Fridge Freezer maintenance care and cleaning tips

Keeping your fridge freezer in tip-top condition helps both the appliance and your food last longer, so not only will frequent care keep your stomach filled with tastier food, but it’ll also stop a hole from appearing in your wallet if something goes wrong. To make sure you don’t have to part ways with your fridge freezer prematurely, we’ve put plenty of tips to make sure it stays clean and happy.  

1. Staying cool at all times

Finding the perfect temperature in your fridge freezer is the first step. This’ll make sure your food lasts as long as it should, so you won’t get any nasty surprises when you open the door. Your fridge works best when it’s running between 1°C and 4°C, and your freezer at -18°C or lower. These ranges make sure your fresh ingredients keep their cool and your frozen treats stay frosty. 

If you do need to make any adjustments to your appliance’s temperature, most fridge freezers will have a control panel inside. Once you’ve made any changes, you should wait around 12 hours for them to take effect before checking the temperature again. 

A common reason the temperature inside your fridge freezer may be fluctuating is because things are getting a bit too cramped. This prevents the air from flowing around the cabinets, creating warmer spots, so make sure there is space between your tasty treats.  

2. Regular Cleaning Routine

There’s nothing worse than opening your fridge freezer to a funky smell after you forgot to clean up that split milk. Regularly tidying your appliance doesn’t just help your senses, but it also allows it to function normally and maintain a hygienic environment for all your favourite treats.  

Cleaning the fridge  

The first step is to empty out your fridge freezer, so it’s probably best to do this before the big shop. Once all the shelves, drawers, and trays are out, you can wipe down the interior surfaces with warm water and a bit of mild dish soap. Make sure to get all the walls and door seals, while avoiding any abrasive cleaners. After you’re done scrubbing, give it a rinse with some clean water and a little wipe down with a soft cloth. Nice and easy. Pop the shelves and draws in some warm soapy water and give them a quick clean. Once they’ve dried off, you can pop them back in your fridge fresher than ever. 

Defrosting and cleaning the freezer 

If you’re doing a big clean, then you can’t forget to give the freezer a little bit of TLC. Defrosting it regularly can help keep it running smoothly. To start, turn off the freezer and make sure you’ve removed any food in there. Next, place a towel or kitchen roll on the floor to catch any drips (this saves you mopping up after). Now you just need to leave the freezer door open and let the ice melt naturally. 

Once everything’s melted, give the interior a wipe-down with warm water and mild dish soap. After a quick dry, rinse off and dry the draws and them all back in. Now your freezer won’t just be cleaner, but you’ll have reclaimed space from any ice build-ups.  

3. Inspecting and Maintaining Door Seals

If your fridge freezer’s door seals get a bit dirty or worn out, then it won’t keep the cold air trapped inside. This means your food won’t last as long and the fridge has to work harder – not great for the energy bills. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure the door seals stay in working condition.  

Inspecting door seals 

The most common wear and tear on your door seals is in the form of cracks, gaps, and tears. But don’t worry about inspecting the entire door, you can figure out if it’s damaged with a piece of paper. Just close the door on the sheet and if there’s any resistance when you try and pull it out, the seal should be solid. But, if it’s easily removed, then there might be some damage. 

Cleaning door seals 

Cleaning the seals is as easy as the rest of the fridge, just get some warm water and mild detergent (even vinegar would work). Then you just need to wipe the seal with a soft cloth or sponge to get rid of any dirt, food particles or other bits of mess. Sorted. 

Replacing damaged seals 

While regularly inspecting and cleaning your door seals can help them keep going for longer, sometimes wear and tear can get the better of them. If you notice they’re damaged, replace them as soon as you can – if you don’t it could lead to more wasted food and a less energy-efficient appliance. 

If there is significant wear or damage, replace the seals promptly. Contact the manufacturer or a professional technician to obtain the correct replacement seals. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional assistance for proper installation. 

Regularly checking and maintaining your fridge freezer’s door seals can extend its lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and keep your food fresher for longer. 

4. Caring for Condenser Coils and Drip Pans

If you really want to take the best care of your fridge and help it keep running better for longer, then keeping the condenser coils and drip pans in good condition is essential. 

Locating and cleaning condenser coils 

The condenser coils release heat from the fridge freezer to help it cool down, it can typically be found at the back behind a protective panel or grille. Over time, dust and debris can build up here affecting how efficiently they run.  

To give it a clean, switch off the appliance and give yourself some room to work with. Then grab a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt. Be gentle though, we don’t want to damage the coils or other components. 

Cleaning drip pans 

Your drip pan can be found underneath the fridge freezer, it collects and evaporates condensation and other liquids. By giving it a clean every now and again, you can prevent bacteria, mould, and unpleasant odours. 

To give it a clean you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment again, a mild detergent or vinegar solution, a soft sponge, and some rubber gloves. Then just give it a good scrubbing to get rid of any nastiness until it looks as good as new. If you’re struggling with hard-to-reach areas, then a toothbrush can help you get there (just don’t pop it back in the bathroom afterwards). 

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer’s condenser coils and drip pans keeps everything running smoothly, extends the appliance’s lifespan, and keeps your food fresh.