FOR DUMMIES
Let's get the dust out
times a year are the refrigerator and dryer.
Let's start with the Fridge
First, you need to cut it off
Locate the controls and turn it to the off position
Every control is a little different however, usually one
will have an "OFF" setting.
While were here, let's talk about these two controls
The one with the numbers and the "OFF" setting
operates the cold control switch. This switch has
electrical wires connected to the compressor which
makes it run more if you turn it to a higher number
and will make your milk colder, I like my sweet milk cold.
The other one is for the freezer so, it's labeled "Freezer"
Go Figure?
There are no electrical wires or switches behind this control.
When you change the "Freezer" setting it simply opens and
closes a small hidden door between the freezer and fresh food area.
So, if you put this one on "E" (Coldest) then the little
door is almost shut which keeps most of the cold air in the freezer.
A common mistake made by many is when they want their
sweet milk colder, they just look in and see the setting that
says "Coldest" and turn it there.
This just closes that little door and makes the milk and
everything else in the fresh foods area warmer
Now you know the secret about the little hidden door.
Let's do some cleaning!
The fridge should be off so, take the "kick plate" off at the bottom
Usually this just snaps on and off. Once you get it off
you will probably see a lot of dust and a plastic drip pan
located on the left side.
Just pull the drip pan out and clean it. Some models won't
let you remove this pan so, don't get out your
tool box if it doesn't slide right out.
"Greased Lightning" is my choice for cleaning.
Clean it up and put it back in. Now, get out the vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum all that dust that you can get to but the main spot
to clean are the coils.
You may not even know the coils are there until you get
rid of some of that dust.
There they are!
One of those long handle coil brushes works good here.
You can also tape an empty paper towel tube to the end
and get to more areas, mash it kinda flat.
Now, pull the fridge out so you can vacuum all that dust
that you just knocked off on the floor and can't get to.
Most refrigerators have rollers which helps in moving, a little bit anyway.
After you clean up the dust on the floor take the back cover
off so you can get to the back of the coils.
Vacuum all the dust you can get to and again, that long
coil brush will help.
Remember the main area to clean is the coils.
After you get this clean, put the back on and push it back
into place. This is much easier than pulling out.
Vacuum any dust you knocked off in the floor and your done!
Turn it back on to the number it was set before you turned
it off.
If you remember... that has been several minutes ago you know.
Ok, let's clean that dusty dryer
Look over behind the dryer before you move it to check the
vent hose. A few turns in the vent hose is ok but, no sharp kinks.
You can pull the lint screen out and try to vacuum in that area if possible.
Wash the lint screen with hot soapy water. Dryer sheets
will clog up the screen.
Also, that lint should be removed from the screen after each load
Even just a small amount of lint will increase drying time.
Now, pull the dryer out, unplug it, and vacuum.
While your back there get behind the washer too.
That's also the "Lost & Found" station for those missing socks.
No matter how tight the vent hose is connected, the dust
gets out some how. Check those connections and
the vent hose too for cracks and holes.
Oh yes, I should mention here that the appliances and dust
pictured here are from an unnamed location.
Any resemblance to my personal property is purely
coincidental.
You think a person who does appliance repair would let
their own appliances get this dirty...I don't think so.
Anyway, my wife Carolyn would never let me put these pictures
on the Internet...if she knew about it.
If you don't have the high pressure fill hose on your washer
then get some. A bursted hose while your off on vacation
can make quite a mess. Run up that water bill too!
Now, disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and
vacuum the inside of the hose. Take off the back, if you
have a model that let's you take it off, and vacuum.
Some models have a panel in front, either way vacuum the
best you can.
After you get the dryer back in place, turn it on and
check the air flow outside the house. Sometimes the vent
on the outside will get clogged. You may have to remove
the cover or try that long coil brush while the dryer is
running. The air flow will help blow the lint out.
Hope this helps!
If you have any problems, you know who to call!
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