We all depend on a fridge that stays cold, but most of us don’t think about looking after it until something goes wrong. A little regular care can stop common problems, lower your electricity bill and add years to the appliance’s life. Below are the everyday actions that make a big difference.
First, keep the door seal clean. Wipe the rubber gasket with a damp cloth and a gentle soap every week. A dirty seal lets warm air in, which forces the compressor to work harder. Next, check the temperature settings. The ideal fridge setting is around 3‑5°C (37‑41°F) and the freezer at –18°C (0°F). If you notice food spoiling faster, adjust the dial by one notch and give it a few hours to stabilise.
Don’t overload the fridge either. Air needs space to circulate, so leave a gap between items. When you bring home groceries, let warm foods cool to room temperature before placing them inside. This reduces the load on the cooling system and helps maintain a steady temperature.
The condenser coils sit at the back or underneath the unit. Dust and pet hair coat these coils, making the compressor work overtime. Every three to six months, unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment. If you can’t reach them, a soft brush can loosen the debris before you wipe it away.
Another often‑overlooked area is the drip pan. It collects water that condenses inside the fridge. Over time, mould can grow there, causing odours that seep into your food. Pull the pan out (check your manual for the exact location), clean it with warm, soapy water and dry it before putting it back.
If you have a frost‑free model, you’ll rarely need to defrost, but a build‑up of ice in the freezer can still happen. When the frost gets thicker than 5 mm, empty the freezer, unplug the fridge and let the ice melt naturally. Speed up the process with a bowl of hot water placed inside, but never use sharp objects to chip the ice away – that can damage the interior.
One of the most common complaints is a fridge that’s not cooling while the light stays on. Often the cause is a dirty condenser coil, a faulty door seal, or a blocked air vent inside the fridge. Start with the easy fixes above; if the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional. Our own guide “Fridge Not Cooling But Light Is On?” walks you through the exact steps to diagnose the issue before you pick up the phone.
Finally, keep an eye on the sounds your fridge makes. A humming compressor is normal, but rattling or clicking can signal a loose part or a failing fan. Early detection can prevent a total breakdown and save you the cost of a replacement.
In short, a clean seal, regular coil cleaning, proper loading and occasional defrosting go a long way. Spend a few minutes each month on these tasks and you’ll enjoy a reliably cold fridge, lower energy bills and fewer service calls. If you ever feel stuck, a qualified repair technician can handle the more technical fixes safely and efficiently.
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