Over time, the rubber seal on the refrigerator door can change color to yellow due to various factors. This could be due to exposure to light, moisture, and chemicals from food or cleaners. This yellow color not only reduces the aesthetics of the refrigerator, but can also be an indication that the quality of the seal is starting to decline. In some cases, yellow and dirty seals prevent the refrigerator door from closing tightly, thereby increasing energy consumption.
Apart from impacting appearance and energy efficiency, yellowed and poorly maintained rubber seals can also cause health problems. Rubber that is old and damaged is more susceptible to the growth of mold and bacteria. This can be a source of contamination that has the potential to contaminate food stored in the refrigerator. Therefore, maintaining the cleanliness and condition of the rubber seal is very important to ensure the refrigerator remains hygienic and safe to use.
To overcome this problem, you can take several simple maintenance steps, such as cleaning the refrigerator door rubber regularly. Luckily, an Instagram user @harisusanto4121 once shared a simple way to change yellowed refrigerator door rubber so that it shines like new again.
Reported by BrilioFood from Instagram @harisusanto4121 on Tuesday (6/8), this Instagram user admitted that he only used simple ingredients, namely toothpaste, baking soda and dishwashing soap. Mix these three ingredients in one container, then stir until smooth.
Instagram/@harisusanto4121
Next, apply the cleaning agent evenly to the rubber surface of the refrigerator door. Leave it for a few moments. Only then scrub it using an old toothbrush.
Instagram/@harisusanto4121
If so, wipe immediately using a dry cloth or tissue. Make sure there is no remaining dirt or soap still attached. That way, the refrigerator door rubber will be shinier and shiny like new.
Instagram/@harisusanto4121
Basically, toothpaste, baking soda and dish soap are effective for removing yellow stains and dirt on refrigerator door rubber because each has cleaning properties. Toothpaste, for example, contains detergents and mild whitening agents that help dissolve dirt and brighten the color of the rubber. On the other hand, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a gentle abrasive that effectively removes stains and dirt. The small particles are able to rub the rubber surface without causing damage. Additionally, dish soap formulas often contain additional ingredients such as enzymes and mild bleach that help remove stains and brighten the rubber surface. However, please note that these ingredients will work effectively on refrigerator rubber that is still intact or has not been damaged. If the rubber seal is too damaged or no longer effective, replacing it with a new one is the best solution. That way, the refrigerator engine will work well and of course save electrical energy.