When you spend time in the kitchen, which appliance do you depend on most? For many families, the answer is the refrigerator. However, as trusty as these machines may be, they are still subject to wear and tear, and you’ll eventually have to replace some of their components. Before the need for refrigerator part repair arrives, take care of your number one kitchen appliance by using the following maintenance tips.

3 Maintenance Tips for Refrigerators

1. Keep Hot Food Out

Whether you’re boxing up leftover pasta or trying to keep pizza fresh, wait until your food has cooled before putting it inside the fridge. Otherwise, the heat from the dish will bring down the surrounding air temperature inside your appliance, forcing the condenser to work harder to maintain the proper temperature. This could cause the refrigerator part to deteriorate faster, warranting premature replacement.

2. Clean the Coils

Similar to HVAC units, the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator are in charge of removing heat from inside the refrigerator. If they become covered with dirt and dust, they won’t properly transfer heat energy. To avoid replacing this essential refrigerator part, clean it with a vacuum and a dusting brush every couple of months.

3. Wipe Down the Gasket

The rubber lining surrounding the doors of your refrigerator is responsible for holding in cool air and sealing out room temperature air. However, when food spills, dust, and pet hair start to accumulate, it can no longer provide an air-tight barrier. It can also overheat under the buildup, as gaskets are gently heated to prevent your doors from sticking shut. To avoid replacing this essential refrigerator part, wipe it down every month or so with a sponge and a gentle cleaning solution.

If you’re interested in prolonging the service life of your refrigerator, get in touch with Appliance Parts Of Radcliff, KY. They have over 25 years of experience in providing high-quality appliance components, and their inventory now totals over 5,000 items. To learn more about the refrigerator parts you can choose from, visit their website. You can also call (270) 352-2900 to ask about a specific component.