KEEP IT COOL!
Cleaning Cleverly Steps to Sparkle
Simple Maintenance Tips for a Cooler, More Efficient Refrigerator
A little TLC for your refrigerator can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly, saving you on energy bills and, ultimately, from buying a new one sooner than you have to. With just a few easy maintenance steps, your fridge will stay cool, efficient, and fit to do its job! Clean those coils. Did you know your fridge’s coils, usually behind a lower panel on the back, play a key role in cooling? These coils release heat as refrigerant passes through, but dust, pet hair, and debris can build up over time, making your fridge work harder. Slide your fridge out twice a year, open the lower panel, and use your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment to clear out dust. Want to give it a final wipe? Use a dry towel, as moisture could damage the coils. Just be careful not to bend anything — blocked airflow could prevent your fridge from cooling properly. Don’t ignore the gasket. That rubber seal, or gasket, around your fridge door may look minor, but it’s essential for keeping cold air in and warm air out. If the gasket doesn’t seal tightly, your fridge has to work harder to maintain its cool, costing you extra energy. Inspect it for cracks or wear occasionally, and wipe it with warm, soapy water to remove any crumbs or spills. If it’s looking cracked or brittle, head to your local hardware store for a replacement — it’s an easy fix that makes a big difference.
As we work to fit everything into our hectic daily schedules, even the simplest and most apparent tasks can slip through the cracks. For example, we rely on common cleaning tools and appliances to maintain order in our lives, but do we pay attention to how we treat them? Household staples like cutting boards and sponges aren’t magical devices that keep our homes clean without their own maintenance and care. Here are three ways to keep cleaning tools, well, clean. The Battle Against Bacteria Even if your home-cleaning regimen is extensive enough to make Martha Stewart blush, you may unwittingly turn your home into a haven for bacteria without realizing it. Your sponges and scrubbers do a lot to keep your space spotless and hygienic, so they should be treated with the same consideration. They should be washed at least weekly, and the most thorough method is in your dishwasher — run them on the hottest cycle for the longest time possible on the top rack. And speaking of dishwashers, be sure to give yours a deep clean every 6–12 months by thoroughly cleaning all removable parts with dish soap and water. Worries in Your Wood If you do most of your meal prep on your trusty wooden cutting board, look carefully at its current condition. If you notice deep cuts and crevices from repeated visits by your knives, it’s time for a replacement. These cuts and uneven surfaces can harbor bacteria that regular washings with soap and water can’t reach. Think of it like the difference between simply brushing your teeth and giving them a good flossing. Your superficially cleaned teeth may look nice, but what lives between them could lead to serious health issues if left unchecked. Classy Cloth Care The small, square cloth is a household cleaning enthusiast’s greatest friend, but it’s often the most neglected. Since there’s no point in wiping anything down with dirty rags, toss them in your washing machine on a normal cycle with your regular detergent. If your cleaning rags have really seen better days, add a cup of bleach.
Remember your filters. If your fridge has a water or ice dispenser, its filters need regular changing, too. Over time, old filters can clog and require repair, so a good rule of thumb is to swap out these filters every three months, around the same time you’d replace other filters in your home. Keep it fully stocked. An empty fridge isn’t as efficient as a full one! Refrigerators need thermal mass (i.e., cool items) to
stabilize temperatures. When you open the door, cool items help absorb warm air, so your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard.
These simple steps help your refrigerator stay energy-efficient and fully functioning to keep your food at the perfect temperature!
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