{"id":59683,"date":"2019-01-08T13:01:06","date_gmt":"2019-01-08T13:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aphw.com\/?p=59683"},"modified":"2019-01-08T13:14:07","modified_gmt":"2019-01-08T13:14:07","slug":"hold-the-mayo-refrigerator-maintenance-for-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aphw.house\/windermere\/hold-the-mayo-refrigerator-maintenance-for-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"Hold the Mayo\u2014Refrigerator Maintenance for Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"FridgeIs your refrigerator running? Well, you\u2019d better go catch it! Ha hah\u2026 ha\u2026 ahem.<\/p>\n

Okay, bad (and old) joke. But seriously, your fridge runs 24\/7 to keep your food safe\u2014don\u2019t you think it deserves some TLC once in a while? Follow these tips to keep your hard-working appliance in good health, especially during this season of perpetual leftovers!<\/p>\n

Ice See Dead Odors\u2026 (Monthly)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Did you know that ice can absorb odors in your freezer? Talk about unappetizing. It also has a habit of forming a solid block at the bottom of your ice bucket. To prevent this, empty and clean out your ice bucket monthly. Then add a box of baking soda to your freezer, to absorb odors before your ice does.<\/p>\n

Filters and Drains and Drips, Oh My! (Twice a Year)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

For refrigerators with water dispensers, replace the water filter twice a year to keep it running smoothly and with less buildup. You should find directions to do so in your owner\u2019s manual. Once you\u2019ve got the new one in and all set, run a gallon or so of water through it to remove any extra carbon residue in the filter.<\/p>\n

Also, you know that drain hole the condensation drips through on the bottom of your freezer? There\u2019s a drip pan underneath to catch it\u2014not appealing, I know. Give them both a thorough cleaning at least once every 6 months.<\/p>\n

Sealed & Condensed (3 to 4 times a year)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Your fridge is already running all day, the last thing you want is for air leaks to make it work even harder. Check the seals (or gaskets) along the doors and clean them of any food residue. Use a toothbrush and a mixture of baking soda and water for an easy and safe clean that won\u2019t damage the gasket.<\/p>\n

Once it\u2019s all clean and dry, do the \u2018dollar bill test\u2019 on it to check that the seal is complete\u2014place a dollar bill half in and half out of the fridge and close the door. If it slides out easily, your fridge is not getting a good seal and you may have to replace the gasket.<\/p>\n

Last, but not least, make sure to clean out the condenser coils. Excess build-up over time can stress the condenser and reduce the lifespan of your fridge, so it\u2019s good to clean them once in a while.<\/p>\n

Yours may be on the back of the fridge or on the bottom of the front, behind a screen\u2014check your user\u2019s manual for clarification. Once you\u2019ve located them, unplug the fridge and vacuum out the dust and\/or pet hair.<\/p>\n

Other Occasional Considerations<\/strong><\/h4>\n