Keeping your refrigerator mould-free will stop you from becoming ill! By properly maintaining your appliance and setting it at the right temperature you’ll be preventing food waste, and saving a great deal of money. Dirt and spillages can affect the fridge temperature by stopping the cold air from circulating. And mould and bacteria can put you at risk.
The inside of your fridge should be regularly cleaned with a warm water and soap solution, rinsed with clean water and dried with paper towels. But what causes mould on the refrigerator door seal? Read on…
Reasons for Black Mould
One of the common causes of black mould and mildew in the gasket is due to cold air escaping from the fridge, and warm kitchen air taking its place. This, in turn, makes the water condense, and causes mould to grow.
Refrigerator Mould Facts
What can mould do to you? This frequently asked question can be answered simply. Mould can be harmful as it not only spoils food but can have a detrimental effect on your health too. Food that has visible mould should be wrapped up and put in the bin. Try to avoid smelling it as you could inhale spores that may lead to an allergic reaction.
Mouldy food in the fridge can lead to the mould growing inside the rubber seals as well as in the fridge interior. Mould spores are spread by contact through surfaces and through the air. Surface mould indicates roots that are invisibly invading, and eating these foods may cause food poisoning or even cancer.
People susceptible to respiratory problems may become sick if mould is ingested.
Remember that some foods have a mould coating such as hard salami, hard cheese, and dry-cured ham. The mould will need to be trimmed off before eating. The knife used should then be washed to prevent any cross-contamination.
Fridge Maintenance to Avoid Mould
Black mould in the refrigerator seal needs to be dealt with immediately, or you may end up having a refrigerator gasket replacement. The gaskets attract mould and mildew so food spillages should be removed as soon as possible. Look at a few simple steps to keep your rubber seals well-maintained:
- Wipe away dirt and residues with warm soapy water.
- Spray an appropriate cleaning agent onto the seal and let it stand for a few minutes.
- Or use a bleach and water mixture to scrub away the visible mould.
- Try using a toothbrush or cotton bud to get into awkward areas.
- Remove the solution with a soft dry cloth.
- After cleaning apply a little vinegar to stop the mould from growing back.
- Keep dishcloths and sponges clean to avoid spreading germs.
Other Refrigerator Door Seal Issues
If your door gasket is sagging and not fitting correctly your fridge has to work harder to stop the cold air from escaping. So:
- Look for any cracks in the rubber which means the seal has dried out.
- If you shut the door with a piece of paper inserted, and then can easily pull the paper out, this may mean the gasket has become misshapen and needs replacing.
- If you can’t easily remove any black mould from your gasket you may need to contact a trusted repair company.
Find a Local Appliance Repair Team
When you need professional help with replacing a mouldy or faulty gasket simply search online. Get a service that gives you a free quote, is carried out by trained and qualified engineers and provides you with a six months part and labour guarantee.
You’ll be able to book a quick and convenient appointment to ensure your fridge is once again keeping your food and you healthy!
