How to take care of your fridge

Your fridge keeps the food you eat fresh and tasty, so make sure to take care of it.

If you notice leaks or smells, fix those issues immediately. Here are the solutions to the common refrigerator issues.

Leaks

First, look for the cause of the leak. Leaks from the door are caused by gasket issues. Clean your dirty gasket with warm water and replace a torn one. If water puddles form beneath the fridge, inspect the drip pan which collects condensation. If it is leaking, replace it.

Rust spots

Rust may form when the protective coating on the fridge wears away. Tackle small spots by mixing one part lemon juice and two parts borax, applying the paste to affected areas and letting it stand for 10-30 minutes. Scrub with fine steel wool, and wipe dry. Keep rust off stainless steel surfaces by applying a thin layer of mineral oil.

Low cool

Ensure that the vents inside the fridge are not blocked by the temperature control is set to cold and not turned down low.

The condenser coils, usually found at the back or bottom of the fridge, can get dusty with time. Clean the back and underside of the fridge regularly.

Bad smells

Remove all the contents and throw out spoiled or expired food. Give your fridge a thorough cleaning with solution comprising equal parts of water and vinegar.

Open a box of baking soda and place it right at the back of the middle shelf before placing everything back inside.

Home & Decor, Singapore's #1 interior decor magazine is now available in both print and digital formats. Log on to www.homeanddecor.com.sg to subscribe!