While the majority of businesses ensure that desks, floors, and restrooms are meticulously cleaned, the office refrigerator is often left out. Old lunches or dairy products can remain so long that they become an office joke. However, keeping your work refrigerator clean is an important part of office health and safety.
Proper Cleaning
First off, let’s look at how to properly maintain a refrigerator to make sure it is running properly. There are a few simple things that you can do to maintain your refrigerator to keep it clean and running for years to come. You need a vacuum cleaner or a broom, cleaning supplies, a level, and a cleaning rag.
Condenser Coil Cleaning
The first thing you should clean is the condenser coils. This is important because if the condenser coils are dusty then your refrigerator will be running harder and using more energy which is going to cause higher energy bills. You can use a broom or vacuum to clean these coils about every three months and you should be good. Next, you need to clean the drip hole and the drip pan.
Drip Hole/Pan Cleaning
The drip hole and drip pan make sure no condensation builds up, so the refrigerator is running properly. You need to remove any food particles and anything else that is in there. Make sure you scrub out the drain pan and put it back in properly (you can do this when you are cleaning the condenser coils).
The Gaskets
The gasket is important because it creates a seal for the refrigerator and freezer door to keep cold air in and warm air out. Check to see if the seal is tight. If not, you may need to replace the gasket. To clean the gasket just make sure you use a surface cleaner and wipe it down when done.
Changing the Water Filter
Every six months or so you need to change the water filter if your refrigerator has one. The filter is used to keep the water in your ice cube maker and water dispenser clean. If this is not changed your water could be tainted with pollutants. Water run through a dirty filter can taste strange and isn’t healthy for employees to keep drinking.
A Level Refrigerator
If your refrigerator is not level, then your doors may not be sealed properly which can cause cold air to leak out and warm air to come in. This can cause spoiled food and can drastically increase your energy bill. Just take a carpenter’s level and put it on top of your unit and make sure it is level.
Conclusion
To make things easier, write down on a calendar when all these services need to be done. Either assign someone in the office or have a rotation of people do it. No one likes a gross refrigerator at home or at work. So make sure you throw away old food and properly clean what needs to be cleaned.
