Check your temperature settings to keep food fresh. Most refrigerators run at 36-42 degrees F; freezers generally run at 0-8 degrees F. Check the owner’s manual for specific guidelines for your unit.
Once a year you should clean the flue, burner, baffle, fins and coils.
Clean behind and underneath your refrigerator every 6 months, using a vacuum cleaner.
Dust the sides and top of your refrigerator regularly.
Clean the shelves inside the fridge, as well as the compartments, lining, and door gasket with mild cleanser every three months. Check for problems and damage.
Clear and clean the drip openings. Drip openings allow water that has melted from the defrost cycle to flow down to a pan located by the compressor, where it evaporates. Check your owner’s manual for the location on your fridge. On cycle defrost fridges, a channel directs the water to a tube in the food compartment. On frost-free types, look for a small cap under the crisper drawers that covers a hole, or an opening in the back of the freezer or refrigerator. If the drain opening clogs, water will build up under the crisper drawers and eventually pour out onto the floor.
Drip openings allow water that has melted from the defrost cycle to flow down to a pan located by the compressor, where it evaporates. Check your owner’s manual for the location on your fridge. On cycle defrost fridges, a channel directs the water to a tube in the food compartment.
On frost-free types, look for a small cap under the crisper drawers that covers a hole, or an opening in the back of the freezer or refrigerator. If the drain opening clogs, water will build up under the crisper drawers and eventually pour out onto the floor.
Drip openings allow water that has melted from the defrost cycle to flow down to a pan located by the compressor, where it evaporates. Check your owner’s manual for the location on your fridge. On cycle defrost fridges, a channel directs the water to a tube in the food compartment.
On frost-free types, look for a small cap under the crisper drawers that covers a hole, or an opening in the back of the freezer or refrigerator. If the drain opening clogs, water will build up under the crisper drawers and eventually pour out onto the floor.
Wipe up spills quickly to prevent staining and odors.
Keep a cup of baking soda in the fridge at all times to keep it smelling clean and fresh. To add a fresh scent, use a slice of lemon or lime instead of, or in addition to, the baking soda.
Keep the motor, coil and vents free of dust. Clean the coils with a vacuum attachment or brush.
Defrost the freezer once a year. Once the frost on the freezer walls is a half inch thick, it’s time to do the job. Clean the interior with a scraper made of wood or plastic; don’t use a sharp object.
To avoid extra wear on the door and its compartments, place the heaviest items in the door closest to the door hinge.
When placing food inside the refrigerator, avoid packing items too tightly. Air circulation is key to proper cooling functionality.
If your refrigerator won’t be used for an extended period of time (say, a long vacation), avoid mildew and odors by propping the door ajar.
Clean the burner jet with compressed air and wood alcohol. DO NOT insert anything into the burner jet.
