The most common source of refrigerator mold is rotting food. Usually, you can (sadly) throw that food away and be fine, but mold spreads through the air and through surface contact. So spores form a moldy piece of cheese could spread through air circulation or onto the shelf it's sitting on.
Cleaning: If your fridge isn't cleaned regularly, spills and residues can harbor mold. Clean your fridge regularly with a solution of vinegar and water to help prevent mold growth. To avoid mold, regularly check your food, maintain proper fridge conditions, and clean your appliance frequently.
Poor Air Circulation: If items in the fridge are overcrowded, it can restrict air circulation, leading to moisture buildup and creating an environment conducive to mold. Temperature Issues: If the fridge isn't maintaining a proper temperature (ideally between 32°F and 40°F or 0°C to 4°C), it can allow mold to thrive.
Cleaning solution: Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the affected areas inside the fridge. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the mold. Then, scrub the surfaces with a sponge or brush to remove the mold.
Many species of mould like warmer temperatures and mould growing on fruit on your counter may develop in very few days, especially in the warm humid summer months. Other mould growing on food with less water content in the cool of a refrigerator might take several weeks.
Yes. Mold spores can spread through the air inside the refrigerator, contaminating nearby food. Discard any visibly moldy food immediately and thoroughly clean the surrounding areas to prevent further contamination.
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.
For the fridge compartment, we recommend maintaining a temperature between 3°C to 5°C to slow bacterial growth and preserve perishable items effectively. Similarly, for the freezer compartment, it is best to set the temperature at -18°C or lower to freeze food solid and maintain its quality over longer periods.
Black mold is a type of fungus that looks dark green or black. There are many kinds of black mold, but when most people refer to it, they're referring to Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum). It grows and spreads on materials that contain a lot of cellulose, including paper products, wood products and drywall.
An unplugged, turned off fridge is the perfect breeding ground for mould.
Moisture is the number one reason for food to spoil. To avoid this, wrap these items in paper towels and always store food in sealed, refrigerator-safe and moisture-proof containers or wraps. The refrigerator's crispers are designed to keep your produce fresh by preserving humidity.
Using baking soda as a cleaning agent or as a deodorizer can help your refrigerator stay clean and fresh.
Lack of Regular Cleaning
Not regularly cleaning your refrigerator can accumulate food spills and stains, providing a perfect breeding ground for mold. It's important to regularly clean and disinfect the shelves, door seals, and other surfaces in your refrigerator every few months.
Distilled white vinegar is a powerful mold-and-mildew killer and it's our favorite option for fridge cleaning. Take out all the shelves and drawers that are removable (for easier access) and spray them down with vinegar (do no dilute the vinegar).
This also applies to items such as leftovers, "doggie bags," and take-out foods. Also, when putting food away, don't crowd the refrigerator or freezer so tightly that air can't circulate. Keep your appliances at the proper temperatures. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C).
To keep food cold and fresh but not frozen, it should be set somewhere between 3-5°C (37-40°F). Some fridges have a temperature reading, but most have a numbered dial. This usually goes from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest.
The Department of Agriculture states bacteria multiply quickly in the "Danger Zone," which is temperatures beginning at 40°F (4.5°C). It's best to set your temperature gauge a few degrees below that. Most experts recommend that the ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C).
The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the main part of the fridge. The optimal temperature for keeping foods cold is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're wondering what temperature should a refrigerator be, put a thermometer inside your fridge.
Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.
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.
Why is There Black Mold in the Refrigerator? Mold spreads through the air and through surface contact. The number one source of refrigerator mold is mold on food. Some types of food, such as cheese and hard salami, produce mold naturally and can still be eaten once the mold is cut away.
Wipe the interior dry. Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or put 2 cups of dry (unused) coffee grounds in a small paper bag and place it in the refrigerator. It is important to leave the doors open. These last two steps are to prevent the formation of residual food odors, mold and mildew.
Baking soda will create an environment that is too acidic for mold to grow, while vinegar will add more acidity. Use a diluted solution of bleach to clean your fridge.