One of the hard-working appliances we rarely think too much about is the refrigerator, that is until something goes wrong. All appliances need regular maintenance and cleaning to keep working properly, and your refrigerator and freezer are no exception. Lack of refrigerator maintenance could shorten the useful life of the appliance, as well as result in unnecessary and costly repairs, too.
Whether you have problems with your fridge or you just want to keep it in running condition, this guide can help! We’ll go over fridge maintenance and cleaning basics and a few easy fixes to common problems.
Basic Refrigerator Maintenance
One of the great ways to keep your refrigerator and freezer in tip-top condition is to give them a good cleaning several times a year. While most of us know how important it is to wipe the fridge’s inside when it gets dirty, there are other areas you should also be cleaning regularly to ensure that your fridge keeps working properly.
Proper refrigerator maintenance includes cleaning the coils behind the fridge once or twice a year. These coils keep your refrigerator’s motor working efficiently. Just unplug the fridge and move it away from the wall to clean the coils. Open up the back of the fridge and use a vacuum to clean out any dust or debris you find. For dust that seems to be stuck on, a dry paintbrush can be used to remove it from the coils.
It is also important to clean the door seals regularly to maintain a consistent internal temperature. To clean the seals, you can use a damp cloth to wipe between the folds of the seals on the fridge or freezer door.
Finally, do not forget to wipe down the whole inside and outside of your fridge and freezer. The CDC recommends using hot, soapy water or, to disinfect, a solution made from 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Either of these is able to kill any bacteria in your refrigerator and leave it sparkling clean!
Common Problems and Fixes
Even with regular maintenance and cleaning, refrigerators can still have some problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Freezer Frost
- Frozen Food
- Lukewarm Food
Frost in the freezer. If you are noticing a buildup of frost or ice crystals inside your freezer, your freezer door might not be sealed tightly enough. If your freezer door is not sealed tight, water can get inside, freeze, and form frost. It is important to defrost the freezer completely and clean it thoroughly if this happens. To defrost a freezer, unplug it, open the door, and wait for the ice to melt on its own. This is best done at least once a year. However, if you need to defrost more frequently, you may have to replace the seal.
Food freezing in the refrigerator. You might have a temperature control or thermostat issue if you notice that the food you have in the fridge– especially toward the back– tends to freeze. The easiest way to solve this is to adjust your fridge’s thermostat. But if you still find frozen food in the refrigerator after having done that, you might need to hire a handyman.
The refrigerator is not cold enough. If food in your fridge spoils quickly or does not seem very cold, you have an urgent problem. If your fridge doesn’t get cold, it could have issues related to dirty coils, an incorrectly set thermostat, or a faulty thermostat. The first two fixes are easy and can be done by almost anyone. (A professional will probably be needed to repair a defective thermostat.)
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