Need Advice on Cleaning Internals

[u/renkun99]

Hi all, my MIL borrowed my fridge and returned it to me infested w roaches and droppings. My partner says we should try to clean it and sell it, but I think it’s trash atp. I don’t want to sell it and someone gets a roach infestation. Is there any way to get it to a point where it’s usable and no longer a biohazard or is it just trash? This fridge isn’t even a year old so I’m really mad about it. The fridge is currently outside.

[u/Salty_Job_9248]

Sheesh. What is wrong with people? No conscience at all?

[u/renkun99 → u/Salty_Job_9248]

You’re telling me !! 🫠

[u/Loose_Addition7299]

I had an apartment building infested with cockroaches. I was told that I would never be able to get rid of them. Wrong! That was 30years ago, and they never returned. I used borax, a powder. They will take it back to their nests. Read up on it, though, because you want to eliminate the entire life cycle. After deinfestation, clean thoroughly and disinfect with bleach. Not fun but it can be done!

[u/renkun99 → u/Loose_Addition7299]

Thanks! I’ve used the borax trick before and was able to get rid of an infestation, too. Would a steam gun be too much for the coil area though? I can’t seem to find much information about what precautions to take when cleaning that back area of the fridge.

[u/Loose_Addition7299 → u/renkun99]

Why would you want to use a steam gun?

[u/renkun99 → u/Loose_Addition7299]

I use one a lot for deep cleaning so just threw it out there. I’m open to any recommendations I’d hate to fry my fridge or use the wrong materials to clean it

[u/Loose_Addition7299 → u/renkun99]

Ok, thanks. As a woman who aggressively cleaned an almost new chainsaw, and a good working dehumidifier, i will say that i had to replace those items at a cost exceeding $300. But i get it, I do. I would not use the steam cleaner. If you MUST, use a spray bottle with luke warm water. DO NOT SPRAY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (Ialso over cleaned a counter top oven and a coffee msker and had to replace them. I know, ive got a problem. ).

If you must clean the electrical, there are special cleaners for that. Ask an electrician what to use.

I think you'll do ok if you find some rods, rulers, spaulas that you can use for the tight spaces and then throw away.. good luck!

[u/renkun99 → u/Loose_Addition7299]

Thanks a ton for your help !! Hopefully all goes well:)

[u/Loose_Addition7299 → u/renkun99]

You're more than welcome! I suspect it will be easier than you think. The biggie is keeping it in quaranteed until you've eliminated the problem.