Three Common Fridge Freezer Problems With Easy Fixes

The fridge freezer is an integral part of any household so when it shows signs of problems, it can be very frustrating and stressful.

Do you know what the recommended temperatures are for both the fridge and freezer compartments?

Your fridge should be set between 0-5 degrees Celsius whilst your freezer should be between -18 and -22 degrees Celsius. Having your appliance operating at temperatures outside of these ranges can run the risk of wasting food and expose you and your family to the added danger of eating food that has grown harmful bacteria.

If your fridge freezer isn’t operating as normal, or showing signs of problems, then it’s strongly recommended to get your appliance fixed. Doing this will ensure your food is being stored in the best possible environment. Don’t forget not all problems mean having to buy a new appliance, especially some of the following:

Water Leaking From The Fridge

This is not only one of the most common problems but also one that can be a hazard to you and your family (slippery surface!). Often this is easy enough to fix at home.

Check to see the doors are closing properly and the door seals are not deteriorated. Either of these will call the appliance’s self-defrosting system to kick in and melt the frozen water.

Frost/Ice Build-Up

Again, this can be caused by doors not being shut properly or deteriorated door seals which allow warm air to enter the appliance cavity.

Alternatively, your appliance may be too cold inside in which case check that the thermostats are working properly (turn them down if required). If your machine has a defrost cycle option, then it’s a good idea to turn this on at this point.

Bad Smell/Odours From The Fridge Freezer

Often this is caused by food not being covered up properly or past it’s sell by date. The easiest solution to this is to clear out your fridge freezer to find the culprit.

If you’re confident the smell/odour is not emitting from food, then it could be the shelves. Take them out and give them a good clean and put back (don’t forget to dry them before reinserting).