Maintaining and cleaning an integrated fridge is simpler than most people think: with a set cleaning routine, the right temperature setting and some attention to the door seals and ventilation, you keep your appliance in top condition. Regular maintenance lowers your energy use, prevents unpleasant smells and extends the life of your fridge considerably. This guide gives you everything you need, with no expensive engineer's visit.
Why regular maintenance of your integrated fridge pays off
A dirty or badly adjusted fridge can use up to 30% more energy than a well-maintained one. You notice that straight away on your energy bill, particularly now that energy prices sit higher than they did a few years ago. Regular fridge maintenance also heads off small problems that would otherwise grow into expensive breakdowns.
Integrated fridges have fewer ways to ventilate than freestanding models, because they sit inside a kitchen housing unit. That makes maintenance even more important: heat the compressor cannot shed leads to overloading and a shorter life. A freestanding fridge has air space on every side; on an integrated model that space is limited.
Heinner integrated fridges are designed with easy access in mind, which makes cleaning and checking the components considerably easier. Want to know which model suits your kitchen? Browse our range of integrated fridges for an overview of affordable options with a five year warranty.
How often should you clean an integrated fridge?
A fixed schedule stops small bits of mess from growing into stubborn problems. Use the following frequency as a guide:
- Weekly: wipe up spilled liquids and food straight away. This prevents bacterial growth and unpleasant smells.
- Monthly: give the shelves, drawers and door racks a thorough clean. This is the moment for a quick check of the contents for anything past its date.
- Every quarter: check and clean the door seals and empty the condensation tray.
- Annually: carry out a full clean, including dusting the condenser coils at the back or underneath the appliance.
Step by step: cleaning the inside of your fridge
Cleaning the inside of a fridge does not have to take long if you tackle it systematically. Follow these steps for a thorough result:
- Step 1, switch the fridge off. Pull out the plug or turn the appliance off at the control panel before you start. Safety first.
- Step 2, take all the food out. Keep it in a cool bag or another fridge for the time being so that nothing spoils.
- Step 3, remove every part that lifts out. Think of glass shelves, salad drawers and door racks. That way you can reach everywhere.
- Step 4, wash the loose parts in warm water with a little washing-up liquid. Then lay them out on a dry cloth. Never put them in the dishwasher: the glass can crack from the temperature difference and the plastic parts can warp.
- Step 5, wipe down the interior walls. Use a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water with a splash of white vinegar, or a solution of bicarbonate of soda (a tablespoon per litre of water). Both deodorise and disinfect without harsh chemicals.
- Step 6, dry everything thoroughly. Moisture left behind can lead to ice build-up or mould. Use a dry microfibre cloth.
- Step 7, do not use scouring products, bleach or aerosols. They damage the interior and the coating on the shelves, and can leave harmful residues that come into contact with food.
Checking and maintaining the door seals
Cleaning the fridge door seal is an underrated part of good fridge maintenance. A damaged or dirty door seal lets cold air escape, which makes the compressor work harder and pushes up your energy use.
Clean the seals monthly with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid solvents and all-purpose cleaners, which attack the rubber and speed up wear. Rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth and then dry the seal off.
Test the seal with the paper test: shut the fridge door on a sheet of paper and pull. If the paper slides out with little resistance, the seal is worn and the door no longer closes properly. In that case it is worth replacing the door seal, which is usually an inexpensive job.
A thin film of petroleum jelly on the seal keeps it supple and extends its life. Apply it once a quarter after cleaning.
Cleaning the condensation tray, condenser coils and ventilation
Cleaning the fridge condensation tray is something many people forget, even though it can be a direct cause of bad smells and bacterial growth. The tray is usually at the bottom or the back of the appliance. Check the manual for its exact location on your model.
Take the tray out, empty it and wash it in warm soapy water. Rinse it well and dry it before putting it back. Do this at least once a quarter.
The condenser coils, found at the back or underneath the fridge, collect dust, which gets in the way of heat release. Clean them gently with a soft brush or the crevice nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. Make sure the fridge is disconnected from the mains before you do this.
With integrated fridges, pay particular attention to the ventilation openings in the kitchen housing. If they are blocked by too little clearance or by stacked-up material, the fridge will run too warm over time. Check that enough air can circulate above and below the appliance, in line with the manufacturer's installation guidelines.
The right temperature setting for optimal performance and energy savings
Getting the integrated fridge temperature setting right is perhaps the simplest way to save energy and keep food fresh for longer. Use the following guidelines:
- Fridge compartment: 4°C. This is the optimal temperature: bacterial growth is held back, but the compressor does not have to work excessively.
- Freezer compartment (where fitted): -18°C. This is the international standard for safe freezing and storage.
- Never set the fridge warmer than 7°C. Above that mark food spoils faster than you would expect, even when it still looks fresh.
- Let hot dishes cool down. Putting warm food straight into the fridge raises the internal temperature, so the compressor has to work that much harder.
Use an inexpensive fridge thermometer to verify that the temperature you have set matches the actual temperature inside the appliance. Some fridges show a small discrepancy between the display value and reality.
Also looking for an appliance that combines cooling and freezing? Then have a look at our fridge freezers or the full overview of cooling and freezing appliances.
Common problems and how to fix them yourself
Many complaints about an integrated fridge can be sorted out without an engineer. Here are the most common problems and their causes:
- Fridge smells bad, how to fix it: throw out all the spoiled food, clean the interior thoroughly with vinegar and water, and stand an open dish of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge. It absorbs odours effectively.
- Fridge makes too much noise: check that the appliance is level (adjust the feet) and that the ventilation opening in the kitchen housing is not blocked.
- Ice build-up in the fridge (not a No Frost model): defrost the fridge by hand, dry the interior thoroughly and check that the door closes properly. Ice that keeps coming back often points to a faulty door seal.
- Fridge is not cooling enough: check, in this order, the temperature setting, the door seals and the ventilation around the appliance. If the problem persists, contact customer service.
- Pools of water under or inside the fridge: the drainage channel is probably blocked. Clear the little channel (a small hole in the back wall of the fridge) with a drinking straw or a small brush.
Have persistent problems left you considering a new appliance after all? Then take a look at our current offers, or compare the larder fridges as an alternative to an integrated model.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my integrated fridge?
Wipe up spilled food straight away. Give the interior a thorough clean every month. Check the door seals and condensation tray every quarter. Carry out a full clean including the condenser coils at least once a year.
Which cleaning product is safe for the inside of a fridge?
Use lukewarm water with white vinegar, or a solution of bicarbonate of soda (one tablespoon per litre of water). Both are effective, food safe and will not damage the interior. Avoid scouring products, bleach and aerosols.
Why does my integrated fridge need ventilation openings?
The compressor and condenser produce heat that has to be carried away. Without enough ventilation the appliance runs too warm, works harder and fails sooner. With integrated fridges it is especially important that the kitchen housing offers enough air space above and below the appliance.
What temperature should I set my fridge to?
Set the fridge compartment to 4°C. This is the optimal balance between food safety and energy use. Set the freezer compartment to -18°C if your model has a freezer compartment.
My fridge smells unpleasant, what should I do?
Take out all the food and throw away anything that has spoiled. Clean the interior thoroughly with vinegar and water. Then leave the fridge to air with the door open for an hour and stand a dish of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb any remaining odours.
How long does an integrated fridge last on average?
A well-maintained integrated fridge lasts 10 to 15 years on average. With regular maintenance, clean condenser coils, intact door seals and a correct temperature setting, you reach the top end of that range. Neglect can halve its life.
Can I clean my fridge shelves in the dishwasher?
No. Glass shelves can crack because of the temperature difference in the dishwasher, and plastic parts can warp. Always wash them by hand in lukewarm water with a little washing-up liquid.
When is it time for a new integrated fridge?
Consider replacing it if the appliance is more than 12 years old, if repair costs come to more than half its purchase value, or if its energy use is considerably higher than that of modern models. A new, energy-efficient model pays for itself over time through a lower energy bill. Browse our range of integrated fridges for affordable alternatives with a five year warranty.
Conclusion
Maintaining and cleaning an integrated fridge is no great task as long as you do it regularly. With a set routine, the right products and attention to ventilation and door seals, you keep your appliance efficient, hygienic and long-lasting in use, with no engineer involved. Good care is the cheapest repair there is.