After spending a handsome amount on your latest double-door fridge, you’re sure it’ll stay by your side for a long time. Besides, the company has assured that each of their refrigerators, regardless of the fridge price, will work efficiently for up to 5 years. So you’re probably thinking; What’s to worry? Maybe 21st-century technology has finally brought a time, where you no longer need to care about your contribution to an appliance’s longevity. Maybe the refrigerators can now, tend to themselves with their super-smart features.
Well, not just yet. We’re certainly visualizing a future where you only need to sit back and relax, but the idea is still under construction. Until then, one needs to continue adding refrigerator-maintenance in the to-do list, every once in a while. It may sound a bit tiring, but for the sake of healthy living and saving your money from going down the drain, you ought to maintain it!
But to help you with this strenuous and time-consuming task, we listed six easy, quick, and effective ways of maintaining your refrigerator in the right manner.
Contents
Clean Condenser Coils
The condenser coils of your refrigerator keep the cooling system working efficiently. It passes the heats into the ambiance and maintains the interior cooling. However, at times, the accumulated dirt and debris intervenes in its operational efficiency. As a result, the system overheats, and the effects spread out to the compressor. The overall conditions prevent the refrigerator from lowering the internal temperature and keeping the food cold. Thus, one needs to pay special attention to this vital part of the refrigerator.
Access the coils either located at the back or underneath the fridge and remove the dirt using a vacuum or brush with hard bristles. Be prepared for bunches pf pet hair if you have one!
Maintain Gaskets
In case you don’t already know, Gasket refers to the plastic strip that comes attached with the freezer and the main refrigerator compartment. The purpose of this flexible, airtight seal is to prevent the cold air from escaping the fridge. Over time, due to long-term or heavy usage, gaskets tend to become cracked and lose their intact sealing. Thus, resulting in poor cooling or higher electricity uptake by the fridge.
To keep your gasket from becoming a victim of wear and tear, clean it regularly (i.e., twice every month). Soak a clean sponge in lukewarm, soapy water, and wipe off the potentially harmful dust particles and crumbs. The process will hardly take 5-10 minutes. If the gasket gets damaged beyond repair, or you haven’t got the energy, you can even replace the gasket altogether.
Check the Temperature
Sometimes, setting your refrigerator temperatures to extremes can wear it out. It is natural to think that lower temperatures may preserve the food longer. However, it does only increases chances for micro-organisms settlement but damages the fridge’s system. The load on the compressor will increase, which will affect the system. Thus, it is advisable to keep the refrigerator temperature below 40F.
Fill it up, but in the right way
If you find your refrigerator overflowing with food items, then it is time to clear things up a bit. Remove all the items, disconnect the power supply, and sort them. Dispose of the spoiled food and separate the ones to store in the refrigerator again.
Remember, that often overfilled refrigerators put the load on the system. Thus, it is better to keep lesser items in it. Also, store food items in a compact and covered container. As a result, the fridge does not have to work extra hard to keep the moisture levels down.
Change the Water Filter System
If your refrigerator comprises of a water dispenser or ice maker, then you must change the water filter twice a year. Remember that a dirtier water filter or ice maker will not merely put pressure on the system, but will also provide you germ-filled water or ice. Certainly, nobody wants to consume such a substance. You can clean the exterior of the water filter with a clean rag every weekend. However, you may need the assistance of a professional service when changing the internal filter.
Other than the filter, if your refrigerator has a drip pan or drains hole for condensation, then you need to clean it at least once a month. Empty the refrigerator, disconnect the power supply, and clear out the food particle accumulation from the drain hole. Then, clean and scrub the drip pan.
Conclusion
Before you begin maintenance, take a few precautionary measures and wear gloves or a mask. Try to cover the objects in ambiance with a cloth to prevent the spread of dirt.
The general maintenance of a refrigerator takes merely an hour or two. Thus, one can conveniently take out some time once a month or even once a week. Without regular maintenance, this useful technology will lose its effectiveness. One must take maintenance seriously as the refrigerator has become an integral part of our lives, and the fridge price these days has risen drastically.