In order to ensure that your refrigerator has the best chances of operating properly and longer, we recommend that you implement a preventative maintenance routine. According to Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy’s consumer resource, the average refrigerator lasts 12 years. Both the type of refrigerator you purchase and how you maintain the refrigerator are determining factors in how long it will last. When the costs of everything are rising, why not perform preventative maintenance to keep your appliances around a little longer?

Monthly Cleaning
The first thing we recommend is, on a monthly basis, clean inside the refrigerator, remove trays, throw away old food and thoroughly clean the walls. As an extra measure, don’t forget to move the refrigerator and clean under it.

The reason that you want to maintain a clean refrigerator is because food is in and out of there and you want to make sure to get up anything that may have spilled. Plus cleaning the interior provides you with the opportunity to spot some food that may be old and catch any type of mold that may be growing in areas crucial to the operation of your fridge.

As far as cleaning behind and beneath the fridge, this just helps to maintain a thoroughly clean home and would be a good time for you to check out the fridge for anything that looks strange like leaking, or even dust on coils.

Water Filter
Another preventative measure we recommend that you take is to change your water filter every six months. As you know, keeping an up-to-date water filter will help to keep your water free from contaminants. I personally set up an automatic shipping system for my water filter so that I am always on track.

Clean Coils
Every six months, we recommend that you also clean the coils. The coils of the refrigerator help to keep out heat. They basically help to control the temperature.
You can clean the coils by wiping them with a soft brush. But please make sure to unplug the refrigerator before you clean the coils. Always check your refrigerator manual if ever in doubt.

Level the Refrigerator
Annually, make sure the fridge is leveled. This will help to control cooling, ensure your doors close properly and prevent your fridge from vibrating unnecessarily.
Leveling your fridge may be a two-person activity. Make sure you have sufficient help and check the manual of your fridge to guarantee that you are appropriately leveling your particular model.

Clean Water Dispenser
Clean water dispenser nozzle every six months. Although your refrigerator may have a water filter, it’s still possible that your water dispenser will have mineral buildup. You know, it was once clear and beautiful. Now, the water dispenser is gray and sad looking.

To clean the water dispenser nozzle, first you want to soak a paper towel in vinegar. Then, take the vinegar-soaked paper towel and wrap it around the dispenser nozzle. Leave it for a few hours. Afterwards, wipe away all the mineral buildup with a towel. The nozzle should be clear at this point. If not, feel free to try it again and leave the vinegar-soaked paper towel on the nozzle for a few more hours. Once you’re done with the paper towel, clean any additional residue with a cotton swab. Finally, wipe it all down with a clean, moist cloth.

Issues to look out for:
Food spoiling earlier than expected or than expiration dates state. This may indicate that the refrigerator isn’t keeping its temperature.

Check door seals to make sure cool air is staying inside. If air is seeping out, the fridge has to work harder to maintain temperatures. Try using a dollar bill to see if you can easily pull it out. If you can pull it out, the seals may need to be replaced. It is also a good time to clean the seals with baking soda and water.

If you’d like specific suggestions for your model of refrigerator, I highly recommend that you check your owner’s manual. Older refrigerators vs newer models will have different suggestions on the way to service your refrigerator. Remember, the more that we take care of our appliances, the more likely they are going to last a long time.

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