An Ultimate Guide to maintain a Refrigerator

Thinking about how to maintain your refrigerator? Your refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, and it needs some regular TLC to stay in top shape. Luckily, with a little bit of care, you can keep your fridge running like new for years to come.

In this article, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to keep your fridge in good condition.

Keep it clean

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to keep your fridge clean both inside and out. Wipe down the exterior of your fridge regularly with a damp cloth, and be sure to clean up any spills or drips as soon as they happen. Inside, wipe down shelves and drawers as needed, and don't forget to empty the drip pan (located under the fridge) every few months.

Check seals and gaskets

Over time, seals and gaskets can become worn or cracked, which can lead to leaks. Inspect your fridge's seals and gaskets regularly, and replace them if they show any signs of wear.

Keep it cool

You might be tempted to crank up the temperature on your fridge in an effort to save energy, but this can actually do more harm than good. Be sure to keep your fridge set between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit; anything lower can damage food, and anything higher will cause the unit to work harder than necessary.

Don't overfill it

An overstuffed fridge is less efficient and can prevent air from circulating properly. Leave a little bit of space between items on shelves, and don't pack the door compartments too full.

Store food properly

Not all foods belong in the fridge. Items like bread, tomatoes, and bananas are better off stored at room temperature. Be sure you know where each type of food belongs, and store it accordingly.

Arrange items wisely

Take a minute to think about how you're storing food in your fridge. Group items together so that you can easily find what you need, and store frequently used items within easy reach.

Keep it organized

A cluttered fridge is harder to clean and less efficient than one that's well organized. Invest in some storage containers, and use them to keep things tidy.

Don't block vents

Your fridge needs air to circulate properly, so be sure not to block the vents with food or other items.

Defrost correctly

If your fridge has an automatic defrost cycle, there's no need to do anything; the unit will take care of itself. If you have a manual defrost fridge, however, you'll need to defrost it yourself from time to time. Be sure to unplug the unit before you begin, and remove all food before you start scraping away ice.

Get rid of expired food

Take some time every week or so to go through your fridge and throw out any expired or spoiled food. Not only will this keep your fridge clean, it'll also prevent you from accidentally eating something that's past its prime.

Clean the coils

Dusty or dirty coils can cause your fridge to work harder than it needs to. Be sure to clean the coils on your unit (located either behind or under the fridge) every few months.

Don't put hot food in the fridge

Letting hot food cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge will help prevent condensation and keep your unit running efficiently.

Avoid opening the door too often

Every time you open the fridge, cold air escapes and warm air rushes in. This causes the unit to work harder than necessary, so try to open the door only when absolutely necessary.

Keep an eye on temperature fluctuations

If your fridge starts cycling on and off more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that the unit is having trouble maintaining a consistent temperature. This can be caused by a number of things, so it's best to have a professional take a look.

Schedule regular maintenance

Just like any other appliance, your fridge needs regular maintenance to stay in good working order. Be sure to schedule an annual check-up with a qualified technician to keep your unit running smoothly.

Bonus: Check for recalls - From time to time, fridges (and other appliances) are recalled due to safety or performance issues. To see if your fridge has been recalled, visit the website of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Conclusion

Keeping your fridge clean and organized is important, but it's also crucial to make sure the unit is running efficiently. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your fridge and keep it running like new.

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