How to Maintain a Refrigerator

A refrigerator, like any appliance, needs some basic care in order to stay in working order. If you care for it properly, a refrigerator can stand up to many years of use, even after you have retired an old refrigerator to the garage to be a backup to your new one. Following are some steps for properly maintaining a refrigerator.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ensure that any food placed in a refrigerator is wrapped or sealed in a container. Plastic and rubber parts inside the refrigerator may absorb odors from unwrapped foods, especially if and when they spoil.

2. Clean the inside of the refrigerator regularly with a solution of baking soda and water, even if it doesn't seem to need it. This kind of care will also prevent odors from being absorbed.

3. Vacuum the back of the refrigerator and underneath it. Remove the front grill and clean it as well.

4. Empty the water pan if you find water in it. Otherwise, just clean it and place it back under the refrigerator.

5. Change the water filter (if you have filtered water and ice) according to the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer.

6. Check the refrigerator door gasket. Close several sheets of paper in the door at different locations, then try to pull them out. If you feel resistance, your gasket is good; if not, have it replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• The best temperature settings are 37 degrees for the refrigerator and 0 degrees for the freezer.
• Although a refrigerator will continue to operate in an unheated space, the freezer won't once the temperature drops below 40 degrees. The interior may get warm enough for food to thaw and eventually spoil. Also, water lines may freeze and break.

Resources

• For help troubleshooting a malfunctioning refrigerator, visit All About Home.