Fridge Maintenance: Simple Steps to Save Money and Keep Food Fresh

If your fridge is making weird noises or the food isn’t staying cold, the problem is often something you can fix yourself. Regular maintenance not only stops small issues from becoming big headaches, it also saves you cash on energy bills. Below are the most useful things you can do today to keep your refrigerator in top shape.

Everyday Cleaning and Checks

Start with the door seals. Wipe them with a damp cloth and check for cracks or gaps. A bad seal lets warm air in, which makes the motor work harder. If you see tears, replace the gasket – it’s cheap and a quick DIY job.

Next, clean the interior. Food spills attract mold and bad smells. Use a solution of warm water and a splash of vinegar, then wipe every shelf and drawer. Don’t forget the crisper drawers; they often hide hidden crumbs that turn into odors.

Behind the fridge, you’ll find the condenser coils. Dust on these coils forces the compressor to overheat, leading to noisy operation and higher electricity use. Vacuum the coils with a brush attachment at least once every three months. If you can’t reach them, a simple shop‑vac hose works fine.Set the temperature correctly. Most fridges run best at 37‑40°F (3‑4°C) in the fridge compartment and 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer. Use a fridge thermometer – they are cheap and give you an exact reading.

Spotting Problems Early

Listen for unusual sounds. A humming motor is normal, but rattling or constant clicking can mean the fan is blocked or the compressor is failing. If the fridge is louder than usual, pull it away from the wall and check for anything touching the rear panel.

Watch out for water pooling at the bottom or under the fridge. This often points to a clogged defrost drain. Clear it by pouring a mixture of warm water and baking soda down the drain hole (usually at the back of the freezer). Let it sit, then flush with more warm water.

Frost build‑up in the freezer is another red flag. If you see ice thicker than a quarter‑inch, the automatic defrost might be broken. You can manually defrost by turning the fridge off, removing all food, and letting the ice melt. Once the ice is gone, clean up any water and turn the appliance back on.

When the fridge runs constantly without cycling off, it could be a thermostat issue or a dirty coil again. Run a quick test: put a glass of water in the freezer and see if it freezes within four hours. If not, call a professional.

Even with the best DIY care, some problems need a qualified technician. If you notice any of the following, schedule a service call with a trusted company like Wells Appliance Repairs: persistent loud noises, coolant leaks, error codes on the display panel, or if the fridge simply won’t cool despite all your checks.

Doing these simple maintenance tasks every few weeks keeps your fridge efficient, quiet, and long‑lasting. You’ll save on energy bills, avoid food waste, and extend the life of the appliance. And when the issue is beyond a quick fix, you’ll know exactly when to get the pros involved.