Locate refrigerators away from heat sources
like range, radiator, or sunny window.
Never run frost-free refrigerators with
freezer compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below 60 F. unless
specially designed for such conditions. When the air temperature goes below 60
F. the compressor runs less, keeping temperatures in the refrigerator
compartment cold enough for fresh food but not cold enough in the freezer
compartment to keep food quality there. At air temperatures below 40 F. the
compressor stops running, so the freezer compartment rises to air temperature
and food thaws and spoils. Also below 32 F. water melted during the automatic
defrost cycle may freeze again and block air passages.
For seasonal homes with heat left on at very
low temperatures, or long winter vacations with heat turned down in home,
remove all food, unplug, clean thoroughly, dry, and leave door ajar so air can
circulate. Be sure no child can get into empty refrigerator in your absence and
become trapped! If you can't use up food, give it away or throw it away; food
that spoils in a refrigerator can create odors that may require discarding the
refrigerator!
For short vacations, leave refrigerator on
but use up or discard perishable food, and if you have an ice maker, turn off
the mechanism and water line following your manual directions.
If you have a chilled water dispenser, and
room temperatures may go below freezing (as in moving, winter trip) shut off
water and drain water tank following directions in your appliance manual.
Do not cram refrigerator so full that cold
air can't circulate freely to chill food. Cover or wrap all foods stored,
especially in frost-free models, to prevent drying out, and transfer of odors.
In models that need defrosting, do not use
electric defrosters or other hot objects where they can touch plastic liners or
parts; they could melt. Always unplug refrigerator before defrosting. Never use
sharp objects which could damage the evaporator coils.
Clean refrigerator compartment regularly,
even though it does not require defrosting. Turn it off and unplug. Remove all
food and removable interior parts. Wash with a solution of 1-2 tablespoons
baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. Wash removable glass
shelves and plastic parts in warm detergent solution, rinse and wipe dry. Do
not put either glass or plastic in hot water; they may crack, especially if
cold. Clean door gasket with detergent solution; rinse and dry.
Occasionally clean freezer compartment
following manual instructions.
Wash exterior of cabinet with detergent
solution; rinse and dry. A creamy appliance wax may be used occasionally to
protect painted exterior and make spots easier to wipe off.
Wipe up spills in the refrigerator promptly
to avoid staining and odors.
Several of the plastics used for interior
parts of the refrigerator are easily stained by berries, fruits, and other
colored foods and absorb and retain odors. So tightly wrap or cover stored
foods and remove "old" foods before they spoil.
These plastics may soften at high
temperatures so never put boiling or hot water in them. They may be damaged by
various household chemicals, so never use cleaning waxes, spray-on cleaners,
concentrated chlorine bleach on them. Follow your manual directions for
cleaning the different plastic drawers, shelves, etc. If you do not have a
manual, be safe by using a mild detergent (a hand dish washing liquid) and
lukewarm water solution, or a baking soda and water solution for cleaning.
NEVER use abrasives like scouring powder or scouring pads, as these plastics
are easily scratched.
Occasionally vacuum (or brush) dust from
condenser, usually under the front bottom grille (see manual for location and
directions). Also at the same time, wash the plastic pan which collects water
from automatic defrosting and replace it in the same location.
Unpleasant odors develop, either from
improper storage of food or from spoilage.