Refrigerator Mold and Mildew Removal and Prevention

A grouping of cleaning products on a counter.
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 10
What You'll Need
White wine vinegar
Warm water
Empty spray bottles
Nonabrasive washcloths
Paper towels
Sponge
What You'll Need
White wine vinegar
Warm water
Empty spray bottles
Nonabrasive washcloths
Paper towels
Sponge

If your refrigerator has recently come under fire from mold or mildew infestation, it is important for you to know the proper way to remedy this problem. Once you successfully rid your refrigerator of mold and/or mildew, it will be beneficial to know how to prevent this problem in the future. Below are the measures you will need to take in order to purge your refrigerator of mold and mildew and to keep it free of filth.

Step 1 - Clear Out Your Refrigerator

The first step in the mold and mildew removal process is clear out your refrigerator upon discovering any mold and/or mildew deposits. When clearing out your fridge, take care to carefully inspect any food items you suspect have gone bad and, should your suspicions prove correct, promptly throw them out, as they may have been the initial cause of your refrigerator-based mold or mildew.

If you happen to have more than one refrigerator in your home, use it to store any perishable items. Once all the food has been cleared out of your fridge and any spoiled items have been thrown out, you'll be ready to move on.

Step 2 - Produce Your Homemade Mold and Mildew Remover

Now that your fridge has been cleared out, it's time to proceed with the second step in the mold and mildew removal process. Start by opening up a clean, empty spray bottle, then pour in 1 cup of white wine vinegar and two cups of warm water.

As a result of its acidic nature, white wine vinegar makes a surprisingly effective mold and mildew cleaner. In fact, because vinegar is a little too abrasive, it is necessary to dilute it with water. After combining your ingredients, seal your spray bottle and proceed with the next step.

Step 3 - Thoroughly Clean Your Refrigerator

Having produced your homemade cleaner, you're nearly finished with the mold and mildew removal process. You will now need to use your spray bottle to apply your vinegar-based cleaning solution to all the shelves and walls in your refrigerator, making sure to apply a little extra to any areas that are heavily affected by mold and/or mildew deposits.

Next, use a sponge or nonabrasive washcloth to vigorously wipe down the freshly sprayed areas, keeping in mind that any caked on mold or mildew deposits may require a little extra elbow grease. Once the fridge has been completely purged of mold and mildew, spray it down with a water-filled spray bottle to get rid of the lingering scent of vinegar, then dry it with a clean nonabrasive cloth. Follow up by returning all your food items to their respective spots.

Step 4 - Keep Your Refrigerator Safe From Mold and Mildew

Now that you've successfully performed the mold and mildew removal process, it is important to keep it safe from mold and mildew in the future. To do this, make a point of throwing out any spoiled food items immediately after discovering them and take care to clean your refrigerator with the previously discussed water-and-vinegar solution at least once a month.