How do I clean the rubber seal on my refrigerator?

 We all have a well-established routine when it comes to giving the
 fridge a thorough cleaning: we empty the shelves, we scrub the vegetable drawers, we sweep away the crumbs… But one corner is often forgotten, and yet it plays a crucial role: the rubber door seal! Why is it so important? And above all, how do you clean it properly without making things complicated? Here are our simple and effective tips.
Why is it necessary to clean the
 refrigerator seal?

That small, flexible seal around the door isn’t just for decoration. It ensures the refrigerator is airtight, preventing cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. But with repeated opening and closing, it becomes a real  breeding ground for dust, crumbs, food scraps… and even mold . The result?  Unpleasant odors , reduced airtightness, and  increased energy consumption . Fortunately, a few simple steps are all it takes to avoid all of this.
Tip 1: The vinegar and toothbrush duo, your natural ally

This is  the classic method that always works  ! Mix one  tablespoon of white vinegar  with  five parts hot water . Add a splash of  dish soap . Dip an  old toothbrush  in the mixture and gently scrub the seal, paying particular attention to the creases.

Cleaning guide ebook

Are those hard-to-reach corners? Slip a piece of  absorbent paper  around an  old loyalty card  (or a discarded bank card) and run it through the grooves. The result: a clean seal, effortlessly and without harsh chemicals.
Tip 2: Baking soda for a deep clean

For more effective action,  baking soda  comes to the rescue! Simply mix it with a little  white vinegar  or  lemon juice  to form a slightly foamy paste. Apply it with a  toothbrush  and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Refrigerator repair service

Baking  soda neutralizes odors  and cleans gently. Again, remember to use a  card wrapped in absorbent paper  to clean the narrowest creases. Then rinse with a  damp cloth  and  dry thoroughly .

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Tip 3: Rubbing alcohol for a quick freshening up

No time to mix products? A  cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol  (also called  denatured alcohol ) is very effective for  quickly disinfecting and shining  grout. Then wipe with a  clean , damp cloth and dry.

Bonus tip:  A few  drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oil  can be added for a  pleasant touch of freshness .
And what about the more difficult cases?

If the stains persist despite your efforts, there are  anti-mold cleaning sprays  available in  supermarkets . Choose a  bleach-free formula suitable for surfaces that come into contact with food, and follow the instructions carefully.  Wear gloves  to protect your hands, and of course,  ventilate the room during and after use .

Once the treatment is complete, remember to  rinse the joint  and  dry it  to prevent moisture from returning.