How to Remove Mold from the Refrigerator Seal
The refrigerator should be kept as clean as possible to prevent people from becoming sick. One frequent complaint is mold growth on the refrigerator seal. This problem occurs because of moisture issues. Here’s how to remove a mold infestation from the refrigerator seal.
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that is prevalent in the natural environment. The spores are useful in the great outdoors, breaking down decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and trees. Mold spores are airborne, which means they float throughout the environment.
When these spores land indoors, mold problems can begin. All mold requires to thrive are three vital nutrients: moisture, an organic food source, and darkness. When mold is abundantly supplied with these forms of nourishment, the spores multiply rapidly and colonies flourish.
Mold spores grow on the refrigerator seal because of the consistent moisture supply and the availability of an organic food source. Mold develops on the fridge seal when cold air escapes from the fridge upon opening it, and warm kitchen air seeps in. The resulting condensation feeds mold.
The refrigerator seal, also known as the gasket, can be manufactured out of natural or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is produced from latex, which is an organic substance obtained from certain species of trees. Mold spores feed off of the fridge seal, an organic compound, especially when water is present.
The dark splotches of mold on the refrigerator seal are not only unsightly but harmful. Breathing in the mold spores can lead to the worsening of asthma symptoms or contribute to respiratory illnesses. People allergic to mold can experience itchy skin, watery eyes, and coughing.
Clearly, cleaning the mold off the fridge seal should be a priority. Several methods exist to eliminate the mold from the refrigerator gasket and prevent it from returning. Most of these techniques utilize common household staples and a sufficient amount of elbow grease.
Method 1: Clean with hydrogen peroxide
Cleaning off the mold with hydrogen peroxide is straightforward. The homeowner will require a bottle of undiluted hydrogen peroxide, a spray bottle and soft cloths. Cotton swabs are optional, but the swabs can be especially useful when mold appears in the fridge’s nooks and crevices.
First clean off as much dirt as possible from the fridge seal. After filling the spray bottle with the hydrogen peroxide, spray the mold on the seal. Allow the solution to remain on the moldy areas for several minutes. Wipe away with a clean cloth and repeat as necessary.
Method 2: Clean with bleach
Cleaning mold with bleach is effective, especially when the surface is nonporous. However, as refrigerator seals are porous, this method may fail to work long-term. Plus, bleach dries out the gasket, potentially causing it to shrink and become hardened, like wood.
The homeowner will need bleach, a spray bottle, clean cloths, and water. A lubricant, such as Vaseline, will be useful to help keep the seal moist. Similar to the prior method, wipe down the fridge seal to remove as much dirt and debris as possible.
Mix one part bleach and two parts water in the spray bottle, blending well. Spray the solution on the moldy areas and allow it to penetrate for several minutes. Use the soft cloth to wipe away the bleach solution. Rub stubborn mold stains with an old toothbrush or cotton swab.
Repeat this process until all the mold is removed. However, be careful to avoid drying out the seal with excessive bleach. If the refrigerator seal appears to be drying out, lubricate it with petroleum jelly or Vaseline. Olive oil or coconut oil also effectively remoisturize the seal.
Method 3: Clean with WD-40
WD-40 can also be used to remove mold, although it is a lesser-known method. Along with WD-40, the homeowner should gather a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Cotton swabs are useful to access crannies. Once again, start by cleaning off all dirt and debris caked onto the refrigerator seal.
Spray the mold with WD-40 and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Wipe the product away using a cloth. Tighter areas can be cleaned with the cotton swabs. Repeat these steps until the mold is gone. Then use a mild cleaner to remove all traces of the WD-40.
How is mold growth prevented?
Another household staple, vinegar, prevents mold growth. Simply rub white vinegar along the refrigerator walls as well as the seal to deter future mold outbreaks. Keep in mind that vinegar can also be used to clean away mold stains, but the abovementioned methods are more effective.
Mold infests indoor areas that offer plenty of nutrients. As a result, it is not unusual for mold to grow on the fridge seal, behind the toilet, in the basement, or in the crawl space, for example. Mold should be removed right away by mold remediation experts.
Experienced mold cleanup technicians utilize high-tech equipment, like the InstaScope Testing System, to locate areas affected by mold. This technology pinpoints all mold, including hidden infestations, like those behind the walls, under carpets, or beneath the wallpaper.
Mold removal specialists then apply advanced mold removal techniques to remove all mold from the home. Once the mold is eliminated, the home is retested to ensure that zero mold colonies are present.