Caring for Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is built to give you many years of dependable service. However, there are a few things you can
do to help extend its product life. This section tells you how to clean your refrigerator and what to do when going
on vacation, moving, or during a power outage.
Cleaning your refrigerator
Both the refrigerator and freezer sections
defrost automatically. However, clean
both about once a month to help prevent
odors from building up. Wipe up spills
right away.
To clean your refrigerator, unplug it,
take out all removable parts, and clean the refrigerator
according to the following directions.
Personal Injury Hazard
Refrigeration system tubes are near the defrost
pan and can become hot. Remove and install
defrost pan carefully.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury.
PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN
Removable parts Sponge or cloth with mild l Hand wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
(shelves, crisper, etc.) detergent and warm water
Outside Sponge, cloth, or paper l Wash outside of cabinet. Do not use abrasive or
towel with mild detergent, harsh cleaners.
warm water, and a good
appliance wax (or good l Wipe and dry thoroughly.
auto paste wax) l Wax painted metal surfaces at least twice a year.
Apply wax with a clean, soft cloth. Waxing painted
metal surfaces provides rust protection.
Do not wax plastic parts.
Inside walls Sponge, soft cloth, or paper l Wash with mixture of warm water and:
(allow freezer to towel with baking soda or - mild detergent, or
warm up so cloth mild detergent and warm
won’t stick) - baking soda (2 tbs to 1qt [26 g to .95 L] of water).
water l Wipe and dry thoroughly.
Door liners Sponge, soft cloth, or paper l Wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
and gaskets towel with mild detergent
and warm water DO NOT USE cleaning waxes, concentrated
detergents, bleaches, or cleaners containing
petroleum on plastic parts.
Plastic parts
(covers and panels) Soft, clean sponge or soft,
clean cloth with mild deter-
gent and warm water
l Wash, rinse or wipe, and dry thoroughly.
DO NOT USE paper towels, window sprays,
scouring cleansers or flammable fluids. These
can scratch or damage material. See “Important
Safety Instructions” on page 3.
Defrost pan Sponge or cloth with mild
detergent and warm water l Remove base grille. (See page 18.)
l Reach into small opening at right edge and remove
the defrost pan.
l Wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
l Replace defrost pan. Make sure to push it com-
pletely into the opening.
l Replace base grille.
Condenser
coils Vacuum cleaner with
extended narrow
attachment
l Remove base grille.
l Vacuum coils when dusty or dirty. Coils may need
to be cleaned as often as every other month.
l Replace base grille.
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