When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home, the refrigerator door seal is often overlooked. Mold growth in this area can be surprising and alarming considering the painstaking efforts many make to keep their homes in order. However, understanding how mold thrives in refrigerator door frame crevices can help homeowners take proactive steps to prevent it from happening again. By establishing regular cleaning routines and using effective cleaning methods, it is possible to keep this often-neglected area of the home mold-free and maintain a healthier environment for you and your family.
When friends and family come over, they usually joke about how spotless 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 releases 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 white 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. Once you spot mold, open a window or turn on a fan to keep fresh air circulating during and after cleaning.
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 wash these clothes 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 conclusion, keeping your refrigerator door seal clean is essential not only for the appearance of your home, but also for your health and safety. Mold growth in this area may go unnoticed, but it poses potential risks, including food contamination and adverse health effects. By following the steps outlined by cleaning specialist Alex Wojenski, including wearing protective gear, using appropriate cleaning tools and solutions, and maintaining regular cleanliness, you can effectively remove mold and prevent it from reoccurring. Remember that mold thrives in moist environments, so being vigilant and promptly addressing any signs of moisture will help keep your refrigerator seal mold-free and your home a healthier place to live.