Cleaning a refrigerator is one way to have odor-free water and ice, and keep the food from getting contaminated. This article, therefore, discusses how to clean a Frigidaire refrigerator.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator
To clean your Frigidaire refrigerator, take the following steps:
Step 1: Gather Cleaning Tools
You will need dish soap, dishtowels, baking soda, a cleaning bucket, and hot water. You can also add white vinegar for disinfecting after cleaning. Additionally, keep an old toothbrush close in the event of needing to clean tiny crevices or holes.
Depending on the cleaning needs, measure out some of the baking soda. Then, measure out hot water seven times the quantity of baking soda you measured out.
Mix the water and baking soda until the soda dissolves completely. You can dip one of the dishtowels in the mixture and clean the refrigerator. But if you can pour it into a squirt bottle and spray while you clean, that would be better.
Step 2: Empty the Refrigerator
Remove every item, food and otherwise, in the refrigerator. While doing this, check the food items for those that are old, moldy, or expired. Dispose of them and store the good ones in an ice-packed cooler or another refrigerator.
Furthermore, remove bins, racks, and shelves that you can detach, even those in the door. This way, you can reach all the nooks and crevices. Emptying the refrigerator makes the cleaning job easier.
Step 3: Disconnect the Refrigerator from Power
Whether or not you are cleaning just the insides, you need to disconnect the unit from electric power. This is especially necessary if you are going to have to move the unit.
You may not have to unplug the cord completely from the wall outlet. Switching the outlet off is enough. However, if there is no visible switch, unplug it.
Step 4: Begin Cleaning
If you poured the water and baking soda mixture into a spray bottle, begin to spray and clean the inside of the unit. Clean from the top and work your way down.
Make sure to get all the areas and crevices. If some of them are hard to reach, use the old toothbrush to scrub them after dipping the brush in the mixture.
Going from top to bottom saves you the stress of having to sweep debris or clean dirty water from areas you’ve cleaned before. And if there are particles that are dried and stuck to the unit, place the towel over them for a few minutes. The hot water will loosen them and make cleaning them easier.
You can opt to wipe the interior down with clean water and a cloth after the water-baking soda cleaning. It helps to remove any residues from the baking soda. Afterward, dry the unit with another dishtowel, making sure to remove every trace of moisture.
Step 5: Wash the Bins and Shelves
While you are waiting for the interior of the refrigerator to air-dry, wash the bins and shelves. Place them in the sink, run hot water over them, and use dish soap to wash them.
If the shelves are glass, leave them out until their temperature rises to room temperature. Don’t put cold glass into hot water; the sudden temperature change will cause the glass to either crack or break.
And if there are spots or stains that have dried onto the parts, allow them to soak a little before washing them.
Then, dry them completely, check the inside of the refrigerator to see if it is dry, and put the shelves and bins back.
Step 6: Clean the Gasket
Soak the cleaning towel in hot water and soapy water and get to work on the door gasket. Scrub them without being forceful so you can remove stains and old debris stuck to the gasket.
Dry it when all the dirt comes out, making sure to remove every trace of moisture. Then, apply some petroleum jelly to it to lubricate it.
Step 7: Clean the Exterior
A tiny amount of mild dish soap on a damp cloth or towel cleans the exterior. But make sure the soap contains no chlorine because it can ruin the finish.
Clean in the direction of the grains on the body. You will notice fine swirls or lines in the body, whether the material is stainless steel or wood. Going in the opposite direction pushed dirt into the lines, leaves a residue, and makes it dirtier than before. It also increases the chances of leaving scratch marks on the surface.
For refrigerators models that have a stainless steel exterior, use Frigidaire ReadyClean stainless steel cleaner. It eliminates streaks, cleans dried stains gently, and provides a protective coating to keep dirt and dust away.
Ensure you wring out excess water from the cloth before you clean any electrical parts, bulbs, and controls.
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Filter
To clean the water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator, remove the filter from its housing. Insect it to determine how dirty it is. Then, you can decide if you should clean or replace it.
If it is still useable, remove gunk or debris adhering to it. Next, soak it in a cleaner made of water and vinegar, mild soap, or alcohol. The cleaner should not harsh or abrasive.
The length of time it soaks will be determined by how dirty it was. But it should be anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the cleaner, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air-dry for about an hour.
Put it back into its housing when it is completely dry and fix all other parts into their places.
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How to Clean Under a Frigidaire Refrigerator
The following are steps to take in order to clean under a Frigidaire refrigerator:
Step 1
If your refrigerator model has an ice maker, turn it off. Then, shut off the water supply to the refrigerator. Finally, unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to which it is connected.
Step 2
Move the unit from its position. You may need help doing this as most refrigerators are heavy, even if they have wheels.
Clean the condenser coils which are usually at the bottom back of the refrigerator. Some have grilles covering them. If yours does, see if the grille pulls straight out or you need to unscrew some screws.
A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a condenser coil cleaning brush does a great job of this. However, if there is any leftover dirt, wipe it using a cloth. That is if you can easily reach the coils.
Step 3
Sweep the floor where the refrigerator was standing. The reason you clean the coils before cleaning the floor is to be able to sweep up all the dirt at once.
Take this opportunity to clean the wall and any other surrounding surface behind the unit, as well as the sides of the unit. Then, clean the floor. Be sure to use a cleaning agent that suits the floor type to avoid ruining it. Give the floor time to dry completely.
Step 4
Now, move the refrigerator back into position, turn on the water supply and ice maker, and plug it back into the wall outlet.
Repeat this cleaning process two times every year for a refrigerator that works optimally.
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator Drip Pan
Below are the steps to take in order to clean the drip under a Frigidaire refrigerator:
Step 1
If you can, hold both sides of the unit and move it so the back is clearly visible. Then, unplug it from electric power.
Step 2
You will find the drip pan close to the compressor. Hold it and pull it forward so you can remove it. When you remove it, empty it of its contents if any.
Step 3
Pour some water and a little amount of mild dish soap into the pan. Then, scrub it with a soft brush, going in circular motions. Doing this removes any dried or sticky dirt and debris.
Step 4
Afterward, rinse the drip pan thoroughly, clean it until it is dry, and put it back under the refrigerator.
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser
To clean the water dispenser in a Frigidaire refrigerator, do the following:
Step 1
Begin the cleaning process by turning off the supply of water to the refrigerator. Turn off the shut-off valve under the sink or on the wall at the back of the unit.
Next, unscrew the screw holding the copper tubing. This way, you can pour some vinegar down the tubing.
Step 2
Get white vinegar, the distilled type, and a small funnel that can fit into the opening of the tubing. Pour some of the vinegar into the funnel and down the tubing. This is how you get the vinegar into the water dispenser.
Do this slowly because of the size of the tubing. And monitor the vinegar so it does not flow out of the tubing.
This type of vinegar is safe for consumption. So while it doesn’t have a great taste, if there is a residue in the dispenser, it won’t be harmful to you.
Step 3
After pouring several cups of vinegar into the dispenser, allow it to soak the dispenser for about 5 minutes. Next, put a container right under the nozzle of the dispenser. Then, start dispensing the vinegar. Stop only when all the vinegar is out of the dispenser.
Step 4
With a soft-bristled brush, scrub the nozzle and any other visible area around it. If you can get a narrow brush so you can reach into the nozzle, all the better.
Step 5
Screw back the copper tubing and turn on the water supply. As water fills the dispenser, put a container under its nozzle and dispense it. This way, the dispenser is rinsed of the vinegar. Do this until you are satisfied.
Step 6
Take a cloth or soft sponge, soak it in some vinegar, and clean the exterior of the dispenser. Simply wipe the surface; don’t scrub so you don’t scratch it.
Using a spray bottle also works. Just spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto the surface and wipe with a soft cloth. Afterward, dry the vinegar from the body using a clean towel.
Step 7
Pull out the drip tray from the dispensing area and wash it thoroughly. If there is any dried dirt, allow it to soak a bit in vinegar and warm water before washing. Then, rinse it well with clean running water.
Note: These steps also apply to cleaning a Frigidaire refrigerator ice dispenser. Some models even have only one dispenser for both water and ice.
How to Clean the Drain on a Frigidaire Refrigerator
Start by finding the drain hole right under the evaporator coils behind the inside rear panel in the freezer section.
There may be ice covering it and making it invisible. So, set a hair dryer or a heat gun over the hole and melt the ice over it.
When the hole becomes visible, get a cup of hot water and a turkey baster or a syringe. Squirt the hot water into the hole steadily using the baster or syringe. If there is any ice plugging the hole, the hot water will melt it.
Next, see if there is debris down the drain hole. If there is, a little more hot water will push it down and out. You can find the end of the drain tube, from where the water runs out, and see if there is any debris plugging it.
Find a stiff wire and push it down the drain hole until the debris is out. Keep pouring water into the drain until it runs free and clear.
Empty the drain pan and clean it with mild soap and some warm water. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled sponge to remove any dirt sticking to it. Rinse with lots of water and replace it.
How to Clean Glass Shelves in a Frigidaire Refrigerator
Remove the items in the refrigerator and keep them out of the way but close enough to reach. Then, remove the glass shelves from the unit.
Most refrigerator models have detachable shelves. But if yours has shelves that cannot be removed, you can still clean them right inside the refrigerator.
Mix some vinegar, the white and distilled type, into hot water. Then, wash the shelves with this mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle some vinegar on the shelves, one by one, and start washing them with hot water and a soft cloth.
Make sure the glass shelves are not cold when you want to begin washing them with hot water. The sudden temperature change cracks or breaks the glass. Therefore, allow the shelves to rise to room temperature before commencing the washing.
In addition, if there is a significant amount of dried dirt or residue on the shelves, soaking them for a bit helps.
Afterward, dry them with a microfiber towel so there are no streaks on the glass. Allow them to dry before putting them back into the refrigerator.
This video is a demonstration of how to clean the drain…
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Line
Cleaning the water line in a Frigidaire refrigerator is quite easy. Make sure to disconnect power from the unit. And you will need warm water and vinegar.
The steps involved are discussed in detail in this article so you can easily clean the line.
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker
The following are necessary steps to clean a Frigidaire refrigerator ice maker:
Step 1
Turn the ice maker off. Then, lift the ice bucket up to remove it from under the ice maker.
Step 2
Dump out any ice left in the ice bucket. Next, put a little drop of mild dish soap into it and wash it with warm water. Rinse it under clean running water. Leave it out to air-dry. Putting it back with moisture in it will cause a frost buildup.
Step 3
When it is completely dry, reinsert it under the ice maker. Ensure you push it in until it hits the back of the unit. Otherwise, ice production won’t work normally. Finally, turn the ice maker back on.
Note: Washing the ice bucket takes care of the maker. You cannot wash the ice maker but you can wipe its sides carefully and sanitize it with a mixture of water and bleach. Also, cleaning the inside of the refrigerator helps to keep the ice maker clean.
Recap
If you are looking for how to clean a Frigidaire refrigerator, this detailed article guides you on the steps to take. It is usually simple, quick, and inexpensive.
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