Important safety guidance

Before cleaning, switch off and unplug as directed by the model manual. Hold the plug, never the cord. Stop using the appliance and tell the employer if the cord, plug, glass or any part is damaged.

Let cold glass reach room temperature. Use only warm water, mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth; no bleach, abrasive pads or harsh cleaners, and never mix chemicals. Remove residue with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Keep perishable food in another refrigerator or a cooler with enough ice packs. At 4–60°C, food held under 2 hours may be chilled or used; from 2 to 4 hours use immediately; over 4 hours discard.

Return sealed food with raw and cooked items separated only after the refrigerator reaches 4°C or below and freezer −18°C or below. When unsure whether food is safe or should be kept, separate it and ask the employer.

Step 1

Confirm and keep food safely cold

Ask the employer what to keep, discard or store separately. Move perishable food to another refrigerator or a cooler supplied with enough ice packs.

Step 2

Switch off and unplug as instructed

Read the model manual, switch off and unplug the refrigerator as directed. Hold the plug itself; never pull the power cord. Follow any different manufacturer instruction.

Step 3

Remove parts and let cold glass warm

Remove detachable shelves and drawers according to the manual. Leave uncertain parts in place; let cold glass shelves reach room temperature before washing them with warm water.

Step 4

Wash shelves and drawers gently

Use warm water, a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth. Do not use bleach, abrasive pads or harsh cleaners, and never mix cleaning chemicals.

Step 5

Wipe from top to bottom

Apply a little warm water and mild dishwashing detergent to a soft cloth, then clean the walls, shelf supports and corners. Do not spray a large amount near the interior or electrical parts.

Step 6

Clean the door seals

Use a slightly damp cloth and small brush to remove crumbs from the seal folds. Work gently and do not pull the seal away.

Step 7

Remove residue, dry and reconnect

Wipe away detergent residue with clean water and a clean soft cloth, then dry every surface and part thoroughly. Refit the parts correctly and reconnect power according to the manual.

Step 8

Return food only at safe temperatures

Wait until the refrigerator is at or below 4°C and the freezer at or below −18°C. Return sealed food with raw and cooked items separated. For perishable food held at 4–60°C: under 2 hours may be chilled or used; 2–4 hours use immediately; over 4 hours discard.

Common mistakes

✕ Avoid

Spraying a large amount of cleaner directly inside.

✓ Correct action

Put a small amount on the cloth and follow both the product label and appliance instructions.

✕ Avoid

Leaving chilled food at room temperature for too long.

✓ Correct action

Work in small sections and use suitable cold storage when needed.

✕ Avoid

Throwing food away without asking the employer.

✓ Correct action

Set questionable items aside and discard them only after confirmation.

✕ Avoid

Packing the refrigerator too tightly when returning food.

✓ Correct action

Group items according to the household system and leave space without blocking internal air outlets.

Practical tips

Tips for helpers

Clean one shelf at a time so food is easier to return correctly.
With household permission, take a reference photo of the arrangement before starting.
Use separate cloths for wiping, rinsing and drying.

Tips for employers

Explain which items must not be discarded and how the household groups food.
Share the manual if the refrigerator has a special coating, glass component or cleaning requirement.
Put household-specific rules in the WhatsApp note, separate from the general guide.

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How to Clean a Refrigerator Properly

Overview

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