Fridge maintenance 101: top tips for peak performance

Most days, you don’t give refrigerator maintenance much thought. When your appliance is doing its job, your food stays cold, fresh, and tasty and you don’t give it a second thought. But what if your fridge could work even better and last longer?

Asurion Experts know all about appliances and have the best tips to share for your fridge. Here’s our guide on the care and maintenance of your refrigerator. 

Why does fridge maintenance matter? 

It’s crucial to keep up with refrigerator maintenance so your appliance keeps working its best. By following a regular maintenance routine you’ll save on energy bills, help food last longer, prevent potential breakdowns and costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of your fridge.

Weekly maintenance

Here are a few easy chores you should do at least once a week to keep your fridge in top shape: 

Set the right temperature

Check your thermostat settings regularly—weekly, or immediately if you think your fridge may be too warm. An ideal range is between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Clean up spills

Wipe up spills and leaks as soon as possible so food residue doesn’t build up in your fridge. 

Check for expired food 

Weekly fridge maintenance should include a quick scan for expired or spoiled food items.  

This will keep your fridge clean, keep it smelling fresh, and prevent potential health hazards. 

Load your fridge properly

Aim for a fridge that’s about three-quarters full. If you frequently load your refrigerator with hot food or leave the doors open for a long time, your appliance has to work harder, which can cause components to wear out more quickly. Too empty? The fridge will struggle to keep the temperature low. Too full? Items can block air vents and reduce energy efficiency. 

Check for unusual noises or vibrations

Keep an ear out for any usual noises— like humming or clicks—or any excessive vibrations coming from your fridge. These could be signs of an unbalanced compressor or a problem with another component in your appliance that may need to be adjusted or repaired. For more tips, check out our guide on how to fix a noisy refrigerator. 

Every six months maintenance

Clean condenser coils 

At least twice a year, clean the condenser coils on your fridge. To be safe, make sure to unplug your fridge first. Need help? Check out our guide to how to clean your refrigerator coils. 

Check door seals

The door seal, or gasket, is the flexible strip that provides insulation around the edges of your refrigerator door. Over time, gaskets can become dry and cracked, allowing hot air to enter the fridge, which makes your appliance less efficient. To keep your fridge lining well-sealed, clean it regularly with soap and water on a soft cloth. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly when needed. 

Change water filters

Make sure to swap out your refrigerator water filter at least every six months. This will make your water taste fresher and prevent contaminants from clogging the dispenser. If you need help, check your owner’s manual for instructions. 

Level the fridge

Over time, your fridge can become unlevel due to shifting or settling of the kitchen floor. An unlevel fridge can cause problems with the door seals and other parts. Use a level to check if your fridge is perfectly balanced, and adjust the leveling legs or rollers as needed to make sure it’s level front-to-back and side-to-side.