Your refrigerator works 24 hours per day every day of the week every day of the year. With a workload like that, it deserves some maintenance. While some types of maintenance need to be done only once a year, there are also maintenance steps you can take on a daily basis.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks for Your Refrigerator
Every month, empty out your ice. If you do not, the ice can end up absorbing the odors from your freezer. The ice can also form into a solid block that is impossible to use when you need it. If you want your ice odor-free and easy to grab, empty your ice bin once a month.
Refrigerator Maintenance Every Three Months
Take a look at the door gasket of your refrigerator. If it is dirty or flimsy, it could keep the door from closing correctly, which puts stress on the fridge’s motors. If it is dirty, clean it off with soapy water and dry it. If the seal is loose, replace or re-magnetize the embedded magnets. If you are not sure how to do this, contact your local appliance repair company.
You also want to take the time to clean the condenser coils. These are found in the back of your fridge and are important to condense and cool the refrigerant, which releases heat. If those coils on the back of your fridge are full of dirt, debris, and pet hair, you are likely wasting energy and putting unneeded stress on the compressor. Vacuum these coils with the brush attachment on your vacuum every three months.
You should also level your fridge every three months. If it is not entirely level, whether it is leaning to one side or too far in the back or front, it will not closely properly. This can strain the motor and result in condensation inside. Check it by placing a level on top of the refrigerator and rotate the feet on your fridge until it is level.
Six-Month Refrigerator Maintenance
Every six months, replace the water filter on your refrigerator. This helps ensure that the water and ice are clean and odor-free, and helps to prevent clogs or leaks. You can check the owner’s manual of your fridge to find out where the filter is located and how to replace it, or you can call on American Appliance Repair for help.
You should also clean the drain hole and drip pan every six months. If you see food, mineral deposits, or other debris then you should scrub the drain pan clean. Once again, you can find more details on how to do this for your specific unit in the owner’s manual or by contacting us.
Daily Maintenance for Your Refrigerator
A few minutes of simple daily maintenance can make a big difference in the lifespan of your fridge. This includes covering food to keep odors from moving throughout your refrigerator and your freezer, buying a box of baking soda and leaving it in the fridge to absorb odors, and maintaining enough clearance on all sides of the fridge that it is properly vented.