Cleaning a refrigerator is one way to maintain it. In this article, we discuss how to clean a Maytag refrigerator.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Maytag Refrigerator Water Dispenser
If you want to clean the water dispenser in a Maytag refrigerator, you must first disconnect the water supply. Locate the main water supply valve and turn it off. Next, loosen the compression nuts at the end of the water line and remove them. It is from this end that you pour the cleaning agent into the dispenser.
Use distilled vinegar, the plain type, for the best results; it does not leave a taste in the dispenser water afterward and is safe for use. Get a tiny funnel and fix it on the ned of the line. Now, pour several cups of vinegar through the funnel, down the water line, and into the dispenser.
The vinegar will mix with any leftover water in the dispenser, so allow it to sit for a few minutes. After that, put a container under the nozzle and depress the dispenser lever. The vinegar flushes out of the dispenser at this point while also cleaning the system. Ensure all the vinegar leaves the system before letting the lever go.
Use the vinegar to clean the nozzle and drip tray if any. An old but viable toothbrush should do the job; dip it in the dispensed vinegar and scrub the parts. You can reach up into the nozzle and clean better if you can find a narrow brush designed for that purpose. Afterward, reconnect the main water supply to the unit by opening the shut-off valve. Run water into the dispenser and dispense it as you do, so that it flushes the vinegar from the system,
Exterior Cleaning
After cleaning the interior of the dispenser, it is time to clean the exterior part. Many Maytag refrigerators with dispensers have control locks to keep the unit from dispensing. If you want to clean it, activate the lock to prevent accidentally pressing the buttons on the dispenser.
Next, mix some vinegar in water, get a soft cloth or sponge, and soak it in the mixture. Clean the exterior parts with a sponge to remove dirt. Ensure you reach every part of the dispenser exterior and afterward, clean the exterior again to remove vinegar residue.
Note: Follow the same steps to clean the ice dispenser of a Maytag refrigerator. Remember to empty any ice or water in the machine before cleaning. And while doing that, remove and clean the ice bucket with vinegar and water. Soak it in warm water if there are stubborn stains and rinse thoroughly to remove vinegar or soap residue.
How to Clean a Maytag Refrigerator
There are several steps in cleaning a Maytag refrigerator. The first step is to clean inside the unit. After that, clean the outside parts. Finally, clean the condenser coils and under the refrigerator.
Cleaning the Interior Parts
Start by disconnecting the unit from electric power and emptying it. Cleaning the refrigerator should not take too long, so you do not have to find alternative storage spaces for the food in it. However, if you think it will take too long or there are perishable foods, you may want to keep them frozen.
After removing the foods, clear out the shelves, racks, and bins. The aim is to leave the refrigerator as empty as possible. Soak the shelves and other parts in warm water while you clean inside the unit. Before doing that, allow them to warm to room temperature so that they do not crack or break in the warm water due to clashing temperatures.
Next, mix vinegar in water or use a little dishwashing soap and water to clean the surfaces inside the refrigerator. Gently scrub at stubborn stains on the surfaces until they dissolve; the stains will depend on how long ago you last cleaned the unit. After thoroughly cleaning the surfaces, get another clean cloth and wipe them to remove soapy or vinegar residue.
Now, clean the door bins and spaces the same way you did the other surfaces. And clean the containers of food that may have stains on them before you have to put them in the refrigerator. But do not replace them yet until you wash the shelves and put them back into the unit.
While the surfaces and door bins are drying, wash the soaked shelves, racks, and bins. Scrub to remove stubborn stains and thoroughly rinse them. Afterward, dry them with a clean towel, ensure the interior surfaces of the refrigerator are dry and place them in their respective spaces.
Check out these other articles…
How to Replace a Maytag Refrigerator Thermostat [Quick Guide]
Maytag Refrigerator Water Line [Guide, Issues & Solutions]
How to Replace a Maytag Refrigerator Ice Maker [Quick Guide]
How to Make Ice in a Maytag Fridge [Quick Guide]
How to Set Temp on a Maytag Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
Cleaning the Exterior Parts
Soap and water work when cleaning the cabinet of a refrigerator. However, it is always better to use a cleaning agent designed specifically for the type of finish on the cabinet. If the refrigerator has a stainless steel finish, it is best to use a spray or cleaning agent for stainless steel. It usually helps remove smudges and fingerprints.
But if you do not have immediate access to this type of cleaner, you can use soap and water. Never use any harsh cleaning agent to avoid damaging the finish. Wet a soft cloth in dishwashing soap and water, and wipe the exterior, going in the direction of the grain.
If you go in the opposite direction, dirt may stick into the grain and leave the exterior dirtier than before you cleaned it. Use a dry towel to wipe the wetness off the surface, no matter the finish; clean immediately after wiping the surface of stainless steel to avoid dry and dirty spots.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils and Other Areas
Most residential refrigerators do not need regular condenser coil cleaning unless the area is exceptionally dirty. If you have to clean them, do that every year to avoid damaging them; they tend to be fragile. So, while the refrigerator is still disconnected from electric power, locate the condenser coils. They may be at the bottom back or behind the front bottom grille.
Use a refrigerator coil brush to clean the coils, removing dust and debris where applicable. When the coils are clean, sweep the dirt from under and around the refrigerator. After that, clean the area under the moved refrigerator; water tends to pool there and over time, becomes smelly. Also, remove the drain pan if necessary, empty and clean it with warm water and soap. Reconnect the refrigerator to the wall outlet and push it back into place if you moved it for cleaning the condenser coils.
Note: Clean the refrigerator every three months to keep it optimally working. Always follow the instructions in the user guide to clean the unit, especially the condenser coils. If you are unsure, contact the Maytag Service Center for further assistance.
How to Clean a Maytag Refrigerator Ice Maker
If you recently cleaned your Maytag refrigerator, there is no further need to clean it before the ice maker. However, if you have not cleaned the unit, you may want to do so before cleaning the ice maker. Otherwise, the dirt may soil the ice maker soon after cleaning it.
Before doing so, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and pull the ice bucket out. Empty any ice in it and soak the bucket in warm water and soap. Next, get a container and add warm water with dishwashing soap to it; warm water and vinegar also work. Also, get a clean washcloth and wipe the interior parts of the ice maker with it. If there is ice or water, empty it before thoroughly cleaning it.
Next, wipe the exterior parts without removing the ice maker from the ice maker. Scrub at stains and afterward, use another washcloth to dry the interior and exterior parts. Ensure the cloth is lint-free and does not stick to surfaces, and remove every soap or vinegar residue. Finally, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and turn on the ice maker.
How to Clean the Water Line in a Maytag Refrigerator
Cleaning the water line in a Maytag refrigerator is straightforward. This article on how to clean the water line in a Maytag refrigerator explains the steps in detail for easy reference.
How to Clean the Drain on a Maytag Refrigerator
Locate the drain, usually in the center back of the freezer section. You can consult the user manual for the exact location of the drain. Move items and shelves to have access to the drain and check if it is clogged with dirt. If it is, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove the clogging debris. Flush water down the drain and ensure it runs free and clear before ending the process.
If the drain freezes too often, the obstruction may be the cause. Also, low temperatures in the freezer can cause the standing water in the freezer to freezer over the drain. Keep the freezer temperature at the recommended point, which is between 0 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the drain heater or strap if your Maytag refrigerator is equipped with them. If the heater is not working or the strap is incorrectly positioned, the drain may freeze too often even when there is no dirt clogging it. Replace the heater if it is no longer working or reposition the drain strap for better functionality.
Recap
If you are wondering how to clean a Maytag refrigerator, this article is a detailed guide on the steps to take. It is crucial to clean your refrigerator every three months. And while cleaning it, ensure you clean underneath the unit and wipe the dust off the condenser coils if applicable. If you have trouble maintaining the refrigerator, contact Maytag or employ the services of a qualified appliance technician for the job.
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