Finding mould in the fridge is unpleasant, and it tends to come back if the cause is not dealt with. Mould loves moisture, spilled food and still air, and a fridge that is not sealing or draining properly provides all three.
How to Get Rid of Mould in a Fridge: The Short Answer
To remove mould: empty the fridge, throw out any mouldy food, wash shelves, drawers and seals with warm soapy water, wipe the cabinet with a vinegar or bicarb soda solution, flush the defrost drain and dry everything thoroughly. To stop it returning, keep the fridge clean and dry, store food in sealed containers, fix leaking seals and blocked drains, and keep the temperature at around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Why Mould Grows in a Fridge
- Spills and food residue give mould something to feed on.
- Moisture from condensation, uncovered food or a blocked drain.
- Worn door seals let warm, humid air in.
- Blocked defrost drain leaves standing water in the fridge.
- Temperatures that are too warm encourage faster growth.
- Forgotten food at the back of shelves and in crisper drawers.
How to Remove Mould Step by Step
- Empty the fridge into an esky with ice packs. Throw out any food with visible mould. As a general precaution, soft foods with mould should be discarded.
- Remove shelves and drawers and wash them in warm soapy water. Let glass shelves reach room temperature first.
- Clean the cabinet. Wipe all surfaces with warm soapy water, then with a solution of white vinegar and water, or bicarb soda and water.
- Clean the door seals. Use a soft toothbrush to reach into the folds, where mould often hides.
- Flush the defrost drain at the back of the fridge compartment with warm water.
- Dry everything thoroughly before reassembling.
- Restock with food in clean, sealed containers.
Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can damage liners and seals. Wear gloves, and if you are sensitive to mould, consider a mask.
How to Stop Mould Coming Back
- Wipe spills straight away.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Clear out old food weekly.
- Keep the fridge at around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
- Keep seals clean and check them with the paper test.
- Flush the defrost drain every few months.
- Leave an open container of bicarb soda inside to absorb odours.
- Do a full clean every three to six months. See how to clean a fridge.
When Mould Points to a Fault
If mould keeps returning quickly, look for these signs of a fault:
- water pooling under the crisper drawers. See fridge leaking water
- a door seal that is split or no longer grips
- the fridge running warmer than it should
- ice on the back wall of the freezer
A blocked drain, failed seal or defrost fault keeps the inside damp and needs fixing to solve the mould problem for good.
Mould keeps coming back? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556 to check seals, drains and temperatures.
Fridge Repairs Across Sydney
Ace Fridge Repairs replaces door seals, clears drains and fixes defrost faults for homes and businesses across Greater Sydney, including Coogee, Abbotsford, Cecil Hills and Penrith. We are based at 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763, and all repairs carry a 12-month warranty on parts and labour.
For residential or commercial fridge repairs, call 0452 462 556, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills mould in a fridge?
Washing surfaces with warm soapy water, followed by a white vinegar or bicarb soda solution, is effective for most fridge mould. Dry everything thoroughly afterwards.
Why does mould keep growing in my fridge?
Recurring mould usually means excess moisture from a blocked drain, a worn seal, uncovered food or a fridge running too warm.
Should I throw out food with mould on it?
As a general precaution, discard soft foods with visible mould. Refer to the NSW Food Authority for detailed food safety advice.
Can I use bleach to clean mould in my fridge?
It is best avoided, as it can damage liners and seals and leave odours. Vinegar or bicarb soda solutions are gentler options.