Moldy Refridgerator

[vthoms]

Last year we had planned a trip a weekend apart so I had left some food items in the fridge. There ended up being a thunderstorm which shut off the power to the fridge while it was in my driveway and it all spoiled. I cleaned it and it was mold free for the rest of the summer.

When I opened it this spring, the fridge was absolutely gross. It had lots of mold and mostly in the same places from last summer (the lower shelf in the door and the freezer). It had spread a bit more though.

I have cleaned it again and have the doors propped open to keep the air flowing. But the rubber seal around the freezer is stained and no matter how I scrub it didn't come clean.

I'm using a thyme oil cleaner which is a natural mildew killer.

Why I'm posting is two reasons:

#1. Any suggestions on what type of cleaner I should use to remove the stains in the rubber seal.

#2. What could I keep in the fridge and freezer to keep it from molding up again other than keeping the doors open. Would baking soda work? That's more about smell I thought? A cup of salt?

Thank you

[vthoms]

I'll have to go pick up a jug, I've been using the thyme oil on everything and don't even have any in the house.

Thanks for the tip!

[doxiemom11]

Doors have to be left open when not in use. Condensation forms inside as it warms after being shut off and the mold forms. Clean it with a bleach solution and don't forget the seals too. Bottom of the door seal too. I clean mine with a mild bleach solution after defrosting a couple times per year even though I do not have any mold. Bleach is an approved disinfectant that can be used even on dishes.

[Chock_Full_o__N]

Forget the thyme, you need the bring on the big guns. We had this happen to our home fridge when we moved. I first cleaned it with soap and water to get the gunk off everything. Then I made a bleach solution with a cup of bleach and a gallon of water. On a few spots I had to use straight bleach but I got that baby clean as a whistle (wipe it down with clear water after bleaching.) We used the fridge another 8 years so I must have done something right.

[Oaklevel]

robsouth wrote:
Use bleach. When the fridge is not on, the doors must be left open a little. It is as simple as that.

X 2

[robsouth]

Use bleach. When the fridge is not on, the doors must be left open a little. It is as simple as that.