Unlike most other home appliances, the refrigerator is always on. Like other appliances, it requires some care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly and hopefully for longer. Poor maintenance leads to higher utility bills, spoiled food not to mention total chaos if it ends up breaking down altogether. Here are a few cleaning and care tips that should increase the longevity of your fridge.
1. Check the door seals & close the door
Make sure the door or doors seal tightly. A loose seal allows cool air to seep out wasting energy and forcing your fridge to work harder than it needs to stay cool. Make sure the seals are free of any food residue. Clean the seals about twice a year using a toothbrush and a solution of baking soda. To test the tightness of your doors. Place a piece of paper or a note of money half in half out then close the refrigerator door. If it slips out easily, you need to get your doors checked by a professional.
2. Keep the coils and cooler fan clean
You need to clean the coils every 3 months or at least twice a year to remove any dust and grime that may have accumulated. This dust increases the energy usage and also forces the refrigerator to work harder shortening the lifespan of the unit. Consult your manual for further details about the cleaning.
3. Remove deposits from drain hole and drip pan
The drain hole and the drip pan work together to remove any condensation occurring in the fridge. Every few months as you clean your refrigerator, remove any food deposits and particles that may be caught in the drain hole. Also, clean the drain pan.
4. Set the right temperature
The optimum temperature for maximum efficiency is between 2.7°– 4.4°C (37°-40°F). Allow the internal environment to stay consistent providing the highest quality food preservation. Your food will stay better longer. Set the freezer at a consistent temperature of -17°C (0° F).
5. Fill it up
Filling up the refrigerator helps the unit cool better and operate more efficiently. Refrigerators need thermal mass to maintain low temperatures and perform optimally. If you don’t have a lot of stuff, store a few jugs of water in there. The idea is not to overcrowd it but to keep it well-stocked up. When stocking up, be careful not to block any vents or controls.
6. Cover food
Store food in containers with securely fitting tops or wrap the food tightly in plastic or foil. This will help minimize the moisture in the unit.
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7. Cool it down first
Make sure food cools before putting it in the refrigerator. Placing hot food in your fridge will raise the temperature inside it forcing the unit to work harder to stabilize the temperatures.
8. Refrigerator placement
Refrigerator placement affects performance. It ideally should not be placed in a hot area in the kitchen because the high temperatures can actually cause the unit to fail. It’s not a good idea to place it in a place where there is direct sunlight or next to a stove, microwave or oven. There should also be some space between the fridge and the wall and the floor as well allowing heat to dissipate properly thus preventing overheating. It’s also important to make sure the unit is placed on a level surface. If it is not on a level surface the door may not seal as tightly compromising the working of the fridge.
Deep cleaning your refrigerator at least twice a year will go a long way in keeping your unit working longer and more effectively.
Another kitchen appliance that needs some TLC is your microwave, check out these tips on the care and maintenance of your microwave.
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Thinking of buying a new fridge, check out Things To Look Out For When Buying A Refrigerator. Check out these other tips to buy other appliances Lifestyle: 7 Things To Look For When Buying General Appliances
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