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A refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, every day, which makes it one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. A little regular care keeps it cooling well, cuts electricity use and helps avoid the most common breakdowns.
12 refrigerator maintenance tips
1. Set the right temperature
Keep the fridge section around 3–5°C and the freezer around −18°C. Colder settings waste power; warmer ones let food spoil faster in Odisha's heat.
2. Leave space for ventilation
Leave a few inches behind and at the sides, and avoid placing the fridge next to the gas stove, an oven or in direct sunlight. Trapped heat makes the compressor work harder.
3. Clean the condenser coil
Dust on the condenser (at the back or underneath) traps heat. Unplug and brush or vacuum it every 3–6 months.
4. Check and clean the door gasket
Wipe the rubber seal monthly with mild soapy water. Test it by closing the door on a sheet of paper; if it slides out easily, the gasket may need replacing.
5. Keep the fridge level
A slight backward tilt helps the doors close on their own and defrost water reach the drain.
6. Defrost single-door fridges regularly
Don't let ice in the freezer box grow thicker than about 5 mm. Never chip it with a knife — see how to deal with ice build-up.
7. Clean the defrost drain
In frost-free fridges, flush the drain hole at the back of the fridge section every few months to prevent water leakage.
8. Don't overload or block the vents
Cold air needs to circulate. Packing shelves tight or blocking the air vents creates warm spots and uneven cooling.
9. Let hot food cool first
Putting hot food straight in raises the internal temperature and adds moisture that turns into frost.
10. Protect against voltage problems
Use a stabiliser if your area has frequent fluctuations or power cuts, and don't switch the fridge on and off repeatedly.
11. Clean the inside regularly
Wipe shelves with a mild baking soda solution to remove smells and spills. Avoid harsh chemicals on plastic parts.
12. Move it carefully
When shifting homes, keep the fridge upright if possible. If it has to be laid down, let it stand upright for a few hours before switching it on, so compressor oil settles.
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Wipe inside and check for spoiled food | Weekly |
| Clean door gasket | Monthly |
| Clean defrost drain hole | Every 2–3 months |
| Clean condenser coil | Every 3–6 months |
| Defrost single-door freezer | When ice reaches about 5 mm |
Signs your fridge needs a technician
- Fridge or freezer not cooling properly — see fridge not cooling causes
- Compressor clicking, silent, or running non-stop
- Ice building up on the back wall of a frost-free freezer
- Water leaking that keeps coming back
- Loud buzzing, rattling or grinding noises
- Burning smell or MCB tripping
Frequently asked questions
Paras Refrigeration Service Team
AC service technicians, Bhubaneswar · Last reviewed 7 Oct 2026
Written by the Paras Refrigeration service team from day-to-day experience repairing, installing and maintaining residential and commercial AC systems across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Khordha.
- #Fridge maintenance
- #Refrigerator
- #Save electricity
- #Care tips