How to Maintain Your Refrigerator and Avoid Costly Repairs

Your refrigerator serves as the hub of your kitchen, and it’s also probably one of the most expensive things you own. You don’t want to have to shell out money on costly repairs and replacements just because you didn’t take good care of it. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to avoid this fate: with these tips on how to maintain your Appliances In Bellevue WA and avoid costly repairs, you won’t have to worry about your appliance failing on you any time soon!

Clean the Condenser Coils

Over time, dirt accumulates on your refrigerator’s condenser coils. A couple of easy steps will make sure you’re never paying for Refrigerators Repairs Bellevue WA. First, remove any lint or pet hair from your appliance every month or so by simply pulling a vacuum over its exterior. Next, wipe down condenser coils with a clean rag dipped in water. Let them air dry completely before turning your fridge back on. It might take an extra minute or two, but it could save you hundreds of dollars in future repairs.

Clean Your Gaskets

Gaskets are a part of your refrigerator’s cooling system. They do not require regular maintenance, but they can develop cracks or holes over time. Cleaning them will help prevent leaks, allowing you to use your appliance for as long as possible. Wipe down all of your gaskets with warm soapy water. Rinse off any residue and dry completely with a clean towel before returning it to its place in your refrigerator.

Perform a Self-Cleaning Cycle

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is one of the best ways to prolong its life, but once a month you should also run a self-cleaning cycle. The process only takes an hour or so, but it will ensure your refrigerator’s cooling coils are functioning properly. (This is especially important if you live in a particularly hot climate.) All you need to do is fill up your freezer with ice trays (to help prevent food from defrosting), unplug it, and leave it alone for a few hours. If there’s any food that needs to be moved into another container beforehand, now would be a good time to do that as well.

Keep Moving Parts Moisture Free

While it’s tempting to ignore a refrigerator’s moisture control, doing so can lead to corrosion of electrical connections. Clean off those condenser coils regularly, especially if you live in a humid climate. Condenser coils should be dry within two hours after defrosting (every six months). If your coils are not drying properly, your refrigerator is likely using more energy than necessary. This will eventually cause additional damage that could require costly repairs or replacement.

Keep  Scrupulously Clean

Make sure your refrigerator has clean interiors. When you transfer food from storage containers, wash them in soapy water before using them again. This will help prevent leftovers from picking up odors and flavors from other foods. Unscrupulously dirty containers can contaminate fresh foods. Also, make sure your refrigerator is completely empty before defrosting it. The buildup of bacteria on its surfaces can be dangerous for health.

Use a Dehumidifier in Wet Climates

If you live in a rainy climate, use a dehumidifier in your refrigerator. These appliances pull excess moisture out of your fridge and help keep it dry. Keep Doors Closed When Using Appliances: Try not to store food on top of or too close to your cooking appliances, like ovens. If possible, shut off your refrigerators during hot summer months when you’re not likely to use them much.

Rotate Stock Weekly

If you can’t finish off an entire package of ground beef or chicken breasts in one sitting, it’s best to store leftovers in a covered container. You can refrigerate raw meat for up to three days; cooked meat, for up to four days. And remember that if your fridge smells musty or sour, it could be a sign that your seals are damaged—so call a repairman immediately. When storing fresh produce, such as greens and herbs, keep them away from other foods to prevent spoilage. When stored properly, most products will last for five days. For instance, apples will stay fresh for about five days when stored in a sealed bag with two holes poked into it.

Protect Against Power Surges

When you turn on your refrigerator, there’s a power surge that goes through it, but over time these surges wear down your fridge. To avoid costly repairs, have an electrician put in a power strip at least every five years. This will ensure you don’t get damaged when a surge is sent through your fridge. If you do experience a surge, immediately unplug your appliance until it can be looked at by a professional. The longer you leave it plugged in after damage has occurred, the more likely parts are to break down or burn out completely.