Black mould in Fridge

[swpostie]

We accidentally left half a lemon on the fridge and, rather than find, on our return some weeks later, that the caravan had taken on a nice lemony freshness, we found the fridge full of black mould!

We've cleaned the fridge and left some bicarbonate of soda in it - and also some fridge deodoriser but it still smells of mould.

Having visited the 'van in storage a few days ago I've noticed the mould is back!

The door is always left "on the latch" when the fridge is off but this doesn't really look like it's holding the door open more than a fraction of a millimetre.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the mould once and for all? What chemicals and cleaners is it safe to use in the fridge?

Thanks for all advice.

 

[MikeJE]

We too have the 'aroma' problem; tried the bi-carb solution but still the pong; so I will be watching this thread with interest. We always leave the 'fridge door wide open when in storage wedged with the water container.

 

[rob_jax]

When you say "you've left some bicarbonate of soda in it" - do you mean in a tray or pot somewhere in the fridge - because that won't achieve much...

The best way to clean a fridge is to use a solution of "washing soda" - that's sodium carbonate and not bicarbonate - and clean all the surfaces with the solution. This encapsulates and kills black mould.

Costs around 50 pence for 500 grams - enough for many years...

Warning: washing soda is (mildly) caustic, so you will need to use rubber gloves when applying it - it will dissolve the natural protective grease on your hands, which a bit of handcream would cure, but it's best to avoid "dry hands" - and a pair of glasses to prevent splashes entering your eyes. Possibly over careful...

Then leave the door wedged wide open - there's not enough airflow in the "latched" position.

Robert

 

[MikeJE]

Thanks for that Robert. I had tried washing the interior and shelves with a solution of bi-carb rather than leaving any in the 'fridge but to no avail. Will try your idea soonest.

Mike.

 

[swpostie]

Thanks for that, Rob, I'll give that a try.

Our bicarb is in a little pot, in the fridge, as I'd heard it would neutralise the smell - we put it in there before the mould reappeared.

Thanks again.

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Rupert,

On returning home with caravan we always leave the fridge door wide open for 48 hours. We always lay a towel inside the freezer compartment and wedge open the freezer door.

After 48 hours we remove towel, close freezer door and leave fridge door slightly open on latch.

We always leave the fridge on untill we have arrived home and it has been completely emptied.

In all our years caravanning we have never had a problems with mould or smells.

Once you have got rid of the mould and smell if you do as we do i am sure you will have no further problems.

Hamer

 

[Rick_5041348]

We always use sodium carbonate in the sink waste and basin waste once a year diluted of course you would be suprised how much muck comes out of the waste pipes at the end of the year, always leave the fridge door open and wash it out with diluted sodium carbonate every 4-5 trips

 

[ThePlotter]

You could try putting a post on here for 'Icemaker'because as his name implies fridges were his business and I think he has sorted this sort of problem before.He is now a train driver but the knowledge is still there.