often,” explains Wojenski. Without moisture, mold cannot grow, so if you follow this protocol, the problem should not reoccur.
In addition to solving the immediate mold problem, incorporating these cleaning practices into your routine promotes a healthier environment overall. Regularly ventilating the space and wearing protective gear not only mitigates the risks associated with mold exposure but also promotes better indoor air quality. Additionally, by staying proactive in cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator door seals, you promote a hygienic food storage area, reduce the likelihood of contamination, and extend the freshness of your food. Ultimately, prioritizing cleanliness in this often overlooked area of the home underscores a commitment to personal health and household hygiene.