You probably already clean the shelves in your refrigerator, but are you giving it a thorough cleaning?
There are four hidden locations you usually never consider when cleaning your refrigerator. We know, that’s a lot! But ignoring these key locations could mean the difference between a long-lasting fridge and dealing with a fridge that’s always breaking down. With our tips, there’s no need to worry; here’s everything you need to know about it.
Condenser Coils
One place you probably haven’t thought to clean out are the condenser coils. These resemble radiators, release heat generated by the compressor, and are located on the back or bottom of your refrigerator. Because of this kind of build-up, your refrigerator has to work harder than it needs to, especially since these coils are magnets for dust and hair. So, if you don’t clean them out once every three months (or once a month if you have pets), you’ll run the risk of higher energy bills and a broken fridge.
• Unplug the refrigerator and remove the coil cover once you’ve figured out where they are (check your manual if you need help).
• If the coils are on the bottom, use a coil brush to wipe them down.
• Wipe down the coil cover and vacuum underneath the refrigerator when you’re finished. If the coils are located in the back, you can wipe them down with a cloth.
Gaskets
The door seal, known as a gasket, keeps the cold air where it belongs: inside the fridge. But if you don’t clean it out often, crumbs and moisture can accumulate in their deep grooves over time and nasty mold and mildew forms as a result. Not only is this build-up disgusting, but it can also cause the gaskets to fail to seal correctly. A gasket that isn’t properly sealing wastes energy and puts a strain on the compressor in your refrigerator.
So, to clean these carefully, gently pull the seal open to expose the grooves, brush away any crumbs and wipe the door gasket regularly with warm water and a sponge.
Freezer Vents
Take a check in your refrigerator’s freezer for another forgotten spot: the vents. These vents are essential for maintaining the right temperature in the freezer. Keep in mind that if they’re caked with ice, the build-up can cause your freezer to consume more energy just to keep cool.
To do that, you’ll need to heat the ice with a blow dryer until it melts (be sure not to get the dryer wet). Or let it defrost manually. Then, use a sponge or cloth to wipe away the excess water. Keep an eye on the vents from now on and make sure they aren’t covered in ice and aren’t covered by too much food.
Ice Maker & Water Filter
Your water dispenser gives you clean and refreshing water, but is it really? The water filter in your refrigerator is supposed to keep your water clean, but it can’t if it isn’t clean. If your refrigerator has an in-door water dispenser, check your manual to determine if it contains a filter. If that’s the case, you’ll probably need to replace it every six months, but double-check your manual to be sure. Similarly, your refrigerator’s ice machine should be cleaned once a month to keep it operating. It’s also useful if you don’t want to deal with dirty ice.
Now it’s time to get cleaning! You can spread out the cleaning if you create a regular schedule and jot it down on a calendar. It’s less daunting if you don’t try to do everything at once. We think your refrigerator will appreciate your attention to its hidden components! But, if your fridge is beyond a simple clean and perhaps repair, don’t worry, Miller Maytag Home Appliance Center is here! We can help you replace any outdated, beyond repair kitchen appliances you need, like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Just give us a call if you need any help or stop in today!