Keeping a refrigerator clean is important to maintain its cleanliness, prevent the premature failure of components, and ensure that the food stored stays cold or frozen. Here are some steps to keep your refrigerator clean:
- Unplug and empty the refrigerator: Before cleaning the refrigerator, remove all the food items from it. This will make it easier to clean and ensure that you don’t miss any spots. Unplugging the refrigerator will ensure the unit doesn’t overwork itself while attempting to cool with the doors open.
- Discard old and expired items: While emptying the refrigerator, check for any expired or spoiled items and discard them.
- Remove shelves and drawers: Take out the shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash them with warm water and dish soap. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely.
- Clean the interior: Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator with a damp cloth or sponge and a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Pay special attention to the corners, crevices, and seals around the door. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild abrasive cleaner.
- Clean the exterior: Clean the exterior of the refrigerator with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool as they can scratch the surface. For stainless steel surfaces we recommend using a microfiber cloth and distilled water. There are also several products available at your local stores made specifically for stainless steel. Make sure to read the instructions closely if you opt for one of those products.
- Put everything back: Once the refrigerator is clean and dry, put the shelves and drawers back in their place. Return the food items to the refrigerator, making sure to organize them properly.
- It is recommended to replace water filters at least every six months or when the change filter indicator is illuminated. Once the filter is replaced, flush about 3-4 gallons of water through the filter to eliminate carbon color in the water. If the filter is not replaced periodically, failure of the filter doing its job or other components can occur.
- For optimal cooling of a refrigeration system, it is important to clean the condenser coils at least once a year. Pet hair and other contaminants build up on the condenser. On most units the condenser coil is located on the lower back side. Be careful not to scratch your kitchen floor when pulling out the unit. The lower back cover is likely held on with screws. Once removed, gently vacuum or brush the dust off the surface of the coil. If you are not comfortable with completing this task, we recommend you reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.
- Regular maintenance: To keep your refrigerator clean, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Wipe up spills immediately, and check the temperature and humidity levels regularly to ensure that the food stays fresh.
- If you have any questions or difficulties with any of these tasks or have a malfunctioning refrigerator or freezer, please contact us immediately for assistance.
By following these steps, you can keep your refrigerator clean, cooling optimally, and ensure that the food stored in it stays fresh and safe to eat.