Fix Your Fridge: All Your Questions About Refrigerators Answered

Is it a bad sign when the water dispensed from a refrigerator isn’t cold?

Not usually. In older refrigerators, water is often stored in a reservoir near the crisper drawers. But in many modern models, water flows through tubing that runs up the back of the refrigerator to the water filter, then down to coiled tubing that serves as a storage tank, and back up to the door dispenser. Along the way, it’s exposed to warmer parts of the refrigerator. Because the water is constantly flowing through the tubes instead of chilling in a reservoir, it may not be as cold as you’d like. Here are a few ways to enjoy colder water:

• Keep a small glass handy for the first 4 oz. or so of water, then fill your drinking glass.
• Make sure your refrigerator is full (but not overcrowded). The fewer items in your fridge, the harder your fridge must work to maintain a cool temperature (usually 34 to 38 degrees on newer models).
• Wait at least 15 minutes between fill-ups. If you’ve just filled a big glass or pitcher, give the water in the coiled tubing time to cool off before dispensing more.

What’s the process for cleaning an ice maker?

If the ice from your refrigerator has an unpleasant smell or taste, it’s probably time to clean the ice maker. Do this once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it:

• Turn off the ice maker. Raise the metal arm to the up (“off”) position. If your model doesn’t have a shutoff arm, follow the directions in the owner’s manual.
• Remove the existing ice. Take out the ice bin and discard all the ice.
• Clean the ice bin. Wash the bin with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Dry with a clean towel. A 50-50 vinegar-water solution can be used in place of dish soap.
• Clean the interior of the ice maker. Wipe down all accessible parts, including the dispenser chute (if applicable), with a cloth saturated with warm, soapy water. Dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Reinstall the ice bin. Return the bin to its original position.
• Replace the water filter. Install a new filter if your refrigerator uses one (check the owner’s manual if you need help finding it). Take the old filter with you to the store—or take a photo of it—to make sure you buy the correct replacement.
• Run the ice maker. Lower the shutoff arm (or follow your model’s instructions), let the ice maker run and discard the first couple of batches to flush out the old water still in the lines.

What’s the ideal temperature for a freezer?

We all learned in school that water freezes at 32 degrees. While that temperature is fine for making ice cubes, it’s too warm for safely storing frozen food because mold and bacteria can continue to grow on food surfaces. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the ideal freezer temperature is zero degrees. This is also the recommended factory setting for most major refrigerator brands, helping keep food safely frozen while conserving energy and extending the life of the appliance.

Why would a fridge run but not get cold?

Dirty condenser coils are a common culprit. When they’re clogged with dust, the refrigerator can overheat, causing the compressor’s overload protector to shut it down. The refrigerator may restart automatically once the compressor cools, but by then your food may already be warming up. Vacuum the coils regularly to clear debris and prevent overheating.

Also check the condenser fan. If it’s blocked by debris or not spinning freely, the fridge can’t release heat efficiently. Remove any obstructions and clean the fan thoroughly.

Finally, check the interior light. A stuck or misaligned door switch can leave the light on even when the door is closed, raising the temperature inside the refrigerator. To test it, close the door and use a butter knife to pull the door gasket slightly away from the frame. If light shines out, the switch may be faulty or out of alignment.

How do you clean stainless-steel surfaces?

Dish soap is a trusty staple. Put a drop on a microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe with the grain of the metal. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth, then towel-dry to prevent water spots and soap residue.

For tough grease or fingerprints, use a stainless steel cleaner. These products are formulated to cut residue without leaving streaks, making them a good step up when soap and water aren’t enough.

For a quick polish after cleaning, a little olive oil can help restore shine. Apply it with a microfiber cloth and buff with the grain until smudges disappear. Follow with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess oil and prevent a greasy finish; this leaves behind a thin protective layer that resists fingerprints.

Why is it important to clean refrigerator coils?

Dust and debris can easily accumulate on refrigerator coils, forcing the appliance to work harder and use more energy. Fortunately, cleaning the coils is simple. First, unplug the refrigerator and access the coils (they’re usually behind the front kickplate or on the back of the unit). Use a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris. For hard-to-reach places, use an air compressor with a blower nozzle to loosen the dust, then vacuum it up. Remove any stubborn dirt with a soft-bristled brush or duster, then vacuum again. Finally, clean the floor around your work area, reattach any panels and plug the fridge back in.

How do you fix an ice maker that’s not making ice?

First, listen. Do you hear anything? There should be a rumbling from the auger inside the ice bin. If there’s a rumble and no ice, ice is likely stuck in the door chute and needs to be cleared out. If you hear a hum but no rumble, the auger is probably stuck and can’t spin; emptying the bin and reloading the ice may fix it. If you don’t hear any sound at all, the dispenser switch may be broken and will likely need to be replaced by a pro. If you hear the auger turning and nothing’s clogging the chute, move on to these steps:

• Check the water supply. Behind your refrigerator, you should find a valve for the water line. Turn the valve counterclockwise as far as it will go to open the supply. If there’s still no water, the line may be frozen and needs to be thawed.
• Check the temperature. The freezer temperature should be set to zero degrees. If it’s set to minus 3 degrees or colder, the lines to the water dispenser and ice maker can freeze. To thaw them, move the freezer contents to the refrigerator (along with any available ice) and unplug your refrigerator for eight hours with the freezer door open. This will thaw ice buildup while keeping the refrigerator section cold. Then plug it back in, return the frozen food to the freezer and reset the temperature to zero degrees.
• Check for a clogged ice bin. Pull out the bin and find the round metal auger that runs the length of the bin. It needs to turn to move ice toward the chute, so make sure no ice is blocking it from spinning.
• Check the auger assembly. Reach to the back of the compartment where the ice bin sits. Below the ice maker, you’ll find a two-pronged metal fork that spins the auger. Turn it clockwise or counterclockwise. If it won’t turn or just spins freely, call a pro to fix the auger motor and gear box.

Is it possible to give a dirty white fridge a facelift?

A great place to start is with the handles, which tend to yellow and collect grime over time. Instead of replacing them, clean and repaint for a quick, budget-friendly refresh. You’ll need spray paint formulated for plastic, plus a degreaser and a scrubbing pad.

Pry off the caps that cover the side screws, then open the door and remove the remaining screws. Take off the handles and wash them with degreaser and hot water, scrubbing any textured areas to remove buildup. Wipe them with a dry cloth and let them air-dry completely. Mask off any emblems or chrome trim, then spray-paint, coating the sides first, followed by the flat surfaces. Once the paint has dried, reinstall the handles.

Why do some people keep baking soda in the refrigerator?

Baking soda is a highly effective odor neutralizer. As bacteria break down food, they release smelly molecules that can be either acidic or alkaline (basic). Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, reacts with these compounds to help reduce odors. Stash an open box in the refrigerator and replace it about every three months. Tip: Date the box so you know when to replace it.

Simple Fixes for a Refrigerator that Isn’t Cooling

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, start with these quick checks. You may be able to solve the problem yourself before calling a pro.

• Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and getting power. The interior light should turn on when you open the door.
• Check the thermostat to make sure it hasn’t been adjusted by mistake.
• Move food or containers away from the vents at the back of the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Blocked airflow can prevent proper cooling.
• Vacuum the condenser coils under or behind the fridge. Dust buildup prevents the coils from releasing heat efficiently, forcing the compressor to work harder, reducing cooling performance and shortening the appliance’s lifespan.
• Inspect the condenser fan to make sure nothing is obstructing it and it spins freely.

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