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Occasionally clean freezer compartment
following manual instructions.
Wash exterior of cabinet with
detergent solution; rinse and dry. A creamy appliance wax may
be used occasionally to protect painted exterior and make spots
easier to wipe off.
Wipe up spills in the refrigerator
promptly to avoid staining and odors.
Several of the plastics used
for interior parts of the refrigerator are easily stained by
berries, fruits, and other colored foods and absorb and retain
odors. So tightly wrap or cover stored foods and remove "old"
foods before they spoil.
These plastics may soften at
high temperatures so never put boiling or hot water in them.
They may be damaged by various household chemicals, so never
use cleaning waxes, spray-on cleaners, concentrated chlorine
bleach on them. Follow your manual directions for cleaning the
different plastic drawers, shelves, etc. If you do not have a
manual, be safe by using a mild detergent (a hand-dishwashing
liquid) and lukewarm water solution, or a baking soda and water
solution for cleaning. NEVER use abrasives like scouring powder
or scouring pads, as these plastics are easily scratched.
Occasionally vacuum (or brush)
dust from condenser, usually under the front bottom grille (see
manual for location and directions). Also at the same time, wash
the plastic pan which collects water from automatic defrosting
and replace it in the same location.
Unpleasant odors develop, either
from improper storage of food or from spoilage.
Removing Refrigerator and
Freezer Odors
Odors may be caused by food
left too long, "strong" foods not covered or packaged
tightly,by a drip pan that needs cleaning, or by food spoiling
when power goes off while the owner is away on vacation. A preventive
measure is getting someone to check your home every day or so,
or after a power outage in your area.
To remove odors:
1. Remove all items from refrigerator or freezer.
Throw out any spoiled foods. Take out removable parts and wash
them and door gasket with mild detergent in warm water. Rinse
well and wipe dry.
2. Wash interior walls and door liner with solution
of 1-2 tablespoonsful of baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and
wipe dry. Leave door open and let it air out well, with a fan
directed toward inside, and opened windows if climate permits.
3. If odor still remains, try one or all of the
following means of odor removal.
a. Spread baking soda out on shallow pans (like
shallow glass casseroles, pie plates, or jelly roll pans lined
with foil) and put pans on shelves to absorb odors, or on the
bottom and in baskets f chest freezer. Leave open and unplugged.
b. Buy activated charcoal (which is specially treated
to remove odor molecules from air) at home department store housewares
sections, appliance store, or pet shop. Spread out on shallow
pans and put on shelves of refrigerator. Turn refrigerator on
low setting and run empty a few days so odors will be absorbed.
c. Spread cat litter in shallow pan in cabinet,
turn on and run empty a few days. If odor is disappearing but
is not all gone, replace old litter with fresh litter.
d. Pour several ounces imitation vanilla (not pure
extract) in a shallow saucer, put on shelf and let run empty
a few days.
e. Put fresh ground coffee in cereal bowls inside
the refrigerator and let run empty several days. A slight coffee
odor may remain, but will disappear after washing again with
baking soda solution.
f. Pack each refrigerator shelf with crumpled newspaper.
Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the newspaper
lightly with water. Allow refrigerator to run for approximately
5-6 days. This method takes a bit longer but has been effective
in removal of strong odors.
g. Buy a commercial odor remover, and follow instructions
exactly. Several companies manufacture a liquid concentrate which
sells for about $3.00 for 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. A couple drops are
put on a piece of cotton and placed in the area to absorb odors,
in the cabinet or in a room.
Three of many brand names are:
"Odor-Away" by Wrap-on Co., available at hardware and
hospital supply stores, "SuperCD" IBL Household Products
by Crackerbarrel Sales, Avenal, New Jersey, available in pet
supply department or special products in grocery, or "Clean-Air"
at some appliance repair shops.
Hospital supply stores carry
Dow Chemical Hospital Disinfectant and Deodorant Spray. Spray
into cabinet and quickly shut the door. Repeat.
4. If none of these methods removes all the odor,
then it has probably penetrated into insulation. Contact an appliance
service company for an estimate on cost of removing the liner
and replacing the insulation. If cost is too high you may prefer
to get a new appliance. It could be used for occasional cooling
of soda pop where the odor will not get into the beverage.
WARNING!
- If
refrigerator cannot be salvaged and is discarded, remove the
door or lid. to prevent deaths of children who may hide in the
cabinet and suffocate. |
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