My Nana Taught Me This Trick to Clean Black Mold on Refrigerator Gaskets in Just Minutes

 Your refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in the house — but over time, grime, food stains, and even black mold can build up in one of the most overlooked areas: the rubber door gasket. If left uncleaned, this area can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which may affect the hygiene of your entire fridge.

Thankfully, my Nana showed me an easy, effective, and safe way to clean the gasket — without damaging or deforming it. Here’s how you can do it at home in just minutes.

Method 1: Clean with Salt, BakingSoda, and Vinegar

Why It Works:

Salt disinfects, baking soda scrubs away grime, and vinegar helps break down mold and grease.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of salt

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda

• A splash of white vinegar

• Optional: A little white wine (for added shine and disinfection)

• A cloth, chopstick, and bowl

Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine salt, baking soda, vinegar, and a little white wine. Stir until dissolved.

2. Soak a cloth in the mixture until it’s saturated.

3. Wrap the cloth around a chopstick — this gives you a narrow tool that can reach into the gasket’s folds and corners.

4. Carefully insert the cloth-wrapped chopstick into the gasket slots and scrub away dirt, mold, and grime.

5. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Method 2: Disinfect with Rubbing Alcohol or White Wine

 

 

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Method 2: Disinfect with Rubbing Alcohol or White Wine

Why It Works:

Rubbing alcohol and white wine both disinfect, clean, and evaporate quickly, making them ideal for rubber surfaces.