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A Handy Guide to Basic Refrigerator Maintenance

close up of gloved hands cleaning a refrigerator door handle with disinfectant wipe. The refrigerator is an often-overlooked machine that silently achieves its duties until something goes awry. While we tend to take it for granted, it’s crucial to provide regular supervision and cleaning to guarantee its optimal functionality. This involves not just to the refrigerator but also to the freezer. Disregarding these essential maintenance tasks can shorten your appliance’s lifespan and lead to expensive and unnecessary repairs.

Whether you’re facing fridge problems or aiming for uninterrupted performance, this guide is here to help. We will delve into the fundamentals of fridge maintenance and cleaning, along with offering simple remedies for common problems. By observing these guidelines, you can prolong the life of your refrigerator while avoiding unnecessary inconveniences and expenses.

Exterior Refrigerator Maintenance

Cleaning the outside of your fridge often is an important part of keeping it in good shape. Dust and dirt can build up, making them look less nice. To get the shine back, use a soft brush or a vacuum tool to remove any loose dirt. Look out for dusty vents and coils that make the air conditioner less effective.

Focus on cleaning the door knobs and control panel, where dirt and fingerprints tend to build up. Use a gentle soap or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the handles. For tough spots, a cleaner that doesn’t scratch works well. Use a soft, lightly wet cloth and stay away from too much water when cleaning electrical parts.

Wipe the whole outside with a wet cloth and a mild cleaner to finish the job. Pay attention to the sides and corners that are easy to miss. Dry it completely to avoid water spots or lines.

Cleaning the outside of your fridge on a regular basis keeps it looking good and keeps your kitchen clean. It helps the device last longer and work more smoothly.

Interior Refrigerator Maintenance

To keep your refrigerator fresh and hygienic, start by removing all the shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm, soapy water, adding a bit of baking soda for odor control. Rinse and dry them thoroughly before putting them back.

While those are drying, clean the fridge’s walls and back. Use a cloth or sponge and a light cleaner to wipe them down. Pay attention to spots that won’t go away and get into all the corners and cracks.

Don’t forget to look at the back of the fridge! To get to this often-forgotten spot, gently pull it away from the wall. To clean the coils, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush adapter or a long-handled brush. Make sure you don’t break any wires or parts, and then push the fridge back into place when you’re done.

 

Defrosting the Freezer

As time passes, ice can accumulate in the freezer, impacting its efficiency. First, make sure to unplug the freezer to ensure safety. Next, remove all the food items from the freezer and transfer them to a cooler or another freezer if available. This will prevent them from thawing during the defrosting process.

Now, let’s deal with the ice buildup. Place towels or newspapers on the floor to catch melting water. Leave the freezer door open for natural melting. To speed things up, use hot water or a hairdryer on low heat, but stay safe around electrical outlets and water.

Once the ice has melted completely, wipe down the interior of the freezer with a clean cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Dry the surfaces thoroughly to prevent new ice formation.

Defrosting your freezer and taking preventive measures will help keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. So, set aside some time every few months for this task, and your freezer will thank you with frost-free performance!

Other Common Problems and Fixes

Despite regular maintenance and cleaning, refrigerators can encounter various issues. Here are some common remedies:

  • Refrigerator not cooling enough

Check temperature settings and ensure the thermostat is appropriately set for cooling. Adjust to a colder setting if necessary. Monitor cooling performance.

  • Water leaking inside the refrigerator

To fix water leaking inside a fridge, clear clogged or frozen drain tubes. Use a brush or pipe cleaner to remove debris or ice. Check if water drains into the evaporator pan.

  • Noisy refrigerator

Try to level it by adjusting the legs, or cleaning or replacing the condenser fan, and rearranging items inside to eliminate vibrations.

Remember, if you’re unsure or the problem persists, it’s always recommended to consult a professional technician for assistance.

If you are thinking about a relocation to a splendid Palm Valley rental property, perhaps one that boasts the added convenience of a refrigerator, then look no further. If you are looking for assistance in managing your property, make sure to contact Real Property Management Home Together! For convenient and hassle-free communication, feel free to reach out to us through our online contact form. Additionally, take a moment to explore our extensive collection of listings for an in-depth explanation of our offerings.

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