What is this black smudgy film on my white appliances?
June 22, 2010 by MrAuthor
Filed under Appliances
I have a new refrigerator, dishwasher, bottle sterilizer and a dirty diaper can… they all are getting this black film on them and they are all white. It comes off with a wet paper towel but Im worried as to why this keeps coming back. Could this be something in the air in my house or is this common with white appliances?
I read it could be from candles or carbon. Does anyone have experience with this?
Candles, or other sources of an open flame could cause this, such as a kerosene heater (notorious for soot build up inside a home), or even a fireplace, or wood stove.
Another source, and often overlooked, is an ion air cleaner/purifier. These work by changing the static charge of dust particles in the air, which makes them attract to the oppositely charged surfaces such as walls, and appliances. Even a small ion unit, such as a self contained unit (2" cube, or less) that simply plugs into the wall outlet will cause this effect. This would be most noticeable in the room it is in. Larger purifiers would cause this effect throughout the house.
If you are using candles, kerosene heat, fireplace, etc — consider using them less, and/or get an air purifier to remove the soot before it gets to the surfaces of your white appliances.
If you are using an Ion air purifier – its working as it should, and you will either have to use a different type of air purifier, or resign yourself to wiping down the surfaces on a daily basis.
By the way, if you have an oil fired furnace – it could be the source, and if so, needs to be checked by a professional, because it would mean the exhaust is not being vented outside the home as it should be. Fireplaces and wood stoves can also be a source of soot, as I’ve already mentioned, and if its very bad, they should be checked also, although some soot is to be expected, as the doors are opened, to start/stoke/bank the fire, etc.
If you’re using kerosene heaters, I strongly suggest that you stop using them altogether, and use an alternative heat method, such as an oil filled electric heater. ANYTHING that burns an open flame produces carbon monoxide. Candles are usually a negligent source, but kerosene, or propane, heaters can produce deadly amounts. One of the first signs of overexposure to carbon monoxide is a mild headache, and/or drowsiness.
Good Luck