Goodbye mold: experts reveal the best way to clean refrigerator door rubber

The rubber (or seal) on the refrigerator door is one of the most forgotten areas when cleaning, but it is crucial: if it accumulates crumbs, moisture and mold, it can lose effectiveness, let the cold “escape” and force the appliance to work harder.

According to Notícias ao Minuto, the warning has been repeated by cleaning experts cited by Martha Stewart, who recommend a simple and regular routine to prevent rubber deterioration and reduce the risk of mold proliferation.

Before starting, the basic rule is practical: consult the equipment manual and, whenever in doubt, opt for gentle methods so as not to scratch or dry out the material.

Why this cleaning makes a difference

According to these experts, mold is one of the biggest risks for rubber, because it grows well in humid areas and can go unnoticed for some time, especially in the folds.

In addition to the issue of hygiene, when the seal becomes degraded (cracked, “hard” or has gaps), the refrigerator can lose efficiency, with temperature fluctuations and greater compressor effort — which tends to increase consumption.

That’s why some experts recommend short but frequent cleaning rather than infrequent “deep cleanings” when dirt is already set in.

What you need to have on hand

For safe cleaning, all you need are: soft cloths (ideally microfiber), warm water and a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs to get into the grooves.

If you need to reinforce, you can use a solution with baking soda in warm water or a mixture of white vinegar and warm water (in a spray bottle), which are options suggested by experts for this area.

And pay attention to the “don’ts”: brands like Bosch advise avoiding chlorine-based products and abrasive materials when cleaning the seal, so as not to damage the rubber.

Step by step to clean without damaging the seal

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the socket (to be safe) and open the door wide to give yourself space to work.
2. With a soft, damp cloth, first remove loose dirt (crumbs, dust, small residues) before applying any solution.
3. Apply the chosen solution along the folds and corners, this is where moisture tends to be trapped, and gently brush the grooves with the toothbrush.

Persistent mold and “finishing touches” that help

In some cases, experts suggest an optional step: spraying hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) a few minutes beforehand to help prevent mold growth, and then wiping off before proceeding with the rest of the process.

If there is difficult build-up, you can make a quick paste of baking soda with a little liquid (some versions use lemon) and rub gently, without putting too much pressure on the rubber.

At the end, dry the entire area very well (moisture is the “fuel” of mold) and, if you want, apply a layer very thin of Vaseline to help keep the rubber flexible and the seal more consistent.

According to , the most common recommendation is to clean the rubber weekly, especially to prevent crumbs and moisture from turning into mold in the folds.

And whenever liquid gets into the sealing area, it’s worth cleaning it up straight away: the longer it dries there, the harder it is to remove without having to “force” the rubber.

If you notice that the door no longer “grabs” well, a simple test is to use paper (close the door with a leaf attached and see if there is resistance when pulling); if it fails at several points, it could be a sign of a compromised seal.

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