Fridge Care: Cleaning, Temperature, and Features Explained

Summer makes the refrigerator the most essential household appliance. From keeping water cold to preserving vegetables, milk, and leftover food, everything depends on it. 

However, if the refrigerator is not properly maintained, food can spoil quickly, electricity consumption can increase, and the refrigerator itself can malfunction. Therefore, proper refrigerator care is important. To do this, how often should the refrigerator be cleaned? What is the correct temperature, and what to do if excessive ice accumulates in the freezer? In today's article, we will discuss this.

How often should the fridge be cleaned?

If something spills or freezes in the refrigerator, it should be cleaned immediately. This prevents the spread of bacteria and avoids odor. Besides this, the entire refrigerator should be deep cleaned every 3 to 4 months. When cleaning, first unplug the refrigerator. Then, remove all trays, drawers, and shelves and wash them with hot water and soap. Clean the inside of the refrigerator with baking soda and lukewarm water. This easily removes dirt and odor.

What should be the correct temperature of the refrigerator?

The temperature of the refrigerator should be between 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 38 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius. A freezer temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or approximately –18 degrees Celsius is considered optimal. This keeps food safe and the refrigerator functions properly.

Understand the meaning of each refrigerator button

Nowadays, most refrigerators have various types of buttons and modes. Using them correctly improves the refrigerator's performance and saves electricity.

Temperature Control or Refrigerator Button

This button controls the cooling temperature of the refrigerator. It is labeled as low, medium, and high, or numbered 1 to 5.

In summer, keep it on medium to high.

In winter, low or medium is sufficient. 

Freezer Control

This controls the cooling power of the freezer. You can increase it slightly if you need more ice or ice cream.

Power Cool/Quick Cool

This mode provides rapid cooling when a large amount of ice is stored in the refrigerator. For example, if you are having a party at home and need to chill a lot of water or cold drinks, you can use the Power Cool button. 

Defrost Button

If too much ice accumulates in the freezer, this button helps to melt the ice. You can press this button if ice has accumulated.

Eco Mode

This is a power-saving mode. It can be turned on when the refrigerator is not used much.

If you are going out for many days, this mode helps save electricity. 

What to do if there is too much ice in the freezer?

Sometimes, the freezer starts accumulating more ice than necessary. This can make it difficult to remove items from the freezer. Besides this, if too much ice accumulates, the refrigerator's cooling capacity decreases and electricity consumption increases. In such a situation, you can use the defrost button. However, if your refrigerator does not have this button, first turn off the refrigerator for some time and leave the door open to let the ice melt. Place a towel or cloth underneath to prevent water from spilling. Do not use a knife or any sharp object to remove ice; it can damage the freezer. If you wish, you can melt the ice quickly by placing a container of hot water inside.

Also keep these things in mind:

Never put hot food directly into the refrigerator.

Always cover food.

Never leave the refrigerator door open for a long time.

If you use your refrigerator properly and clean it regularly, your food will stay fresh for a long time and your refrigerator will run for years without problems.