If you have a kitchen or break room in your office, you probably have a refrigerator. It is important that you keep this appliance clean and well maintained, as it can help reduce the more serious repairs that need to be done. Here are some tips for keeping your office refrigerator in good condition.

Keep the Inside Clean

With an office refrigerator, it is a good idea to go through it before the weekend starts and remove all of the food that might perish quickly. This means removing sandwiches, lunch leftovers, and containers of yogurt. While it should be okay to leave bottles of drinks that haven't been opened and condiments in the side door, other food can spoil over the weekend while nobody is in the office. Aside from removing old food, also make sure you clean the inside of the refrigerator and freezer regularly. This includes wiping it down and removing any debris buildup. As you do this, you can look for any signs of issues inside, such as problems with the thermostat or freezer burn of foods in the freezer. Don't forget about food in the drawers, as this is a common place to ignore and end up with rotten vegetables.

Clean the Coils

Outside the refrigerator, you will be wiping it down on the front and sides about as often as cleaning the interior. However, there are other cleaning duties that must be done on the exterior to help it continue working properly. This includes cleaning the condenser coils. These coils allow the refrigerator to maintain the right temperature and keep your food cold. Make sure you make a schedule of checking the coils about once or twice a year. You will need to unplug the appliance, remove it from the wall and rotate it so you can see the back. You will see metal coils that need to be cleaned. Wipe off dust and debris from the coils, making sure they are dry when you're finished.

Inspect the Seals

When maintaining the refrigerator, you will need to inspect different components to be sure they are in good condition. If you can catch problems early enough, a refrigerator technician will be able to make minor repairs and save you in the long run. For example, the seals on the doors are very important. Every time you clean the refrigerator inside or out, take a look at the door seals. The seals should be in good condition without signs of wear or cracks. Also make sure they are clean with no food debris. They can be cleaned with baking soda and water if you do find debris buildup.

For more information or assistance with maintenance or repairs, contact a professional refrigeration repairs company.