I have a refrigerator that I thoroughly cleaned out and washed with soap/baking soda, and let thoroughly dry. They always recommend to keep Doors Open for long term refrigerator storage.
This prevents mold and mildew growth even when unplugged.
My question, why does mold/mildew grow in Refrigerators unplugged, but they do Not grow in closed cabinets or electronic interior equipment as much?
Do unplugged refrigerator plastics have tenacity to grow more mold?
https://www.kentstorage.com.au/how-to-store-a-refrigerator-in-storage
*Just fyi, after cleaning refrigerator, I left door open for few days to dry out, but I guess keeping doors open for Long Term is the question
Best Answer
They don't mean "Even when unplugged". They mean "When unplugged".
Because refrigerators are wet inside, and refrigerator doors seal too well
Try putting 1/2 cup of water inside a cabinet, then bagging the outside of the cabinet door with plastic. You'll get mold inside that too.
The interior shell is not a hermetic seal. It's just some cosmetic cowlings because white plastic is more attractive than galvanized metal and insulation fiber. Moist air still moves around and through it, then condenses or freezes.
It's water in all those inaccessible spaces that is the problem.
After some number of months, that will eventually dry out. And then, you can let the door close.