How to clean out moldy fridge?

[mtemm]

we moved a year ago and our second fridge got stuck in the basement, never plugged in. well, apparently it wasn't cleaned out very well prior to the move because the interior is covered in mold. ugh. blech. I have no idea how to tackle this at all...any ideas? I'd like to get it plugged in and in shape for use again.

TIA!

 

[perdidobay]

I would wipe it down with a solution of 50% bleach/ 50% water.
Good luck!

 

[leahannpen]

Yep, use bleach and water first, then maybe go back and do vinegar next. Both disinfect, but vinegar will be less harmful to food and those types of products. Baking soda works good too.

 

[mikeymars]

Originally posted by mtemm
we moved a year ago and our second fridge got stuck in the basement, never plugged in. well, apparently it wasn't cleaned out very well prior to the move because the interior is covered in mold.

 

[WDWAurora]

Greased Lightning. It's our cure for everything around here-kinda like the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding with the windex-that's us with the Greased Lightning.

 

[mudnuri]

a lot of times, what happens is you'll get rid of the visual mold, but that dank musty smell will stay around.

Try a few of these-after the visible signs are gone

wet newspapers- just lay them in the fridge..

bowl of vinegar-

boxes of baking soda

cat liter in a box

etc. etc... everytime we've had something similar to this happen, the fridge has ended up being tossed.....I pray it doesnt happen soon, cause I love my new Kenmore side/side fridge!!

Brandy

 

[mtemm]

thanks everyone!!! Hoping to get started this weekend. blech

 

[MosMom]

I would haul that thing to the dump.

 

[mtemm]

Originally posted by MosMom
I would haul that thing to the dump.

why?

 

[MosMom]

Because cleaning out a moldy fridge would gross me out. I'm a wuss though.

 

[mtemm]

Originally posted by MosMom
Because cleaning out a moldy fridge would gross me out. I'm a wuss though.

trust me, its not a thrill for me...I even made calls to see if I could pay someone to do it.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Isn't dangerous to clean it out? I thought black mold was bad

 

[Deb & Bill]

Some black mold is only mildew (like you get in your bathroom). You really only need to use a 10-1 bleach solution to clean it. 10 parts water to one part bleach. That should do it. Otherwise you may need to wear a respirator (get good ventilation, anyway).

 

[nativetxn]

Tilex is your friend in this situation

 

[mtemm]

I actually have a bottle of tilex mold and mildew cleaner and was wondering about this...since its a fridge, I didn't know if it was alright or not.

 

[perdidobay]

It should work fine, I use it alot on things.

 

[ladydancer]

Run a fan and open a window while cleaning w/bleach. You don't want to be breathing the fumes.