Maintaining a refrigerator is an intelligent way to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts longer. Whether you own a single-door or double-door, regular care prevents breakdowns and high energy bills. Cleaning the coils, checking the seals, and troubleshooting minor issues can significantly extend the fridge's lifespan. Routine maintenance also ensures optimal cooling performance, minimizes repair costs, and reduces environmental impact. Authorized centers like the Super General service center offer professional support. Here's how you can maintain your refrigerator.

Regular interior and exterior cleaning are essential to keeping your refrigerator in top condition. For the interior, start by unplugging the fridge and removing all food items. Remove shelves, drawers, and compartments and wash them with warm, soapy water. Wipe the interior walls with mild detergent to remove spills and odors. Ensure all parts are dry before placing these inside.

For the exterior, wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner. Focus on the door seals—clean them with a damp cloth to prevent dirt buildup and ensure a tight seal. Brush the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge every few months to enhance energy efficiency and avoid overheating.

Door seals or gaskets keep cold air inside and prevent warm air from entering, ensuring your fridge doesn't have to bear overload. When seals become worn or damaged, the refrigerator's energy consumption might increase, and there might be cooling issues. Regularly inspect seals for cracks, mold, or stiffness, and clean them with mild soap to prevent wear.

Setting the right temperature ensures your refrigerator's performance and keeps your food fresh. The fridge compartment should be set between 1 and 4 degrees C for optimal results, while the freezer should be at -18 degrees C. Most refrigerators have temperature dial or digital controls for easy adjustments. Regularly monitor the temperature using built-in displays or external thermometers to ensure it stays within the recommended range. Avoid overloading the fridge, which can obstruct airflow and affect temperature stability. Also, check the settings, especially after power outages, to maintain consistent cooling and prevent food spoilage.

Organizing the contents of your refrigerator is critical to maintaining proper air circulation and ensuring efficient cooling. Place items strategically, keeping heavier products like dairy or meats on lower shelves and lighter items on top. Avoid blocking vents to allow cold air to flow freely throughout the fridge. It's also important not to overload the refrigerator, as overcrowding can restrict airflow and force the appliance to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Use clear containers, label food, and group similar items for easy accessibility.

Regular defrosting prevents ice buildup, hindering a freezer's performance and reducing storage space. Thick layers of frost can block airflow and force the appliance to consume more energy, impacting efficiency. To defrost, unplug the unit, remove all contents, and let the ice melt naturally, or use a bowl of warm water to speed up the process. Wipe the interior clean and ensure it is dry before restarting. Some refrigerators have an auto-defrost function. However, many models still need manual defrosting to maintain optimal cooling and energy efficiency.

Basic troubleshooting often resolves common refrigerator problems like temperature fluctuations, water leakage, or unusual noises. Check the thermostat settings to see if the refrigerator isn't cooling properly and ensure the door hinges are tight to prevent warm air from entering. For noisy operation, check if any components are obstructed.

Improve your refrigerator's energy efficiency by setting it to optimal temperatures—around 3-5 degrees C for the fridge and -18 degrees C for the freezer. Keep the appliance away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight and allow hot food to cool before storing it. Regularly clean the condenser coils to ensure smooth operation, and check door seals for leaks to prevent cold air from escaping. Additionally, defrost the freezer when needed to avoid ice buildup, that forces the compressor to work harder. With these practices, you can ensure the quality and working of your refrigerator are not compromised.