How to Maintain Your Fridge to Prevent Breakdowns
The best way to avoid having a fridge breakdown is through simple maintenance, over the years we have seen a lot of breakdowns that could have been avoided. In this post, we'll provide you with tips based on our experiences, if you do them regularly, it'll help you avoid a costly fridge repair bill.
If after reading this guide, you have any questions or feel uncomfortable maintaining your own fridge, you can always make use of your fridge repair services. AllAppliance Tech is here to help you.
Keep the Fridge's Coils Clean: The coils in your fridge are responsible for releasing heat, and if they become clogged with dust and debris, it can cause your fridge to work harder and use more energy. To prevent this from happening, you should clean the coils at least twice a year.
Here’s how to do it:
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Unplug your fridge: Before you can start cleaning, you must unplug your fridge first, this is to avoid any electrical accidents.
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Locate the coils: The coils on your fridge are usually located at the back or bottom of the appliance. You may need to pull the fridge away from the wall to access them.
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Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove the dust and debris: Once you have located the coils, use a vacuum cleaner or a special coil cleaning brush to remove the dust and debris that has accumulated on them. Be gentle while cleaning to avoid damaging the coils.
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Wipe the coils with a damp cloth: Once you have removed as much dust and debris as possible, use a damp cloth to wipe the coils clean. Make sure to remove any remaining debris that may have been left behind.
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Plug your fridge back in: After you have cleaned the coils, plug your fridge back in and allow it to cool down before putting your food back inside.
Check the Door Seals
The door seals on your fridge are responsible for keeping the cool air inside and the warm air outside. When they become damaged or worn, it can cause your fridge to work harder and use more energy as cold air escapes. To check the door seals, follow these steps:
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Close the fridge door on a piece of paper or a bill: One way to check if the door seals are working properly is to close the fridge door on a piece of paper or a dollar bill. Make sure the paper or bill is fully inserted between the door and the fridge frame.
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Try to remove the paper or bill: Once you've closed the fridge door on the paper or bill, try to remove it. If you can easily remove the paper or bill, it means the door seal is not tight enough and needs to be replaced.
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Inspect the door seals: Inspect the door seals visually to check for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or splits. If you notice any damage, it's time to replace the seals.
Keep the Fridge at the Right Temperature
Keeping your fridge at the right temperature is crucial for ensuring that your food stays fresh for as long as possible. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius. To ensure that your fridge is at the right temperature:
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Use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the fridge: One of the easiest ways to ensure that your fridge is maintaining a safe temperature is to use a thermometer. You can find inexpensive fridge thermometers at most home goods stores or online retailers. Place the thermometer in the center of the fridge and wait a few hours for the temperature to stabilize. Ideally, the temperature should be between 1-4 degrees Celsius to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat.
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Adjust the temperature settings accordingly: If you find that the temperature is too high or too low, you can adjust the fridge temperature settings accordingly. Most fridges have a control dial that allows you to adjust the temperature up or down. It's important to note that adjusting the temperature will not have an immediate effect, so you may need to wait a few hours or even overnight to see the full impact.
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Avoid keeping the fridge door open for extended periods: Every time you open the fridge door, warm air enters the fridge and causes the temperature to rise. To maintain a consistent temperature, it's important to avoid keeping the fridge door open for extended periods. This means taking everything you need out at once and closing the door quickly. You can also try to organize your fridge so that items you use most often are within easy reach, reducing the need to keep the door open for long periods.
Clean Your Fridge Every Three Months
It's important to keep the inside of your fridge clean to prevent bacteria and mold buildup that can lead to nasty smells and even affect the quality of your food. Here's how you can easily clean the interior of your fridge:
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Empty the fridge: Before you start cleaning, remove all items from the fridge. This includes food, shelves, and drawers.
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Remove any shelves or drawers that can be taken out: Take out any removable shelves or drawers and set them aside.
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Clean the interior of the fridge with a solution of warm water and mild detergent: Dip a sponge or cloth into a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Wipe down the interior of the fridge, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to any areas that may have accumulated spills or stains.
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Wipe the shelves and drawers with the same solution, and dry them thoroughly before replacing them in the fridge: Take the shelves and drawers that you removed earlier and wash them with the same solution of warm water and mild detergent. Once you've cleaned them, make sure to dry them thoroughly before placing them back in the fridge.
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Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the interior of the fridge: When cleaning your fridge, it's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can cause damage to the interior of the fridge. Instead, use a gentle solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean the fridge and its components.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful to you, and you will be able to keep your fridge in working condition. If you have questions or are in need of help with a broken fridge, we are here to help you.