Refrigerator Repair and Cleaning

A refrigerator works 24/7, so it’s only a matter of time before it will need repairs. Do not try to repair a broken refrigerator if you don’t know what you’re doing. Tampering with it carelessly can cause more harm than good, Worse, you might end up damaging it beyond repair; then you’ll be forced to buy a new one. With that said, here are some tips on how to fix different kinds of refrigerator complaints.

Problem: My refrigerator seems to be working, but not reaching the right temperature.

Solution: Check the temperature setting and if the refrigerator door is closing properly. Check if the air flow is going around properly, as well as the air restrictions in the vents. Check the condenser oils, for a clogged drain tube and a refrigerant leak. Clean the condenser coils. Test the defrost heater and timer.

Problem: My refrigerator is too noisy.

Solution: Popping and hissing is normal on no-frost refrigerators. Otherwise, check if the refrigerator is level. Check the condenser fan, drain pan, evaporator fan and inspect the compressor mounts. Check the temperature control.

Problem: My freezer doesn’t defrost automatically.

Solution: Test these three things: The defrost timer, the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat. If nothing comes up, go to a qualified repairman to have it fixed.

Problem: My refrigerator has water leaking inside it.

Solution: Check the drain tube for blockage. If you have an ice-maker, check both the ice-maker and refrigerator for level. (More tips on how to repair a leaking refrigerator)

Problem: My refrigerator has water leaking outside it.

Solution: Check the drain pan. If you have an ice-maker, check the water supply house both in and out of the water inlet valve.

Check that owner’s manual for things that might be plausible issues. Typically the owner’s manual will have basic troubleshooting tips. Also see if your refrigerator is still under warranty as that repair bill might actually be covered under the manufacturer warranty. A simple phone call to the place of purchase might be the difference between a free repair bill or a costly one.

You’re saving yourself a lot of trouble and money by taking these small precautions before you make that call.

Refrigerator Cleaning and Maintenance

Keep your refrigerator in top condition by cleaning it regularly, just often enough to make sure that the refrigerator mechanisms are kept running regularly and the compartments clean and sanitary. Here’s how to do it.

Use a bucket of clean water mixed with mild detergent or baking soda.
Take out all the items of your refrigerator and store in a portable cooler the meantime.
Defrost the refrigerator by either turning the dial to defrost or by turning it off completely. Leave the door open for a few minutes.
Take out the compartments and other removable items and start scrubbing the walls, bottom compartments and ceiling compartments of the refrigerator.
Clean the handles and the door seals of the refrigerator.
Rinse several times. Use only as little detergent as you can to make rinsing easier.
Wash the removable compartments in detergent, rinse and dry. Put them back in the refrigerator.
Put the refrigerated items back into the refrigerator and start the refrigerator again.
Adding a fresh box of Baking Soda will prevent odor buildup in your fridge. This should be changed about once every 2-3 months to minimize odors mixing and making your fridge smell.
More information on how to get rid of refrigerator smells.

Refrigerators: Maintaining Your Fridge

Juice Up Your Cleaning Liquids

Air Conditioner Repair and Cleaning

Dishwasher Cleaning Tips

joel spafford said,

on 2010-04-25 at 08:49:50
This comment is awaiting moderation.
ross said,

on 2009-07-23 at 08:59:40
how do yoy adjust the front rollers on a amana refrig. for height?
terry said,

on 2009-04-25 at 03:25:45
I have a brandt wine fridge. It is no longer working. I cant figure out what is wrong. Anyone know a place willing to come and fix my fridge..... before my wine cooks in this heat. Thanks for any help Terry
andy said,

on 2009-03-14 at 02:42:38
we have a bosch fridge freezer the freezer works but the fridge does not any ideas
pat said,

on 2009-02-09 at 23:12:08
were do i buy a book on gas/elec fridge,how to fix cheers pat
Ben said,

on 2009-02-06 at 02:08:34
Hi, I have a several year old Kelvinator N300 fridge that I am having a problem with. The freezer section is working perfectly, however the refridgerator section is not working at all, no matter where the temperture control knob is indicating. Can you give me any advice? Thanks Ben
Zev Shalev said,

on 2009-01-26 at 01:36:05
How to open the light cover in the cooling compartment of my LG "PREMIUM EZ DIGITAL" refrigirator for replacing burnt bulb.
tania said,

on 2008-12-04 at 12:30:08
Hotpoint Fridge RLA64P works only 4 seconds every minute or so. Bought it 2 years ago. Now it is not cooling. Could it be the compressor or its components (relay or overload) ? and how can I change these components?
Len Scheper said,

on 2008-10-31 at 10:03:37
Dear All, We have a Fridge Miele KF7533 Combi, fridge above the freezer. The problem is now that even when the door is closed and the temp selected is at a minimum it freezes in side. The door seal are air tight. Does some one has a clue what can be the problem ? Please help me out.
Dale Hill said,

on 2008-10-15 at 14:01:34
We have a Kenmore Cold Spot fridge about 5 years old , the drain pan fills up constantly . We need to drain it or it over flows on to the floor. ( The model # is 106.63864302 . ) I took the lower back panel off like I used to do on the old fridge and clean the coil and dust out of the back , but it was clean and didn\'t see a coil anywhere just a compressor and switches etc. If you could tell us what could be the problem it would be great. I do know that the freezer is pretty full \