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Spring has finally arrived, and with it, the need to give our homes a thorough cleaning. We sometimes forget to completely clean our refrigerators and freezers, but it's an important step to take. Proper maintenance allows our appliances to function optimally, prevents the growth of bacteria, reduces energy consumption, and increases their lifespan.
Here are some tips to take care of your machine and ensure you store your fresh and frozen products properly. l’épicier.
Refrigerator Maintenance
First, clean your refrigerator.
To do this, unplug the appliance and empty all contents. You can place your food in a cooler filled with ice to prevent it from getting too cold. Also take this opportunity to throw away any food that has expired or that you will not eat.
Use warm water and mild soap to scrub the entire interior and exterior of the machine. It's not recommended to use bleach or toxic household products for cleaning. Doing so could contaminate food that has little or no packaging. If you're unsure whether your cleaner is suitable for the job, use white vinegar or a mixture of water and baking soda. Both ingredients are naturally effective against stains and unpleasant odors.
Don't forget to also wipe down the door and its seal with a damp cloth to remove any dirt and mildew that can sometimes build up. It can be helpful to use a toothbrush to scrub into the nooks and crannies to make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned.
The same goes for the coils, which are usually located at the back of the refrigerator. Dust accumulation on this structure affects its proper functioning. As a result, the appliance must use more energy to maintain an optimal temperature, and it risks giving up the ghost sooner than expected. In addition, your electricity costs increase. So, gently brush it to remove all the dirt without breaking the mechanism.
Then gently move the refrigerator to sweep underneath and around.
Finally, make sure to dry all cleaned parts thoroughly with water before plugging it back in. Wait until it has returned to its optimal temperature, then put your food back in.
Freezer Maintenance
Whether you have a freestanding freezer or one integrated into your refrigerator, you also need to clean it thoroughly.
Make sure to unplug it first before handling anything.
Empty it of all food. Why not take the opportunity to throw away food that is covered in ice and burned by the freezer? You'll also save space!
Next, it's time to defrost. This is important because ice buildup reduces the appliance's efficiency, and the compressor has to work harder to maintain the ideal temperature. This wastes too much energy, and the freezer risks breaking.
If the latter offers a defrost option, simply press a button to start it. Otherwise, remove the ice using warm water and a plastic scraper.
Don't use chemicals for this. Water alone will do the job just fine. However, if the ice is too stubborn and you can't get rid of it easily, place a container of hot water in the appliance and close the door. Then, wait a few minutes. You can also spray hot water on the ice to melt it.
Above all, do not use a knife or other sharp tools to defrost, as this may injure yourself or damage parts of the appliance.
Once the ice is removed, scrub every nook and cranny of the freezer. If you prefer, add a little white vinegar to finish the cleaning.
Also remember to thoroughly scrub the door, drawers and removable shelves.
Finally, wipe down all the machine's structures with a cloth, then plug it back in and let it reach a temperature of -18°C before putting your frozen and deep-frozen products back in.
Additional tips for proper operation
There are also other tips for properly maintaining these appliances. In addition to a thorough cleaning in the spring, there are certain things you can do throughout the year.
First, avoid leaving the refrigerator and freezer doors open for too long. This lets in heat, and the appliances have to work harder to maintain a low temperature.
Also, try not to put hot products in them. Give them time to cool before putting them away.
To prevent the proliferation of bacteria and unpleasant odors, it is useful to know how to store your food properly. For some tips, check out this blog post from l’épicier.
Next, check that your devices are not installed near a heat source and that the sun's rays are not directly directed at them.
Finally, make sure the door seal is working properly to prevent heat and energy loss. To do this, simply close the door on a sheet of paper. If you can easily remove it, the structure should be replaced.
Looking for miracle cleaning tips for your entire kitchen? Discover them here!
Conclusion
Properly maintaining your refrigerator and freezer can prevent a lot of hassle.
This allows you to increase their shelf life, reduce the proliferation of bacteria and mold, avoid energy waste and have fresh food preserved for longer.
To take care of your devices, there are a few simple steps you can take throughout the year, including a deep cleaning in spring.
Good housekeeping!
sources:
www.pagesjaunes.ca/trucs/5-conseils-dexperts-pour-bien-nettoyer-votre-refrigerateur/
www.lesnumeriques.com/refrigerateur/quelques-conseils-entretien-votre-refrigerateur-n44163.html
www.group-digital.fr/entretien-refrigerateur-congelateur.html
www.coupdepouce.com/maison/entretien/article/l-entretien-facile-et-rapide-du-congelateur
