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The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Electricity Bill: Don’t Forget to Clean This Spot in Your Fridge!

Introducing the dirtiest spot in your refrigerator that you've likely overlooked: the tight-sealing gasket (or door seal) that runs along the edge of the door. Over time, this gasket can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold due to trapped food particles and moisture. But fear not, as Bach Hoa XANH is here to reveal a super-clean, yet incredibly effortless, method to sanitize this often-forgotten area.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

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Gaskets are the dirtiest part of your refrigerator

When cleaning the entire refrigerator, we often overlook the long gaskets that stick to the refrigerator door, unaware that they are the places where dust and odors are most likely to accumulate due to their exposure to outside air. Is cleaning the gasket difficult? Not at all! With the following methods, you can easily clean the refrigerator gasket at home, saving both time and money.

1 What is a Refrigerator Gasket?

A refrigerator gasket is a rubber strip that seals the refrigerator door to prevent cold air from escaping. If you’ve been using your refrigerator for a long time, dust and grime can build up on the gasket, reducing its sealing ability. This allows cold air to escape, affecting the temperature inside the refrigerator and potentially spoiling your food.

Refrigerator Gasket

When cold air escapes, the refrigerator has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to increased wear and tear. Therefore, keeping the gasket clean is crucial for maintaining the longevity of your refrigerator.

If you notice that your refrigerator gasket has changed color or is less sticky than before, it’s time to clean it.

2 Easy and Effective Ways to Clean Your Refrigerator Gasket

Using Baking Soda or Alcohol

Instructions: Soak a cloth in alcohol or baking soda solution. Apply it to the gasket, using a small brush to scrub the crevices. Finally, dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe the gasket once more to remove any remaining dirt or residue.

Using Vinegar

Instructions: Mix vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5 (you can also add a few drops of dish soap). Soak a cloth in this solution and use it to clean the gasket. Once the gasket is clean, wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Using Toothpaste

Instructions:

Squeeze some toothpaste onto the gasket and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, dampen a brush with water and scrub the gasket clean. Finally, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste.

3 Tips for Fixing a Loose Refrigerator Gasket

Step 1 Use Heat to Re-seal the Gasket

Start by removing the gasket from the refrigerator and rinsing it with hot water. Dry it thoroughly with a cloth. Reattach the gasket to its original position and use a hairdryer to apply heat along the edge, helping to seal and close any gaps.

Step 2 Close the Door to Secure the Gasket

Once the gasket is sealed, close the refrigerator door and use a chair or a heavy object to prop it shut for a few hours. This will help the gasket adhere firmly to the door, ensuring a tight seal.

Now you know how to clean and maintain your refrigerator gasket without having to replace it. The cleaning agents mentioned above, such as toothpaste and vinegar, are easily accessible and effective in keeping your gasket clean with minimal effort. Keep these tips in mind and put them into practice today!

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Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to reduce your electricity bill. First, identify the appliances that consume the most energy and try to use them efficiently. For example, adjust your thermostat settings, especially when you’re away or asleep. You can also save energy by maintaining your appliances, such as regularly cleaning the coils on your refrigerator to ensure optimal performance.

Cleaning the coils on your refrigerator is important because it helps the appliance run more efficiently. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, hindering their ability to dissipate heat. This forces the refrigerator to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy consumption and increased electricity costs.

It is recommended to clean the refrigerator coils at least once every three months. However, if you have pets that shed a lot of fur or live in an area with high dust levels, you may need to clean them more frequently, possibly once a month.

To clean the refrigerator coils, you’ll need a coil cleaning brush and a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils, which are usually at the bottom or back of the appliance. Use the vacuum to remove any loose dust or debris, and then gently brush the coils with the coil cleaning brush to dislodge any remaining dirt. Finally, vacuum the area again to ensure all debris is removed.

Yes, in addition to maintaining your appliances, you can also reduce electricity costs by sealing gaps and cracks in your home that may cause air leaks. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas, helping to keep the cool air inside during the summer and warm air inside during the winter, reducing the burden on your HVAC system.