If you want to ensure your refrigerator is always in top condition, then a regular maintenance checklist is required. It needs to be a part of your annual routine task list so that you can avoid costly repairs, prolong its lifespan, and ensure your food is always fresh.
To get started, here’s a checklist on what you need to do.
Perform a Deep Clean
We constantly put it off, but deep cleaning your fridge doesn’t take as long as you think. Usually, you don’t even need to place everything in a cooler. Remove everything from your refrigerator and set it on the counter in a single layer.
Make sure you’re taking out all the shelves and wiping them down. Use an all-surface cleaner or a vinegar-based solution to eliminate any organic residue left behind from spills and seepage. Next, clean the fridge’s walls, the top and bottom of each shelf, and the insides of the drawers.
Get Rid of Old and Spoiled Food
Pay attention to what goes into the fridge as you replenish it. For example, throw out food, beverages, or containers that have been there for at least a month or that you don’t recall putting in there in the first place.
Check expiration dates periodically to ensure that you’re not keeping spoiled food. This way, you can avoid accidentally eating or drinking something you shouldn’t have. This practice can also help prevent unsightly and problematic mold growth and contamination. Source: Town Appliance
Check Door Seals
The door seal, or gasket, is the flexible strip that provides insulation around the edges of your refrigerator door. Over time, gaskets can become dry and cracked, allowing hot air to enter the fridge, which makes your appliance less efficient. To keep your fridge lining well-sealed, clean it regularly with soap and water on a soft cloth. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly when needed.
Level The Fridge
Over time, your fridge can become unlevel due to shifting or settling of the kitchen floor. An unlevel fridge can cause problems with the door seals and other parts. Use a level to check if your fridge is perfectly balanced, and adjust the leveling legs or rollers as needed to make sure it’s level front-to-back and side-to-side. Source: Asurion
Inspect and Clean the Gasket
The gasket—the rubber seal around your fridge door—might seem like a small player, but it’s the gatekeeper or cold air. If it’s not sealing properly, your fridge could be working harder than needed, using more energy to maintain the correct temperature as cold air seeps into the kitchen.
Regularly inspect the gasket for any signs of wear, and give it a good wipe-down with warm, soapy water to prevent crumbs and spills from harming the seal. If it’s cracked or brittle, it’s time to run to your local hardware store for a replacement. Source: American Home Shield
Always keep in mind that every appliance in your household should be routinely checked as well because you’ll never know about any new problems it might have. If you ever you don’t have the time or you simply want it to be in the good hands of a professional, just message us and we’ll handle it for you!