Clean your Samsung kimchi refrigerator

Replace the deodorizers in your 4-door kimchi fridge

The deodorizers in your 4-Door kimchi Refrigerator can be removed and replaced if needed. Depending on your model, your fridge may have a deodorizer in the top compartment near the Crisper drawer and in the bottom compartment. You can pull out the drawers in both compartments to find the deodorizer.

Top compartment deodorizer

Pull out the compartment drawer and locate the deodorizer on the top.
To remove the deodorizer, place your finger in the groove and then press down. Then, lift the deodorizer.
Insert the new deodorizer, and then reinsert the compartment drawer.

Bottom compartment deodorizer

Fully open the bottom compartment drawer and then remove all the kimchi containers.
The deodorizer will be on the left side of the drawer divider. To remove it, place your finger in the groove, and then press down and pull.
Insert the new deodorizer, and then replace the kimchi containers.
Reinsert the compartment drawer.

Clean the deodorizers in your chest kimchi fridge

The two deodorizers in your Kimchi and Specialty 2-Door Chest Refrigerator are semi-permanent and do not need to be replaced. Instead, you can remove and clean them.

Open the refrigerator door and then locate the deodorizer hook. It will be on the underside of the door, in the center.

Note: Your fridge will have two deodorizers; there will be one in each door.
Flip up the hook, and then pull the deodorizer cover down. Remove the deodorizer from the door.
Clean the deodorizer using a mild detergent and water, and allow it to dry in the sun for about one day. This will reactivate the deodorization agents.
Once the deodorizer is dry, reinsert it into the door and then replace the cover.
Repeat these steps if you wish to clean the other deodorizer.

Indicators displaying where the deodorizers are located

Clean the kimchi containers

Note: The color and smell of kimchi in the container may not go away after using it for a long time.

Your refrigerator's kimchi containers can develop an odor after storing your kimchi for a while or if the kimchi has leaked. The containers may also have a strong plastic smell when you first receive your fridge. The following are some tips for keeping the containers clean:

If the containers smell of plastic, or if you have not cleaned them in a while, they can be washed using a mild detergent and sponge.
If the containers have an odor, you can put finely sliced pieces of green leaves inside the containers and leave it for a day with the lids closed. You can also fill the container with rice water for 30 minutes and then scrub with a sponge.
To rinse your containers, wipe them down with a wet sponge.

Note: Kimchi containers and their lids are not dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe. Do not boil them or put them in hot water (over 122 °F).

Clean the interior and exterior

Note: Place used coffee grounds inside the refrigerator to effectively remove foul odors.

Due to the fermenting process required to store kimchi, your refrigerator may develop an odor over time. Although the deodorizers will eliminate most odors, and used coffee grounds can get the rest, it's still helpful to deep-clean your fridge from time to time. Make sure to unplug the power cord and remove the kimchi containers before you start cleaning. The following are some tips for maintaining your fridge:

The interior and exterior can be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth or paper towel. You can use a small amount of water if needed.
Excess moisture on the interior and exterior can be dried using a clean towel. You can also leave the doors open and allow the interior parts to air-dry.
Use a dry towel to clean the controls and the display. Do not use water or detergent on these parts of the refrigerator.

Woman cleaning the exterior of the kimchi refrigerator

The doors may not close properly if the rubber seals need to be cleaned. Using a mild detergent and a damp cloth, carefully clean the rubber seals. Dry them with a soft, clean cloth.
The rubber seal’s grooves can be cleaned using a cotton swab.
The rear panel can be vacuumed once or twice a year if necessary.
Avoid using products containing benzene, paint thinner, bleach, alcohol, or acetone when cleaning the refrigerator. Do not spray water directly onto the refrigerator.
If you don’t intend to use the refrigerator for an extended period of time, disconnect the power plug.