What To Do About A Moldy Refrigerator
by Richard Hill
Unless you are a neat freak, you have probably come home from a long trip and quickly moved back into life in the non-motorhome. Then, a few weeks later, when you suddenly decide to go down to that lovely RV park on the river, you go to the grocery store and stock up for the weekend. Back to the RV and you open the fridge... YUCK! Dirty, rotten, stinky, slimy MOLD!
Well, there's nothing else to do but postpone your departure and clean the thing, all the while mumbling things about the idiot who forgot to empty and clean it the last time...
Here are some steps that will help:
 Breathing mold spores can be very unhealthy, so always wear a mask and rubber gloves when cleaning a moldy refrigerator.
Remove any food and drinks from the refrigerator. Wash off the bottles and cans with warm soapy water. The rest of the stuff should go into a garbage sack which is then tightly sealed.
Wipe out the inside of the fridge. Use a clean rag or sponge and a solution of
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diluted bleach, or
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white vinegar, or
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water and baking soda.
Leave the door open so that the inside dries completely.
Empty the drip pan, if the refrigerator has one, and if you can get to it. Many refrigerators have a drip pan that collects excess moisture underneath and behind the appliance. Make sure the pan is dry and clean. You should also dust the refrigerator coils while you're back there.
Place a box of baking soda or charcoal pack inside the fridge to absorb any odors. Some manufacturers make such items specially designed for smaller refrigerators, but don't pay extra for "refrigerator" baking soda. Its all the same, just plain old baking soda.
When the refrigerator is not going to be used for a while, prop the door open when not in use. You can tape an object to the door frame to keep it from closing or purchase a specially designed device for this purpose. Doing so keeps air circulating inside the refrigerator and prevents mold growth.
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