Area of Home

Appliances - Refrigerator

Carefully read your manufacturer's guide to understand all recommended safety tips and operating procedures for your refrigerator.


Care and Maintenance Tips Cleaning - Exterior

  • Clean the seals with warm soapy water to help maintain a tight seal around the doors of the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dish cloth or wet towel. These may leave a residue that can damage the finish.
  • Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach because these products can scratch and damage the finish.
  • For stainless steel finishes, regularly clean and polish the stainless steel doors with a commercially available stainless steel cleaner to preserve and protect the finish.
  • Do not use appliance wax or polish on the stainless steel.

Cleaning - Interior

  • Refrigerator shelves and bins are removable for ease of cleaning.
  • Do not wash the tray or any plastic refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.
  • To clean and neutralize odors, use a warm water and baking soda solution comprised of about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Thoroughly rinse and wipe dry.
  • To remove an odor in the refrigerator you can try putting one tablespoon of vanilla extract on a paper towel and place it in a bowl in the fridge. This solution will absorb the smell and freshen at the same time.
  • Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, citrus-based cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach because these products can scratch and damage the finish or their scent may permanently imbed in the plastic surfaces of your refrigerator.

Cleaning Condenser Coils

  • Clean the condenser coils under the refrigerator with a long brush that can be purchased at a local hardware store.
  • Slide the brush under the unit and run back and forth, then vaccuum all debris that falls.
  • For models with rear coils, move unit away from the wall and brush, vaccuum up dust and debris, then move back into place. This will collect any dust or lint that collects underneath and keep the coils clear. (Be careful when moving the refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.)
  • Clean coils more frequently if you have pets.
  • Note: not all refrigerators have condenser coils that are cleanable by consumers. Consult your manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions for your specific model before performing any maintenance.

Operation

  • Avoid putting containers of hot food into the refrigerator; allow them to cool a bit first.
  • Refrigerator shelves are warmer near the door and the coolest parts are near the bottom and toward the back. If possible, keep your meats and dairy products in those cooler places.

Water and Ice Dispenser

  • If your refrigerator comes with a water and ice dispenser, change the water filter as recommended in your manufacturer's guide. Most units will have an indicator light when the filter is due to be changed.
  • Do not add ice from trays or bags to the storage bin. It may not crush or dispense properly.
  • If ice is blocking the dispenser chute, poke it through with a wooden spoon.
  • Ice cubes may pile up or freeze in the storage bin if not used frequently, causing the ice maker to shut off. You can level the ice cubes by hand and remove large chunks of ice that are frozen together.
  • The dispenser drip area, beneath the grille, should be wiped dry. Water left in this area may leave deposits. Remove the deposits by adding undiluted vinegar to the well. Soak until the deposits disappear or become loose enough to rinse away.





* If you are in a Condo residence please refer to your Condo Association Documents to verify your responsibilities, if any, for the maintenance of these areas.