Can you use bleach to clean a moldy fridge?

Author: Vanessa Deckow  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Apply the disinfecting bleach solution Reapply as needed to keep surfaces wet for 6 minutes to disinfect. To remove mold or mildew in the refrigerator, let the bleach and water solution contact the surface for up to 10 minutes.

Can you kill mold in the fridge with bleach?

Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Open the windows and ensure proper ventilation before using bleach. Spray the solution onto the moldy areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the surfaces with a brush or sponge, then rinse the fridge thoroughly with water and dry it completely.

How do you disinfect a moldy refrigerator?

Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Spray and wipe the affected areas. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to scrub away mold. Essential Oils: Use tea tree or lavender oil, which have antifungal properties.

Is it safe to use a fridge after mold?

I would say no. Even though you cleaned out the fridge, the smell of mold indicates that there may still be mold spores in the fridge, which can contaminate your food and potentially make you sick.

What is the best product to clean mold out of a refrigerator?

- Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can create a paste with baking soda and water for scrubbing. Spray Affected Areas: - Generously spray the moldy areas inside the fridge with the vinegar solution. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes to kill the mold.

Awesome DIY Cleaner! How to Clean Grout in 1 Minute

What kills mold better, bleach or vinegar?

Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach. You can even combine it with baking soda to make it more effective.

What is the best mould remover for fridge?

Refrigerators can be cleaned with distilled white vinegar or a baking soda solution.

Is black mold in fridge toxic?

Black mold, a type of mold that can potentially pose health risks to humans. It produces mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can be released into the air when the mold is disturbed or when it grows on damp or decaying materials.

What spray to use to clean a fridge?

Mix 3 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of cold water in an empty spray bottle. Using cold water will help your fridge reach optimum temperature quicker after you've finished cleaning.

How long after cleaning mold is it safe?

The time you should stay out of the house after mold remediation depends on the extent of the remediation and the methods used. Typically, it's safe to return 24 to 48 hours after the remediation process is completed. This allows time for any airborne spores to settle and for the air quality to return to safe levels.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?

Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

How do you sanitize after mold?

How to Properly Disinfect Your House Post-Mold Infestation
  1. Gear Up! Wear Protective Equipment. ...
  2. Use Certified Cleaning Products. Don't rely on just any cleaning product to disinfect your home post-mold. ...
  3. Dry The Affected Areas. ...
  4. Discard Contaminated Items. ...
  5. Clean Surfaces Thoroughly. ...
  6. Consider Hiring a Mold Remediation Company.

What is the ratio of clorox to water for sanitizing?

To sanitize containers and utensils, mix 1 tablespoon Regular Clorox Bleach with one gallon of water. Always wash and rinse items first, then let each item soak in Clorox Bleach Sanitizing Solution for 2 minutes. Drain and air dry.

Why you shouldn't use bleach on mold?

Bleach quickly dries off on the surface and will not reach into the deeper part of the material to the mold's root. So, in a few days or weeks, the mold regains its color and grows back to become even worse than it was before you applied the bleach.

Is it safe to use Clorox wipes in the refrigerator?

Can I Use Clorox Wipes to Clean the Inside of My Fridge? Yes, you can. Clorox wipes are not the ideal product to use when giving your refrigerator a proper deep clean. However, these handy wipes are a quick and easy way to clean the door handles or clear up any small spillages.

Can you use Lysol in the fridge?

How and where to use Lysol disinfectant spray to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. For great protection from germs, be sure to disinfect frequently touched areas such as light switches, door handles, kitchen counters, fridge and microwave handles, remotes and more.

How to deep clean a fridge?

How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator
  1. Remove Everything From Your Refrigerator. Start by emptying everything from your refrigerator. ...
  2. Clean the Shelves and Drawers. ...
  3. Clean the Interior. ...
  4. Clean the Exterior. ...
  5. Clean the Gasket. ...
  6. Clean the Coils. ...
  7. Clean Under the Refrigerator. ...
  8. Return Contents to Refrigerator.

What is the best homemade cleaner for a refrigerator?

Cleaning Inside of a Refrigerator

The best cleaner is a combination of abrasive salt and bubbly soda water. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge.

Can you get sick from cleaning black mold?

Its spores may mistakenly trigger an allergic reaction in your immune system. An allergic reaction to black mold may cause various symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, congestion and irritated eyes. However, it rarely makes people very sick.

What dissolves mold?

Chemical or Natural Mold Cleaners
  • Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. Apply it directly to the mold.
  • Make a bleach solution to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. ...
  • Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface.

How do you get the mold smell out of a refrigerator?

Wipe inside of unit with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid which destroys mildew. Leave the door open and allow to air out for several days. Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers.

Can you use bleach on mold in fridge?

Apply the disinfecting bleach solution

To remove mold or mildew in the refrigerator, let the bleach and water solution contact the surface for up to 10 minutes.

Is bleach or vinegar better for mold?

Vinegar is best to use on porous surfaces and is considered a safer option for removing mold. Advantage of Using Vinegar: White vinegar is a safer solution to tackle a mess of household mold. Unlike bleach, vinegar does not emit toxic fumes. Vinegar is effective when combined with water.

What happens if you clean mold without a mask?

If you're not wearing any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you're inviting all of those mold spores to settle on your clothing, the area you're cleaning, your shoes (allowing mold to travel to other areas in your home), in your eyes, and up your nose into your upper respiratory system.

Previous article
What should heat be set at so pipes don't freeze?
Next article
Does Epsom salt clean drains?