Fridge Freezer Basics: 5 Essential Tips for a Clean, Efficient Appliance

A fridge freezer runs 24 hours a day, so small habits add up. These five keep it cold, clean and efficient.

1. Clean it regularly

Wipe spills as they happen. Every month or so, take out the food, wipe shelves and drawers with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Throw out anything that is past its date. Wipe the door seals too, since dirt stops them sealing properly.

2. Get the temperature right

Keep the fridge at 5°C or below and the freezer at -18°C or colder. A small fridge thermometer is cheap and is more reliable than the dial. Let hot food cool before putting it in.

3. Don't block the airflow

Cold air needs to circulate. Don't pack the shelves so full that vents are covered, and keep food away from the back wall. Leave a gap behind and beside the appliance so it can release heat.

4. Check the door seals

Close the door on a strip of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal isn't gripping. A faulty seal lets warm air in, causes ice and forces the appliance to work harder. Seals are a routine repair.

5. Clean the coils and defrost

Dust on the condenser coils (at the back or underneath on many models) makes the appliance run hotter. With the appliance unplugged, vacuum the coils gently every six months. Defrost a non-frost-free freezer once or twice a year.

Signs it needs an engineer

• Food going off sooner than it should, or the freezer not freezing
• Heavy ice build-up, or water pooling inside or on the floor
• A new loud noise, or an appliance that runs constantly
• A door that won't seal

Read our guides to a freezer that isn't freezing and common freezer faults, or see our fridge freezer repair service, from £70 + VAT with a 90-day guarantee.

Frequently asked questions