Refrigerator maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated — two things do most of the work: keeping the condenser coils clean and making sure the door seals properly.
What to do, and how often
- Vacuum the condenser coils every 6 months if you have pets, or once a year otherwise
- Wipe down the door gasket with warm soapy water occasionally, and check it isn’t cracked or stiff
- Keep the fridge stocked reasonably full — it holds temperature more efficiently that way, though not so full it blocks vents
- Check the door is fully closing — a dollar-bill test works: close the door on a bill, and if it slides out easily the seal may be worn
What not to do yourself
- Don’t attempt to service the sealed refrigerant system — that isn’t a maintenance task, it’s licensed, EPA-regulated work
- Don’t force ice buildup off with sharp tools — it can puncture refrigerant lines
When it’s time for a repair visit, not maintenance
If you’re doing all of the above and it’s still not holding temperature, that’s a repair, not a maintenance gap — see our refrigerator problems article.