Weekly Fridge Maintenance Routine for a Trouble-Free Kitchen

[Jasna]

A properly maintained refrigerator not only stands the test of time but keeps your food fresh and your kitchen hassle-free. Most users end up having to call up a Refrigerator Service Center in Calicut for needless problems that they could have otherwise avoided with timely maintenance. Follow a simple week-by-week habit, and your refrigerator will last longer and also be free of unnecessary breakdowns.

1. Check and Tweak Temperature Setting
It's a habit to check the internal temperature every week. Keep your refrigerator between 3°C and 4°C and your freezer at -18°C. This maintains food safety and your appliance running efficiently.

2. Clean Shelves and Drawers
Spills and crumbs accumulate bacteria and give rise to odors. Spend a few minutes per week cleaning shelves, drawers, and door seals with a mixture of baking soda and water.

3. Check Door Seals
A broken or loose gasket can let cold air in. Check the door seal by tracing your fingers along the edges and looking for cracks or debris. Clean them lightly and make sure that they close securely.

4. Clean Outside Surfaces
Dirt and dust on the outside of the fridge, particularly at the top and around vents, will impact performance. Clean with a microfiber cloth to clear surfaces and allow airflow.

5. Rearrange and Rotate Food
Save energy and reduce waste by rotating older food to the front and leaving airflow unrestricted. Don't overcrowd, and leave vents on the inside of the fridge open for best performance.

6. Empty the Drip Tray (if reachable)
Some refrigerators have a drip pan below that catches condensation. If yours has one, take it out and clean it each week to avoid odors and mold.

7. Rapid Coil Check
While an extensive coil cleaning is a monthly activity, check behind your fridge each week to ensure there's no clog or dust accumulation.

Summary
Even with proper maintenance, refrigerators can develop problems over time. If you experience continuous cooling issues or unusual sounds, it's best to hire professional assistance. Avoid the trouble of searching for a Refrigerator Service Center in Calicut—ring Fixail instead. We offer professional, doorstep refrigerator repair service throughout Kerala, keeping your kitchen cool and problem-free.

[Tomhanks]

Thanks for sharing this! How often should the condenser coils be cleaned thoroughly? I know you mentioned a rapid check weekly, but I’m not sure what counts as “extensive” cleaning or how to actually do it properly. Would love any advice on that!

[TinyTool]

Thanks for sharing such a useful checklist!

To answer the question about coil cleaning: a quick visual check each week is a great habit, but for a full clean, every 3 to 6 months is usually recommended. If you have pets or a lot of dust in your home, doing it closer to every 3 months is ideal. Just unplug the fridge, locate the coils (either behind or under the unit), and use a coil brush or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove the buildup. It’s pretty straightforward and helps your fridge run more efficiently and last longer.

Hope that helps!

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks for the tips! I have a quick question. Is it okay to slightly tilt the fridge while cleaning or is that not safe?

[TinyTool]

Yes, it’s generally okay to slightly tilt the fridge while cleaning, especially if you need to reach under it or check the coils. Just make sure the fridge is unplugged first, and don’t tilt it too far, just enough to get access without stressing any of the parts. If you’re moving it or tilting from the back, it’s a good idea to have someone help steady it. And in case it ever gets tilted significantly, let it stand upright for a few hours before plugging it back in so the compressor oil can settle properly. Just a little care goes a long way. Hope that helps!

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks for the tips! Is it better to tilt the fridge from the front or the back when cleaning, or does it not really matter?

[TinyTool]

When you're cleaning your fridge, it's totally fine to tilt it a little to reach underneath or access hard-to-clean areas. Just make sure it's unplugged first. As for which direction to tilt, it’s generally safer and easier to lift slightly from the front rather than the back. That way, you're less likely to disturb any sensitive components like the compressor or refrigerant lines, which are usually located at the back. Tilting from the front also gives you better access underneath without putting too much stress on the fridge. Just be careful not to tilt it too far, only enough to get the job done. And if the fridge does end up at a steep angle for more than a moment, it's a good idea to let it stand upright for a couple of hours before plugging it back in so everything inside can settle properly.