Kimchi Fridge and Container Cleaning Before Making Kimchi ========================================================= Before making kimchi, distinguish between the cleaning requirements for the refrigerator itself and its kimchi containers. Check the drying instructions for each container type and how to remove frost. After restarting the refrigerator, let it cool sufficiently before putting kimchi in. - Only use detergents approved in the model's manual to clean the refrigerator itself. - Do not apply odor-removal methods for standard containers unchanged to containers with filters. - Frost can form in direct-cooling models and must not be removed with sharp tools. - After cleaning, check for moisture, confirm that parts are installed, and make sure the door seals properly. - Use the cooling instructions for each model, not a universal waiting period, to decide when to put food back in. Before making kimchi for winter, clean the kimchi refrigerator itself and its containers separately. Follow the instructions for each part when choosing detergents and drying methods. Remove frost without sharp tools. Add fresh kimchi only after restarting the refrigerator and allowing the interior to cool sufficiently. This article is based on manufacturers’ care guidance and separate product-specific instructions as of October 2026. Kimchi storage functions and cooling methods The kimchi storage function adjusts the storage temperature to suit the characteristics of kimchi. The fermentation function is used to ripen kimchi. Vegetable and meat storage functions are available on models that support them. Do not judge the cooling method by appearance alone. Direct cooling chills the storage compartment walls themselves. Samsung Electronics Service explains that the middle and lower compartments of some upright models also use direct cooling. Some frost can therefore form even in upright models. Type Structure and functions to check Effect on maintenance Top-opening, direct-cooling models Interior walls that become cold Frost on the walls needs to be managed Some upright models Cooling method for each compartment Frost may form in direct-cooling compartments Models with food-specific modes Settings for kimchi, vegetables, meat, and other foods Select the mode that suits the food being stored Maintenance should be based on the actual structure of the storage compartments rather than the refrigerator’s shape. Details are available in Samsung Electronics Service’s guide to frost in upright models. Comparing cleaning guidelines for the main unit and removable parts When cleaning a kimchi refrigerator, first distinguish where water can be used. Spraying water directly onto the main unit is not allowed. Removable parts must also be cleaned only as permitted in the manual. Part Basic care method Additional points to check Interior walls and floor Remove dirt with a soft cloth Whether a neutral detergent is allowed Shelves and drawers Remove and clean according to the manual Removal direction and cleaning restrictions Rubber door gasket Use a soft cloth to remove debris from the grooves Permitted detergents and signs of damage Standard plastic containers Use a neutral detergent and a soft sponge Whether the lid and gasket can be removed Containers with filters Follow the separate instructions for that container Conditions for washing, drying, and replacing the filter Samsung Electronics Service recommends water and a neutral detergent for the interior of upright models. It instructs users to remove detergent residue and moisture after cleaning. Bleach, alcohol, acetone, and thinner can cause damage or discoloration. These restrictions are stated in its upright model cleaning and care guide. Steps for wiping the interior clean Clean the interior after moving the food and disconnecting the power. Make room in a refrigerated space for the stored food. With dry hands, grasp the plug itself and unplug it. Remove spilled brine and food residue with a soft cloth. Wipe the walls and accessories using a method permitted in the manual. Finish by removing all detergent residue and moisture. Samsung Electronics Service advises against spraying water directly onto the unit. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or brushes on the main unit’s surfaces. Do not force off fixed covers or parts that are difficult to remove. Cleaning kimchi containers and controlling odors The basic method for standard plastic containers is to wash them with a neutral detergent and a soft sponge. The inside of the lid and the sealing grooves also need cleaning. Remove gaskets only if the container’s manual permits it. Empty the contents and any remaining brine. Wash the inside and outside of the container with a soft sponge. Remove residue from the lid and sealing grooves. Rinse thoroughly so that no detergent remains. Dry according to the instructions for the container, then reassemble the parts. Samsung Electronics Service also describes methods using baking soda or vinegar diluted in water. Its guidance dated October 26, 2026 gives a soaking time of about one day. This method is presented for controlling odors in kimchi containers. It does not instruct users to apply the same diluted solution to the refrigerator’s interior walls. The guidance does not specify an exact dilution ratio. An arbitrary mixing ratio therefore cannot be set as a universal standard. Check both how to keep food fresh and the container’s manual to determine where the method applies. Comparing drying methods for standard and Odor Care containers Do not apply the drying method for standard containers to containers with filters without checking their instructions. Samsung Electronics Service’s guidance for standard containers includes drying in sunlight. Its guidance for Odor Care kimchi containers, however, says to avoid direct sunlight. Item Standard container care guidance Instructions specifically for Odor Care kimchi containers Washing Soft sponge and neutral detergent Hand-washing the container and lid is recommended Sunlight Prolonged exposure may cause deformation or discoloration Avoid direct sunlight and store in a cool place If the filter gets wet Not applicable to containers without filters Dry in the shade before use If the filter is torn or dirty Not applicable to containers without filters Replace with a new filter Samsung Electronics Service’s “Cleaning and Precautions for Odor Care Kimchi Containers” gives the following warning. When the kimchi container is not in use, do not store it at high temperatures for extended periods. If this container becomes deformed from high-temperature washing, its odor-reducing function may become less effective. Do not use a dirty filter; replace it. Follow the instructions specifically for Odor Care kimchi containers for detailed conditions. Choosing how to remove kimchi refrigerator odors based on their source Odor control depends on where the smell comes from. Lingering odors in a container and brine spilled inside the main unit require different care. Odors at the back of the refrigerator also cannot be resolved by cleaning the interior alone. Where the odor is noticed What to check first Scope of care When opening a container lid Sealing grooves, gasket, and container interior Cleaning and drying according to the container’s instructions Throughout the storage compartment Stored food, spilled brine, and door gasket Removing the source of contamination and wiping the interior A container with a filter Dirt or tears in the filter Replacement according to the specific instructions Back of the appliance Dust and debris around the cover Cleaning accessible exterior areas LG Electronics advises unplugging the power cord before cleaning the back. Dust on the outside of the cover can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Do not remove the machinery compartment cover yourself. Doing so risks damaging the internal refrigerant pipes and causing a safety incident. Cleaning that requires disassembly should be assessed by a professional service technician. This warning is stated in LG Electronics’ guide to odors coming from behind the refrigerator. Frost removal and inspection guidelines for kimchi refrigerators Frost can form during normal use in direct-cooling storage compartments. It forms when moisture in the air entering through an open door touches the cold walls. Remove thick frost by following the procedure for the specific model. LG Electronics’ guidance for top-opening models describes natural defrosting. Samsung Electronics Service’s guidance for upright models also includes natural defrosting. However, the buttons used to turn off the power and the controls for individual compartments vary by product. Move food to a suitable refrigerated storage space. Turn off the relevant compartment or the appliance according to the manual. Open the door and allow the frost to melt naturally. Collect the meltwater and wipe the interior completely dry. Restart the appliance and add food once it has cooled sufficiently. Do not chip or scrape frost with a knife or awl. LG Electronics warns that damage to the cooling plate can cause refrigerant gas to leak. Even plastic tools should be used only in ways permitted for the model. The relevant warning is available in the guide to frozen food and frost management. If thick frost repeatedly forms, check whether the door closes properly. Also check the gasket for debris or damage. If sealing problems or cooling issues persist, an inspection by the manufacturer is needed. The difference between finishing cleaning and being ready to add food Removing dirt alone does not mean the refrigerator is ready for food. First check that moisture has been removed and the parts are properly installed. After turning on the power, check the actual cooling conditions. Item to check Required condition Interior, drawers, and gasket grooves No detergent residue or moisture remains Parts that were removed Properly installed in their original positions Door and gasket Seal tightly without catching on parts or containers Cord and plug No damage or abnormal heat Display The compartment to be used and its storage mode are set correctly Interior cooling The conditions specified in the manual for adding food have been reached Samsung Electronics Service advises adding food after the interior temperature has dropped sufficiently. There is no basis for converting this into a single waiting time for all products. Check the model’s manual for the time needed and how to confirm readiness. Common mistakes with storage settings The coldest setting is not suitable for every type of kimchi. The appropriate setting depends on the kimchi type and salt content. The fermentation function also serves a different purpose from the long-term storage function. Common assumption Correct guideline Set all kimchi intended for long-term storage to high Low-salt kimchi can freeze, so check the setting for each type Use fermentation mode for all freshly made kimchi Choose based on when you plan to eat it and how ripe you want it A kimchi container can be filled to the top as long as the lid closes Follow the fill line marked on the container Modes with the same name have the same temperature on every model Check the set temperature for each model LG Electronics gives water kimchi and radish kimchi as examples for the low setting. It recommends medium for napa cabbage kimchi and mustard leaf kimchi, and high for salty, aged kimchi. Actual temperatures may vary by model. These examples should be understood within the scope of the temperature setting guide by kimchi type. Frequently asked questions How many days before making winter kimchi should the refrigerator be cleaned? There is no single timing rule that applies to every household. First secure space to move the food already in storage. Also allow enough time for the containers to dry and the main unit to cool. Can neutral detergent be used anywhere on the main unit? It cannot be used in the same way on every part. Samsung Electronics Service recommends it for the interior and accessories of upright models. For other models, follow the permitted uses in their manuals. Can Odor Care containers also be dried in sunlight? These containers must be kept out of direct sunlight. Their specific instructions say to store them in a cool place. If the filter gets wet, dry it in the shade before use. Is frost normal in an upright model? Some frost can form in direct-cooling storage compartments. Samsung Electronics Service cites the middle and lower compartments of some upright models as examples. If thick frost repeatedly forms, check the door and gasket. What should I do if black stains remain on the door gasket? Wipe gently with a detergent permitted in the manual. If stains or unpleasant odors recur even after cleaning, you can contact the manufacturer. If the gasket is torn or does not seal properly, check whether it can be replaced. Can I add fresh kimchi immediately after turning on the power? Add it only after confirming that the interior has cooled sufficiently. The display lighting up alone does not determine when food can be added. Follow the model’s manual for instructions on returning it to use. FAQ Q. How many days before making kimchi for the winter should I do the cleaning? A. There is no standard number of days. You need to consider where to move the food and how long the containers need to dry. You also need to allow time to check that the refrigerator is cooling properly after restarting it. Q. Can I use a mild detergent inside the main unit? A. Samsung Electronics Service advises that it can be used on the interior and accessories of upright models. No detergent or moisture should be left behind. For other models, check what their manuals allow. Q. Can I wipe down the main unit with diluted vinegar or a baking soda solution? A. Do not apply the odor-control methods for kimchi containers directly to the main unit. Follow the cleaning methods allowed for that model. Q. What ratio of vinegar to water should I use to soak the containers? A. The Samsung Electronics Service guidance reviewed does not specify an exact dilution ratio. An arbitrary ratio cannot be set as a universal standard. Check the container's manual or consult the manufacturer. Q. Should I remove all the gaskets from the kimchi containers and wash them? A. First, check whether the design allows the gaskets to be removed for cleaning. Do not forcibly remove fixed gaskets. Q. Can all kimchi containers be dried in sunlight? A. Drying instructions vary by container. Samsung Electronics Service advises keeping odor-care kimchi containers out of direct sunlight. Q. If the odor-care filter becomes soiled, can I wash and reuse it? A. Samsung Electronics Service advises replacing a soiled filter rather than using it. This must be distinguished from the instructions to dry a filter in the shade if it has come into contact with water. Q. Does frost mean the refrigerator is malfunctioning? A. Frost can form in direct-cooling compartments. If thick frost keeps forming, check that the door closes properly and inspect the condition of the gasket. If cooling problems persist, an inspection by the manufacturer is needed. Q. Can I remove frost with a knife or an awl? A. Do not use them. LG Electronics warns that damage to the cooling plate can cause refrigerant gas to leak. Follow the natural defrosting procedure for your model. Q. Can I open the rear machinery compartment cover to remove dust? A. Do not remove it yourself. LG Electronics warns of the risk of accidents and damage to refrigerant pipes. Cleaning that requires disassembly needs to be assessed by a professional service technician. Q. How many hours after cleaning should I put the kimchi in? A. There is no basis for applying the same waiting time to all products. Put food in only after the interior has cooled sufficiently. Check the manual for your model for specific conditions. Q. Should I choose the high setting to store kimchi for a long time? A. The setting depends on the type of kimchi and its salt content. Low-salt kimchi can freeze at settings that are too cold. Follow the product's storage instructions for each type of kimchi. Sources - 3needs, Cleaning a Kimchi Refrigerator, 7 Care Tips You Must Check Before Making Kimchi for Winter: https://3needs.co.kr/kimchi-refrigerator-cleaning-guide/ - Samsung Electronics Service, How to Clean and Care for an Upright Model: https://www.samsungsvc.co.kr/solution/36041 - Samsung Electronics Service, How to Keep Food Fresh in a Kimchi Refrigerator: https://www.samsungsvc.co.kr/solution/2912267 - Samsung Electronics Service, Cleaning Odor Care Kimchi Containers and Precautions: https://www.samsungsvc.co.kr/solution/2553315 - Samsung Electronics Service, Frost Forms Inside the Refrigerator Compartment, Upright Model: https://www.samsungsvc.co.kr/solution/120542 - LG Electronics, How to Prevent Vegetables or Fruit Stored in a Kimchi Refrigerator from Freezing: https://www.lge.co.kr/support/solutions-20150703946948 - LG Electronics, When There Is an Odor Behind a Kimchi Refrigerator: https://www.lge.co.kr/support/solutions-1003499 - LG Electronics, How to Set the Temperature for Different Types of Kimchi: https://www.lge.co.kr/support/solutions-20152666845907 Images - A woman wipes the inside of an unplugged kimchi refrigerator while washed containers dry on a rack.: https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDA3MTcsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--ba732cf89a98cb899ac902182ba2aead9e44669d/ai-44ec0c4d.webp - An older man sets a wet kimchi-container lid with a filter upright in a drying rack beside empty tubs.: https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDA3MjMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0b17cd40d767a1af505c29f8d5106b629b3ca0ed/ai-4fc65a22.webp --- Category: Knowledge Base Source: https://injoys.com/en/articles/kimchi-refrigerator-pre-kimjang-cleaning-container-care License: cc_by Translation-Status: reviewed