How to Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator

Do you want your refrigerator to keep running smoothly for years to come? Proper maintenance and care are crucial for ensuring your fridge has a long and problem-free lifespan. Read on for tips and best practices on caring for your refrigerator so it stays in optimal condition.

A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in every home. It keeps our food fresh and prevents spoilage. However, like any appliance, refrigerators require regular maintenance and care to keep them running efficiently for many years.

Neglecting basic fridge maintenance can lead to a number of problems:

Reduced cooling performance
Faster ice buildup
Increased energy consumption
Noisy operation
Mold and mildew growth
foul odors
Premature breakdowns

Fortunately, with some simple regular care and maintenance, you can extend the life expectancy of your refrigerator and prevent untimely breakdowns.

In this comprehensive guide, we will share tips, tricks, and best practices to help you keep your fridge in peak operating condition. We will cover:

Basic maintenance tasks
Temperature regulation
Cleaning tips
Food storage strategies
Additional maintenance best practices

Follow these fridge care tips, and your refrigerator can continue running efficiently for over 10 years or more while maintaining cooling performance and energy efficiency.

Regular Maintenance

Carrying out simple regular maintenance is the best way to keep your refrigerator trouble-free. Here are some best practices for maintaining your fridge:

Clean the Interior

Clean the inside of your refrigerator at least once a month.
Use a soft sponge or cloth with a mild soap and warm water solution to wipe down the interior walls and doors.
Pay close attention to spillage and sticky messes that can lead to grime buildup.
For plastic liner refrigerators, use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or rough paper towels that can scratch the surface.
Pull out removable drawers and shelves and wash them separately with warm soapy water.

Check and Replace Seals

Examine the seals around the doors at least twice a year for cracks, tears, brittleness or a spongy texture.
Pinch the gaskets all the way around the door – if sections are loose or can be pulled away from the frame easily, they need replacing.
Ensure seals make complete contact with the refrigerator body when the door is closed. Gaps can allow air leaks and reduce efficiency.
Replace old and worn seals to maintain a proper air tight seal and ensure optimal cooling capacity.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

At least twice a year, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust buildup from the condenser coils underneath or behind the fridge.
Clean away any cobwebs or debris blocking the vents at the back of the unit or along the bottom.
Allow for adequate ventilation space around and behind the refrigerator. Don’t let it touch the wall or install flush with cabinetry.
Avoid placing in enclosed spaces or near heat sources like ovens that can warm the surrounding air.

Defrost Freezers

Manual defrost freezers should be emptied out and defrosted once ice build up reaches about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Remove food items, turn off the power, and allow the frost to thaw.
Remove loose ice shards and soak up melted water with towels.
Avoid using sharp tools to scrape off frost as they can damage the interior liner.
Restart the refrigerator and replace food items.

Clean Door Gaskets

Door gaskets and seals should be cleaned at least once a month to prevent mold growth and odors.
Use a solution of baking soda and warm water and gently scrub with a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean towel.
Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on gaskets every 3- 6 months to lubricate and prolong gasket life.

Replace Light Bulbs

Check refrigerator and freezer light bulbs at least annually. Replace any bulbs that are burnt out.
For inaccessible new refrigerator bulbs, call a technician for replacement to avoid tearing door gaskets or liners.
Use only refrigerator-safe LED or CFL bulbs; do not use standard incandescent bulbs.

Listen for Problems

Take the time monthly to listen carefully to your refrigerator in operation.
Catch noises like gurgling, buzzing or humming that could indicate a problem like a failing fan motor or compressor issue.
Have any new noises checked by a technician immediately before small problems lead to bigger breakdowns.

Temperature Control

Keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is key to efficiency and ensuring safe food storage. Follow these guidelines:

Use a Thermometer

Place appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Digital versions are easiest to read.
The refrigerator temp should be kept between 35°F and 40°F (1°C – 4°C).
The freezer should maintain a temperature of 0°F or below (-18°C or less).
Check temps periodically to make sure settings have not shifted.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

If temperatures are too warm, gradually lower the thermostat setting by one increment at a time.
Allow 24 hours for the adjusted temp to stabilize before checking again or adjusting further.
If too cold, raise the thermostat setting slightly until the desired temperature range is reached.
Avoid making extreme thermostat adjustments as this can negatively impact the compressor.

Ensure Proper Air Circulation

Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block vents with items. Allow cool air to circulate freely.
Position shelves, drawers, and bins properly so cool air can flow unobstructed.
Keep a gap between items placed on shelves or in bins for airflow.
Avoid putting refrigerators in enclosed cabinets or niches without ventilation.

Let Hot Foods Cool First

Allow freshly cooked hot foods to come down to room temp before refrigerating or freezing.
Hot items raise the overall temperature in the compartment, forcing the compressor to overwork to re-cool.
Wait until soups, stews or casseroles are under 100°F before refrigerating.

Minimize Door Openings

Develop the habit of opening the refrigerator door only when necessary and for as brief time as possible.
Prolonged door openings disrupt the controlled interior temperature.
Retrieve what you need quickly, close the door, and then do your inspecting and food prep on the counter.

Defrost Regularly

Allowing more than 1/4-inch of frost buildup in the freezer compartment greatly reduces cooling efficiency.
Manual defrost refrigerators should be emptied and defrosted every 3-6 months for optimal operation.
Frost-free models have automatic defrost cycles to prevent frost accumulation.

Cleaning Tips

Beyond basic cleaning, using proper technique and frequency can keep your refrigerator spotless and odor-free.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Set reminders to clean the interior of your fridge and freezer every 1-2 months.
Schedule seasonal deep cleans for spring and fall when you swap out contents.
Defrost and clean condenser coils every 3-6 months depending on your model.
Check and wipe door gaskets weekly. Give them a deep scrub monthly.

Use Baking Soda

Leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator compartment to absorb odors. Replace every 2-3 months.
Make a paste with water and baking soda to gently scrub away sticky spills and stains from the interior.
Dissolve 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 quart of warm water for a natural all-purpose fridge cleaning solution.

Remove Odors

Fill a small bowl with white vinegar or activated charcoal and leave it in the fridge to absorb food odors.
Mix equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle to wipe down shelve and interior walls to disinfect and deodorize.
For stubborn odors, leave a sliced lemon in the fridge for 24 hours to naturally deodorize.

Use Dryer Sheets

Place scented dryer sheets between shelves, in bins and drawers to leave a light fragrance and prevent odors.
Attach sheets to the back wall with magnets. Avoid leaving in with produce which can absorb the scent.
Fabric softener sheets also work to gently clean interior walls and shelves.

Food Storage Tips

Storing food properly inside your fridge is just as crucial as cleaning it. Follow these guidelines:

Follow FIFO Method

Follow the first-in, first-out system when loading food into the refrigerator.
Position newly added items behind older foods so the older food gets used first.
Place foods with the soonest sell by or use by dates in the front.

Store Food in Containers

Keep foods stored in airtight, spill proof containers to retain moisture and prevent odors.
Glass or plastic containers with tight fitting lids work best. Always wipe off container exteriors before refrigerating.
Use containers suited for the fridge like those made of glass or plastics marked 3, 4 or 5 which are food-safe and resistant to temperature changes from chilling.
Avoid storing food directly on shelves as spills are harder to clean. Use bins, containers and trays.

Organize Shelves

Arrange shelves to group similar items together – produce, sauces, drinks etc.
Designate lower shelves for heavy items like milk and drinks which are prone to spilling if placed too high.
Place meats and other items which may drip or leak into a bin or tray on the bottom shelf to contain spills and simplify clean up.

Wrap Foods Properly

Wrap or cover foods properly before refrigerating. This prevents odor transfer and drying out.
Meat and fish should be wrapped securely in plastic wrap, butcher paper or stored in leak-proof containers.
Cover leftover bowls and plates with plastic wrap to avoid spills and limit air exposure.
Rinse produce and dry properly before refrigerating in crisper drawers.

Position Foods Appropriately

Place eggs, butter, fruits, veggies and condiments in the upper and middle shelves where temps are warmer.
Raw meat, poultry and fish belong on the bottom shelf which is the coldest zone.
Store leftovers, cheeses and yogurt on middle shelves.
Tall bottles like milk and juice should go in the door shelves to free up refrigerator shelf space.

Rotate Stock Regularly

Always bring items at the back of the fridge forward and move older items to the front.
Finish up leftovers within 3-5 days. Compost older veggies or fruits that may spoil soon.
Check expiry dates when rotating stock. Toss items that are beyond ‘sell by’ or ‘use by’ dates.

Additional Maintenance Tips

Beyond day-to-day care, implementing some additional maintenance practices can further extend the lifespan of your refrigerator.

Install Leveling Legs Properly

Ensure your refrigerator is properly leveled on the floor to prevent vibration and noise.
Most models have adjustable front leveling legs – turn counterclockwise to raise a sagging corner until even.
Use a bubble level tool on top of the refrigerator to confirm it is correctly leveled.

Upgrade Old Refrigerator Seals

Improve cooling efficiency in older models by installing new aftermarket seals to replace worn ones.
Choose magnetic strip seals that adhere to the cabinet for easier DIY installation.
Seals made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) last longer.

Use Surge Protectors

Use a voltage surge protector for your refrigerator electrical outlet to guard against electrical spikes.
Surges from storms or high power draws on the same circuit can damage fridge electrical components over time.
Choose a surge protector suited for refrigerators or other major appliances for optimal protection.

Consider an Extended Warranty

Major appliance extended warranties provide service coverage for an additional period after the standard warranty expires.
Coverage for parts, labor, and repairs provides peace of mind should breakdowns occur outside the standard warranty period.
Compare warranty terms like length of coverage, repair costs and limitations before purchasing.

Keep the Fridge Level When Moving

When moving homes, keep the fridge standing upright and prevent tilting to avoid compressor damage.
Remove freezer racks and food from shelves so the fridge is lighter and easier to stabilize.
Never move the fridge while still plugged into power. Tape the door shut.

Conclusion

With proper care, maintenance and usage best practices, a high-quality refrigerator should provide over 10 years of reliable service. Implement this refrigerator care guide to maximize the lifespan of your fridge appliance. Simple regular cleaning, temperature control, and component checks will keep your refrigerator running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.

Remember to clean interior surfaces, door gaskets, and condenser coils regularly. Maintain the correct temperatures in the fridge and freezer compartments. Organize and store food items properly and rotate stock using a FIFO system. By looking after your refrigerator diligently and following usage and maintenance best practices, you can add years of life to your indispensable kitchen appliance.