Essential Refrigerator Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Keep your fridge running efficiently with our complete refrigerator maintenance guide, part of your essential home maintenance checklist. Discover daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks to keep your appliance in top shape and extend its lifespan.

There are a lot of parts of your home that need regular maintenance. Today I want to talk about your refrigerator and tasks that you should be doing to keep it in tiptop shape.

The fridge is one of the more expensive and hard working appliances in your home. A fridge is crucial for keeping food fresh, and it is crucial that you keep it running, efficiently and well!

Let’s talk about some of the regular refrigerator maintenance that you should do in order to help your fridge last as long as possible and extend the time between having to buy new fridges for your home.

Daily Refrigerator Maintenance Tasks

Here are the fridge maintenance steps to do regularly.

Check and Clean Spills Immediately

Wipe up spills to prevent odors and bacterial growth.

Close the Door Properly

Be sure that the refrigerator door is sealed tightly to maintain temperature.

Monitor Temperature Settings

Keep the fridge at the recommended temperature (37-40°F) and the freezer at 0°F.

Organize Food Properly

Arrange food to allow proper air circulation and easy access. Make sure everything is standing up properly, not leaking, and in good condition.

Use Airtight Containers

Store leftovers and perishables in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer and cut down on smells.

Monthly Refrigerator Maintenance Tasks

Here are the fridge maintenance steps to do once a month.

Clean Shelves and Drawers

Remove food from the shelves and wipe down the shelves with warm, soapy water.

Inspect Door Seals

Take a minute to visually check seals for wear and tear. Wipe them clean to ensure a tight seal.

Defrost the Freezer

Manually defrost if your refrigerator doesn’t have an auto-defrost function.

Check Water Filters

Replace or clean water filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Organize and Discard Expired Items

Regularly go through contents to remove expired or unwanted items.

Quarterly Refrigerator Maintenance Tasks

Here are the fridge maintenance steps to do once a season.

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Clean coils at the back or beneath the refrigerator to improve efficiency.

Inspect and Clean Drip Pans

Check and clean the drip pan to prevent mold and odors.

Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the exterior, including the top and sides, with a mild surface cleaner.

Inspect Ice Maker

Clean the ice maker and ensure it’s functioning properly. Dump ice if it’s super old.

Level the Refrigerator

Ensure the refrigerator is level to prevent door issues and coolant problems.

Annual Refrigerator Maintenance Tasks

Here are the fridge maintenance steps to do once a year.

Replace Water Filters

Change water filters if not done more frequently.

Inspect Electrical Components

Check the power cord and plug for any signs of wear or damage.

Check and Clean Ventilation Areas

Ensure all ventilation areas are clear of dust and debris.

Test Temperature Controls

Verify that temperature settings are accurate and functioning correctly.

By following these steps, you can keep your fridge in good shape for as long as possible!

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