Your side-by-side refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home. It keeps your food fresh and your drinks cold every day.
But to make sure it works well for years, you need to take good care of it. If you want to avoid costly repairs and keep your fridge running smoothly, this guide will show you simple steps you can follow.
Keep reading to discover easy tips that will save you time, money, and frustration. Your fridge will thank you!
Cleaning The Exterior
Keeping the outside of your side-by-side refrigerator clean helps it look fresh and new. Dirt and fingerprints can build up fast. Regular cleaning stops stains and keeps the surface shiny. It also helps the fridge stay in good shape for years.
Wiping Down Surfaces
Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap. Gently wipe the doors, handles, and sides. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the finish. Dry the surface with a clean towel to stop streaks. Do this once a week or as needed.
Cleaning Door Seals
Door seals trap dirt and crumbs over time. Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove grime. Check for cracks or damage while cleaning. Clean seals keep the fridge airtight and save energy. Do this every two weeks for best results.
Organizing The Interior
Keeping the interior of your side-by-side refrigerator neat helps food stay fresh longer. It also makes it easier to find what you need fast. Organizing the inside improves air flow and reduces energy use. Small habits can make a big difference in how your fridge works.
Proper Food Storage
Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid drips. Use clear containers to see food easily. Keep fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers. Place dairy products on middle shelves where temperature stays steady. Label leftovers with dates to track freshness. Group similar items together for quick access.
Avoiding Overcrowding
Do not pack the fridge too full. Overcrowding blocks cold air and causes uneven cooling. Leave space between items for air to circulate. Remove expired or spoiled food regularly. Use stackable containers to save space. A well-spaced fridge keeps food fresher and saves energy.
Temperature Settings
Setting the right temperature in your side-by-side refrigerator is important. It keeps food fresh and prevents waste. The temperature controls both the fridge and freezer compartments. Knowing how to adjust these settings helps save energy and maintain the quality of your food.
Optimal Cooling Levels
The ideal temperature for the refrigerator section is between 37°F and 40°F (3°C to 4°C). This range slows bacterial growth and keeps fruits and vegetables fresh. The freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C) to keep frozen foods safe and maintain their taste.
Check the temperature with a fridge thermometer. This tool helps you confirm the settings are correct. Avoid setting temperatures too low. It can freeze fresh produce and increase energy use.
Adjusting For Seasons
Temperature needs change with the seasons. In summer, warmer air can make your fridge work harder. Lower the fridge temperature by a degree or two to keep food cool. In winter, the ambient temperature is lower. Raising the temperature slightly can save energy without risking food safety.
Keep the door closed as much as possible. Frequent opening lets warm air in and affects temperature balance. Regularly check and adjust settings based on the season for best performance.
Â
Defrosting Tips
Defrosting your side-by-side refrigerator helps it run better. Ice build-up can block air flow and reduce cooling. Regular defrosting keeps your fridge working well and saves energy.
Manual Defrosting Steps
First, unplug the refrigerator. Remove all food and store it safely. Open the doors to let the ice melt. Place towels around the fridge base to catch water. Use a plastic scraper to remove loose ice gently. Never use sharp tools to avoid damage. Clean the inside with a soft cloth and mild soap. Dry all surfaces before plugging the fridge back in.
When To Defrost
Defrost your fridge when ice is thicker than a quarter inch. Check the freezer side for frost build-up often. If the doors don’t close properly, ice might be blocking them. A fridge that runs longer than usual can need defrosting too. Regular checks prevent big ice problems and keep your fridge efficient.
Maintaining The Coils
The coils in a side-by-side refrigerator play a key role in keeping it cool. They release heat from inside the fridge to the outside air. Dust and dirt can build up on the coils over time. This makes the fridge work harder and use more energy. Cleaning the coils regularly helps the fridge run smoothly and saves electricity.
Locating The Coils
Most side-by-side refrigerators have coils at the back or underneath. Check behind the fridge by pulling it away from the wall. Some models have a grille at the bottom front. The coils sit behind this grille. Use a flashlight to see the coils clearly. They look like thin metal tubes or wires. Finding the coils is the first step to keeping them clean.
Cleaning Frequency
Clean the coils at least twice a year. In dusty homes or places with pets, clean them more often. Dirty coils make the fridge hotter and less efficient. Use a coil cleaning brush or a vacuum with a brush tool. Turn off the fridge and unplug it before cleaning. Gently remove dust and dirt from the coils. Regular cleaning helps your fridge last longer and saves money on bills.
Â
Checking The Door Seals
Checking the door seals on your side-by-side refrigerator is important. Good seals keep cold air inside and save energy. Poor seals let warm air in, causing your fridge to work harder. This can raise your electricity bill and spoil food faster. Regular checks help catch problems early and keep your fridge running well.
Inspecting For Damage
Look closely at the rubber seals around the doors. Check for cracks, tears, or areas where the seal pulls away. Feel for soft or sticky spots. These signs mean the seal is weak. You can test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper. Pull the paper out gently. If it slides out easily, the seal may not be tight enough.
Replacing Seals
Replace seals that are cracked or no longer stick well. Buy new seals made for your refrigerator model. Remove the old seal by pulling it away from the door. Clean the area before installing the new one. Press the new seal firmly into place. Check again with the paper test to make sure it seals tightly. Replacing seals keeps your fridge cold and saves energy.
Managing The Ice Maker
Managing the ice maker in your side-by-side refrigerator keeps your ice fresh and your machine working well. It needs simple care to avoid clogs and bad tastes. Regular attention helps prevent common problems and extends its life.
Regular Cleaning
Clean the ice maker every few months. Turn off the ice maker and unplug the fridge first. Remove ice trays or bins carefully. Wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse well to remove soap. Wipe the inside area with a damp cloth. Dry everything completely before putting parts back. This stops mold and removes old ice buildup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Check for ice jams if ice stops making. Clear any stuck ice cubes gently. Look at the water line for leaks or kinks. Replace the water filter every six months. A dirty filter can block water flow. If ice tastes strange, clean the maker and replace the filter. For noisy ice makers, check if parts are loose. Tighten screws or reset the machine if needed.
Handling Power Outages
Power outages can disrupt your side-by-side refrigerator’s normal function. It is important to handle these situations carefully. This helps keep your food safe and your appliance working well. Understanding what to do during and after a power outage can save you time and money.
Preserving Food Safety
Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Cold air stays inside better this way. Food can stay safe for about four hours without power. If the outage lasts longer, check food for signs of spoilage. Look for unusual smells, colors, or textures. Throw away any food that seems off to avoid illness.
Restarting The Refrigerator
Wait a few minutes before turning the refrigerator back on. This prevents damage to the compressor. Plug it in and set the temperature to the recommended level. Allow several hours for the fridge to cool down fully. Avoid placing hot food inside right after restarting. This helps maintain the proper temperature inside.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance
Scheduling professional maintenance for your side-by-side refrigerator helps keep it running smoothly. Experts can spot small problems before they grow. Regular visits from a technician ensure your appliance works well and lasts longer.
When To Call A Technician
Call a technician if your fridge is noisy or not cooling properly. Strange smells or water leaks also need expert attention. Don’t wait for a full breakdown. Early service saves money and avoids food spoilage.
Benefits Of Regular Checkups
Regular checkups improve energy efficiency and lower electric bills. Technicians clean coils, check seals, and test temperature controls. These tasks help prevent costly repairs. Your fridge stays fresh and safe for food storage.
Â
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean My Side-by-side Refrigerator?
Clean your side-by-side refrigerator every three months. Wipe shelves, drawers, and door seals with mild soap and water. Regular cleaning prevents odors and bacteria buildup. It also maintains efficiency and extends the refrigerator’s lifespan.
What Is The Best Way To Defrost A Side-by-side Fridge?
To defrost, unplug the refrigerator and open the doors. Let ice melt naturally or use towels to soak water. Avoid sharp tools to prevent damage. Defrosting ensures proper cooling and prevents ice buildup in vents and drawers.
How Do I Maintain The Door Seals On My Fridge?
Clean door seals monthly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Check for cracks or damage regularly. Properly sealed doors keep cold air in and save energy. Replace seals promptly if they are worn out or broken.
Why Is My Side-by-side Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly?
Poor cooling can result from dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, or faulty seals. Clean coils every six months and ensure vents are clear. Check door seals and thermostat settings. If issues persist, call a professional technician.
Conclusion
Maintaining your side-by-side refrigerator keeps it running well. Clean the coils and check door seals often. Keep the inside organized and temperature steady. Defrost when needed to avoid ice buildup. These simple steps help save energy and money. A well-kept fridge lasts longer and works better.
Small efforts now prevent big problems later. Caring for your fridge is easy and worth it.
