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While cleaning out your double door fridge on a regular basis is a good idea, it is not the only maintenance habit you should practice.
Top 6 Habits To Completely Ruin Your Fridge
We’ve compiled a brief list of dos and don’ts, as well as efficient alternatives, to ensure that your refrigerator works well for years to come.
Habit 1- Overstocking Your Refrigerator
Overstocking your fridge is an all-too-common bad habit, especially when you have new groceries to unload. When you overload your fridge, it makes it more difficult for it to manage the internal temperature and keep everything cool, which can lead to food rotting faster.
When the refrigerator is pushed to work harder whether a double door fridge or a deep freezer, it might place undue strain on the compressor and condenser coils, perhaps leading to overheating.
Solution – Allow adequate space for air to move freely so that your refrigerator is not overburdened. A decent rule of thumb is to keep your refrigerator at least 75% filled.
Habit 2- Neglecting to Clean the Condenser Coils on a Regular Basis
It is estimated that if householders properly cleaned their condenser coils at least once a year, they could save roughly 70% of all refrigerator breakdowns. If your condenser coils are not cleaned and maintained correctly, they can get slathered with dust, dirt, and other debris.
When the condenser coils get clogged, the refrigerator is unable to adequately dissipate heat, forcing the compressor to work overtime to cool the device.
This not only puts additional strain on the operating components of your refrigerator, but it can also result in higher energy costs. Note that even if you have the best double door fridge online, neglecting to clean the condenser will still result adverse effects in the long run.
Solution– The solution is straightforward, but it will need some dexterity and understanding. To begin, find the condenser coils, which are often located on the back of a standard refrigerator or above a silver service plate on Sub-Zero refrigerators.
After you’ve located the coils, use a soft brush to carefully remove any dirt that has gathered. Take care not to harm the coils, which are sensitive and can distort if too much pressure is used.
Habit 3- Not Cleaning the Water Filter Frequently Enough
Another delicate component within your refrigerator is the water filter. If you have a refrigerator with an ice and filtered water dispenser on the door, you should change the filter on a regular basis. This will not only keep your drinking water and ice free of impurities, but it will also keep sediment from accumulating in the pipes that run through your refrigerator.
The common thread to maintaining your refrigerator’s more complicated components is the simple knowledge that you don’t want your refrigerator to work harder than it needs to.
Solution – All types of refrigerators be it a Samsung double door fridge or an LG single door refrigerator they all come with a user manual. Check the user manual of your fridge to determine the make and model in order to know which water filters you need to purchase.
You should be able to get a replacement water filter directly from the manufacturer. It is suggested that you replace your water filter after every six months. If your refrigerator just has an ice maker and no water dispenser, you must still change the filter to ensure that your ice is free of contaminants.
HABIT 4- Not Cleaning the Fridge on a Regular Basis
Cleaning your fridge on a regular basis, both inside and out, may pass your mind since you are simply too busy. We understand! That being said, keeping your fridge clear of sticky spills, food splatters, and hardened food particles will keep you and your family safe from germs or food poisoning.
In terms of the practical element of cleaning your refrigerator, if food spills or splatters pile on the seal of the refrigerator door, it can lead to the sealant degrading and breaking, resulting in leaks. This will require your refrigerator to work harder to cool the interior, costing you more money in the long run.
Solution- The solution is rather self-explanatory, although frequency is important. Cleaning the interior and outside of your refrigerator every two weeks is advisable. While cleaning your refrigerator the first time may be time-consuming, the more regularly you clean it, the easier it will become. For those with chest freezer, cleaning on a regular basis is vital.
HABIT 5- Improper Food Storage
Have you ever taken heated leftovers and immediately placed them in the fridge? You might be startled to learn that doing so might inadvertently ruin your refrigerator. Similarly to setting the temperature too high, storing hot or warm items inside the refrigerator without first allowing them to cool may cause your refrigerator to work more to cool the inside.
Solution-Leave leftovers or food to cool on the counter while covered before storing them in the fridge for safe and sanitary storage.
HABIT 6- Not Inspecting the Fridge Door Seal
This one is crucial. The seal on your refrigerator door is critical to the operation of your fridge. Be it a double door or single door refrigerator it needs to be maintained. If left unmaintained, they may degrade, become brittle, and break.
As a result, they degrade and are unable to adequately seal in cool air. As a result, your refrigerator needs to work harder to operate, resulting in a tremendous waste of electricity.
Solution – Inspect the seal surrounding your refrigerator door on a regular basis for indications of wear and tear or cracking. If you find that your refrigerator door isn’t resisting while opening as much as it used to, and the suction seems weak, it’s time to call a professional to repair the seal.
Summary
It will become second nature to you once you develop the practice of consistently maintaining, cleaning, and examining your refrigerator. With a little work and some trusted household tools, you can maintain one of your home’s most critical appliances working smoothly and securely for the long term.
If you feel that your refrigerator is acting strangely, such as not cooling correctly, food spoiling before its expiry date, or unusual sounds emanating from it, you should have a professional refrigerator repair specialist inspect it. Also if you’re looking to buy the best refrigerator online, go for big brands like LG refrigerators.
