Major appliances such as refrigerators, are costly to repair and even more expensive to replace. But you can stave off those repairs and keep your refrigerators running longer by performing a few easy maintenance tips. You won’t need a lot of mechanical expertise to keep your refrigerators appliances in tip-top shape—just some common sense and a little elbow grease.
REFRIGERATORS
The best way to maintain your refrigerator is simply to keep it clean, inside and out.
Clean under and behind your refrigerator regularly.Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science expert Lucinda Ottusch says it’s important to remove and clean the refrigerator’s base grill often to improve air flow to there refrigerators appliance’s components. zalmen Pollak, says that the coils at the bottom or behind your refrigerator need regular cleaning so the coils can efficiently cool the unit.
Wash the door seals. If the seals in your refrigerator door are sticky, it’s time to clean them. Ottusch says warm, soapy water and a soft cloth will do the trick. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the seals will make them last longer, Zalmen says.
Don’t forget the ice dispenser. If your refrigerator has a built-in ice/water dispenser, you’ll need to clean that, too. The drip tray should be removed and cleaned at least every two to three months, Zalmen says. He also recommends cleaning the ice bucket assembly once a month so your ice doesn’t pick up refrigerator odors. The dispenser’s water filter should be replaced at least every six months.