How to Properly Care for a Compact Refrigerator or Mini Fridge

You probably have a compact refrigerator or “mini fridge” if you live in a college dorm, or if you live in a small apartment. You may also have one of these pint-size appliances in your garage or den to store soda and alcoholic beverages. Whatever the case, you want it to work and last as long as possible. Read this informative article and find out how to properly care for a compact refrigerator or mini fridge.

1. Clean the Refrigerator

The Inside-

Periodically, and anytime food odors develop in your unit, it needs to be cleaned. Shut off or unplug the refrigerator first. Remove all the contents. Take-out the shelves and other removable parts. Then, mix up a cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Wash the inside of the compact refrigerator/mini fridge by using a soft, clean cloth and the solution. Never use abrasive or alkaline cleaners, or abrasive scouring pads. Be extra careful when you wash around the controls so you don’t get them wet. Wring the cloth out until it’s just damp to clean those areas.

Wash the shelves and any parts you removed with the cloth and baking soda solution. Don’t place them in the dishwasher unless you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Check the owner’s manual. Even then, put plastic parts in the top rack.

Don’t forget to clean the entire door gasket. Removing dirt and debris will not only make it more sanitary, but it will make the door seal tighter too.

Finish cleaning the inside of your compact refrigerator/mini fridge by rinsing the inside and drying it well with a clean, soft towel. Rinse and dry the shelves if you washed them by hand, and put them back.

The Outside-

Mix a few drops of a mild dishwashing detergent in 1 quart of warm water to create a sudsy cleaner. Use a soft, clean cloth and the cleaner to wash the cabinet. Rinse it and dry it with a clean, soft towel.

2. Defrost the Refrigerator

Another way to properly care for a compact refrigerator or mini fridge is to defrost it on a regular basis. If your model has an automatic defrosting feature, you can skip this task. Otherwise, Step #1 is to remove the contents.

2. Check to make sure the drip pan is underneath the freezer space.

3. Shut off or unplug the compact refrigerator/mini fridge. Put a bowl of warm- not hot- water inside. The water will help the unit defrost quicker.

4. Check the drip pan frequently while the appliance is defrosting and empty it as needed.

5. When the compact refrigerator/mini frig is completely defrosted, empty, then wipe out the drip pan. Wipe out the interior to dry it, then replace the contents.

3. Store the Refrigerator

Anytime you’re not going to use the appliance for an extended period of time, there are steps you need to take:

a. Remove the contents, then unplug the power cord.

b. Wash, rinse and dry the inside, including the shelves and removable parts.

c. Block the door open to air-out the interior.

Resources

http://manuals.frigidaire.com/prodinfo_pdf/Anderson/241607805en.pdf