{"id":14091,"date":"2025-02-14T11:49:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T19:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=14091"},"modified":"2025-02-14T11:49:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T19:49:43","slug":"5-mistakes-youre-making-with-your-refrigerator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/5-mistakes-youre-making-with-your-refrigerator\/","title":{"rendered":"5 mistakes you’re making with your refrigerator"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ever had your fridge stop working on a scorching summer day? Melting ice cream, spoiled milk, a cold box full of regret \u2014 you get the point. Refrigerators are one of those things we don\u2019t tend to think much about until something goes wrong, and then it\u2019s ALL we can think about. The good news? Most fridge problems are preventable if you avoid a few common mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if mistakes lead to an appliance breakdown, we\u2019re here for you. Whether you need a replacement part, troubleshooting advice or help looking up diagrams for a specific model, just head over to <\/span>AppliancePartsPros.com<\/b><\/a>. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Mistake #1: Overloading the fridge<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve all known someone who crams their fridge full of stuff. Maybe it\u2019s leftovers from last week, or maybe it\u2019s that 12-pack of sparkling water you <\/span>had<\/span><\/i> to have. Whatever the reason, overloading your fridge isn\u2019t just inconvenient \u2014 it\u2019s bad for the appliance itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the fridge is packed to the brim, airflow gets blocked. That cold air your fridge works so hard to circulate can\u2019t do its job if everything\u2019s crammed tighter than a suitcase on vacation. This means some items won\u2019t get as cold as they should, while others might freeze (hello, rock-hard spinach).<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do instead<\/b><\/h3>\n

Keep your refrigerator organized and leave some breathing room. Your fridge needs space to \u201cbreathe\u201d just like you do. Aim to keep shelves about 75% full to promote the most airflow. And while you\u2019re at it, make sure the temperature is set right \u2014 37\u00b0F for the fridge and 0\u00b0F for the freezer are the best.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also helps to rotate items regularly so nothing gets shoved to the back and forgotten.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mistake #2: Ignoring the seals<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your fridge door seals \u2014 also called gaskets \u2014 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\u2019t do their job, and cold air starts escaping faster than kids at the sound of chores.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s lifespan. Plus, you might notice food spoiling faster because the fridge isn\u2019t staying as cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to check your refrigerator seals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Try the \u201cdollar bill test.\u201d 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\u2019t tight enough and it\u2019s time to clean or replace it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mistake #3: Skipping regular maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019t just look bad \u2014 they can run less efficiently and even break down over time.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/b>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\u2019re covered in dust, pet hair, or crumbs, they can\u2019t do their job, and your fridge has to work extra hard to keep cool.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And let\u2019s not forget spills and crumbs inside the fridge itself. If left unchecked, they can create sticky, smelly messes or even block air vents.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to clean your fridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. Unplug the fridge (seriously, don\u2019t 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\u2019d be surprised at how much hair and fur can accumulate in such a short period of time.<\/span><\/li>\n
  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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Check the defrost drain (usually at the back of the freezer compartment) to make sure it\u2019s not clogged. A simple flush with warm water can prevent leaks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Mistake #4: Setting the wrong temperature<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Let\u2019s talk numbers, specifically, your fridge and freezer temperatures. Too warm, and your food won\u2019t stay fresh. Too cold, and you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The magic numbers<\/b><\/h3>\n

    For your fridge: <\/span>37\u00b0F (3\u00b0C)<\/b>.<\/span>
    \n<\/span>For your freezer: <\/span>0\u00b0F (-18\u00b0C)<\/b>.<\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/span>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\u2019s supposed to stay crisp and fresh. It\u2019s a delicate balance but one that\u2019s easy to maintain with the right settings.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to check the temperature<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Don\u2019t just trust the built-in thermostat \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mistake #5: Forgetting about frost & the defrost drain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Let\u2019s talk about the freezer\u2019s sneaky little troublemaker: frost buildup. It\u2019s 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. <\/span>
    \n<\/span>
    \n<\/b>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\u2019s a pain to fix.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prevent frost problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n