5 mistakes you’re making with your refrigerator

Ever had your fridge stop working on a scorching summer day? Melting ice cream, spoiled milk, a cold box full of regret — you get the point. Refrigerators are one of those things we don’t tend to think much about until something goes wrong, and then it’s ALL we can think about. The good news? Most fridge problems are preventable if you avoid a few common mistakes.

And if mistakes lead to an appliance breakdown, we’re here for you. Whether you need a replacement part, troubleshooting advice or help looking up diagrams for a specific model, just head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Mistake #1: Overloading the fridge

We’ve all known someone who crams their fridge full of stuff. Maybe it’s leftovers from last week, or maybe it’s that 12-pack of sparkling water you had to have. Whatever the reason, overloading your fridge isn’t just inconvenient — it’s bad for the appliance itself.

When the fridge is packed to the brim, airflow gets blocked. That cold air your fridge works so hard to circulate can’t do its job if everything’s crammed tighter than a suitcase on vacation. This means some items won’t get as cold as they should, while others might freeze (hello, rock-hard spinach).

What to do instead

Keep your refrigerator organized and leave some breathing room. Your fridge needs space to “breathe” just like you do. Aim to keep shelves about 75% full to promote the most airflow. And while you’re at it, make sure the temperature is set right — 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer are the best.

It also helps to rotate items regularly so nothing gets shoved to the back and forgotten. 

Mistake #2: Ignoring the seals

Your fridge door seals — also called gaskets — are more important than they look. Those rubbery strips around the door frame create an airtight seal when the fridge is closed, but they need to be maintained. If the seals are dirty, worn out, or cracked, they can’t do their job, and cold air starts escaping faster than kids at the sound of chores.

Bad seals can make your fridge work overtime to maintain its temperature. This puts extra strain on the compressor, spikes your energy bill, and can even shorten your fridge’s lifespan. Plus, you might notice food spoiling faster because the fridge isn’t staying as cold.

How to check your refrigerator seals

Try the “dollar bill test.” Close a dollar bill (or any thin piece of paper) in the fridge door so part of it sticks out. Then give it a gentle tug. If it slides out easily, then the seal isn’t tight enough and it’s time to clean or replace it.

Mistake #3: Skipping regular maintenance

Cleaning your fridge might not be at the top of your to-do list (or even on it), but neglecting this simple maintenance step can lead to a lot more trouble than just funky smells. Dirty fridges don’t just look bad — they can run less efficiently and even break down over time.

The condenser coils, which are usually located behind or underneath the fridge, are like the lungs of the unit. They help release heat from inside the fridge. But when they’re covered in dust, pet hair, or crumbs, they can’t do their job, and your fridge has to work extra hard to keep cool. 

And let’s not forget spills and crumbs inside the fridge itself. If left unchecked, they can create sticky, smelly messes or even block air vents.

How to clean your fridge

1. Unplug the fridge (seriously, don’t skip this part unless you like surprises). Use a coil brush or vacuum attachment to gently clean the coils. Do this every 6-12 months or more often if you have pets. You’d be surprised at how much hair and fur can accumulate in such a short period of time.
2. Remove interior shelves and drawers, wash them with warm, soapy water, and wipe down the inside of the fridge. Make sure to clean the corners where crumbs like to hide.
3. Check the defrost drain (usually at the back of the freezer compartment) to make sure it’s not clogged. A simple flush with warm water can prevent leaks.

Mistake #4: Setting the wrong temperature

Let’s talk numbers, specifically, your fridge and freezer temperatures. Too warm, and your food won’t stay fresh. Too cold, and you’re turning veggies into popsicles (nobody likes frozen lettuce). Setting the wrong temperature might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste energy, shorten the life of your fridge, and mess with meal prep time.

The magic numbers

For your fridge: 37°F (3°C).
For your freezer: 0°F (-18°C).

These settings are the sweet spot for keeping food fresh and safe. If your fridge is too warm, bacteria can grow faster, making your food spoil sooner. On the flip side, setting it too cold wastes energy and risks freezing food that’s supposed to stay crisp and fresh. It’s a delicate balance but one that’s easy to maintain with the right settings.

How to check the temperature

Don’t just trust the built-in thermostat — older fridges and even some newer models can be a little off. Use a separate fridge thermometer to double-check the temperature by placing it in the center of the fridge and freezer. Let it sit for a few hours and adjust the fridge settings if needed.

Mistake #5: Forgetting about frost & the defrost drain

Let’s talk about the freezer’s sneaky little troublemaker: frost buildup. It’s one of those things that can creep up on you, and before you know it, your freezer is looking like the North Pole. Another often-overlooked issue is a clogged defrost drain, which can lead to puddles of water pooling in your fridge.

Excess frost in your freezer can mess with airflow and temperature regulation, which can make your refrigerator work harder than it should. And if the defrost drain is clogged, melting ice has nowhere to go, which can cause leaks or a frozen drain that’s a pain to fix.

How to prevent frost problems

• If you have a manual-defrost freezer, make it a habit to defrost it every few months, or whenever frost buildup exceeds a quarter inch. Unplug the appliance, remove all food, and let the ice melt naturally. You can speed up the process by placing bowls of warm water inside the freezer.
• Find the defrost drain (usually at the back of the freezer or fridge compartment) and check for blockages. Use warm water to flush out any gunk or ice that might be stuck. A turkey baster works wonders for this!

Let’s wrap this up

Whether you’re dealing with one of these issues now or just trying to keep your fridge in tip-top shape, a little effort goes a long way. And if you run into a problem that needs more than just a quick fix, AppliancePartsPros.com has you covered. We’ve got the parts, the know-how, and all the resources you need to help you tackle the job like a pro.

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