Useful Tips for Refrigerator Maintenance
- Every six months, thoroughly clean your fridge’s coils. Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on the coils, and this can cause the appliance to overheat. Their function is to actually prevent overheating, but when they are dirty, they are unable to perform their job. The coils are the lines that are located on the back of your fridge, or they may be found beneath it in newer models. Cleaning can be performed with a vacuum or bristle brush.
- Check the fridge’s internal temperature often. The inside of the appliance should be at or below 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit in the non-freezer compartment. When temperatures inside are warmer, it can cause food to spoil quickly. One easy way to prevent warmer temperatures is to make sure you let leftovers cool before placing them inside. Warm food can raise the internal temperature a few degrees.
- Make sure the door gaskets are clean and functional. The gaskets prevent cool fridge air from escaping. When the seals are worn out, this can lead to a nearly 3% energy increase since the fridge has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature. Wash the gaskets regularly with water and dish soap. If you notice a problem with food spoiling more quickly than normal, the gaskets may need to be replaced.
- Keep the inside of the fridge clean. Everyone loves to keep leftovers. They make for a quick lunch or dinner. However, make sure you are throwing out old food every few days. It helps prevent bacterial growth. Also, you should clean the shelves in your fridge with a warm sponge and soapy water to remove crumbs and spills.
- If the power goes out, keep the refrigerator doors closed. Try to use food from your pantry as much as possible if the power goes out. Food in the fridge has the potential to last up to 48 hours if the doors are properly sealed. When the power comes back on, be sure to check the food to be sure it’s safe before you eat anything.
For more helpful appliance maintenance tips, check out our other blog posts. We also offer a Kitchen Essentials Repair Plan in some territories that will provide protection for your refrigerator.