Clean Refrigerator Likely to be Safe, Efficient 08/31/01

MANHATTAN, Kan.– Cleaning the refrigerator (or freezer) periodically can increase its operating efficiency, extend the life of the appliance, and protect foods stored within.

Cleaning a refrigerator or freezer is not difficult or costly. It does, however, take some time, said Marilyn Bode, Kansas State University Research and Extension housing specialist, who offered these time-saving cleaning tips:

* Wipe up spills immediately. If spills are allowed to dry and harden, they usually become more difficult to remove.

Prevent Rust on Refrigerator

To protect your refrigerator, place the appliance in a dry place. Keep the appliance clean, and apply a coat of paste car wax to the appliance finish to protect it from moisture that can cause rust. Apply appliance touch-up paint to scratches.

Source: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers/K-State Research and Extension

* Keep the rubber gasket on the refrigerator or freezer door clean so that it will close completely. Allowing the rubber gasket to become soiled – or damaged – may compromise the seal, which, in turn, may compromise food storage temperatures and food safety.

"An odor usually is a sign that food has spoiled. Look for the source of the odor and discard spoiled food," Bode said.

For more thorough periodic cleaning, the housing specialist offered these step-by-step suggestions:

* Remove food from the refrigerator. With a clean cloth, wipe down food containers and place them in a picnic cooler (or other refrigerator) to protect food quality and safety during the cleaning process. Discard foods that are outdated.

* With a cleaning solution of one gallon warm water and dishwashing detergent, use a clean rag or dish cloth to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator and/or freezer. Wash the outside and the top, too. User a rubber scraper to (carefully) remove dried spills or food. Do not use a sharp object that might damage the appliance.

* Remove drip pan (or pans) from under the refrigerator. Wash them with warm soapy water, and rinse them with a solution of water and unscented laundry bleach.

* When the appliance interior is clean and dry, replace shelves and crispers drawers.

* Vacuum refrigerator and/or freezer coils under (or behind) the appliance twice a year.

* Add an opened box of baking soda to minimize odors inside the refrigerator food compartment.

Cleaning a refrigerator periodically can reduce energy costs, prolong the life of the appliance and help keep food safe. It also can deter costly appliance repairs, the housing specialist said.

For more information on appliance maintenance and food safety, interested persons can contact their local K-State Research and Extension office.

Moisture occasionally accumulates in the food storage compartment of a frost-free refrigerator. Frost and/or water droplets also may appear on packages of frozen food. Why does this happen? And, what can consumers do about it?

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers explains: Newer refrigerators retain colder temperatures. On hot, humid days, moisture that enters a refrigerator or freezer when the door is opened causes frost to form in the freezer and moisture to collect inside the refrigerator. Energy-saving defrost heaters that run less frequently and light loads also are factors.

* Read the use and care book provided by the manufacturer, and set the controls accordingly.

(For example, a manufacturer may recommend different settings for summer and winter temperatures.)

* Cover pots and pans when cooking, and use the range hood to reduce moisture in the kitchen.

* Maintain the door gaskets. A tight door seal keeps warn moist air out of the refrigerator.

Source: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers/K-State Research and Extension

Consumers can protect food and also minimize energy bills by choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator, said Marilyn Bode, Kansas State University Research and Extension housing specialist.

Look for a bright yellow EnergyGuide label that tells how much it costs, on average, to run the refrigerator annually. Compare the EnergyGuide labels for several refrigerators to see how they stack up against each other before buying.

"Refrigerators that are most energy efficient will have an Energy Star label indicating that they exceed energy-efficiency standards," the housing specialist said.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.